Downey Brand

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

If you like California and work-life balance, you should give Downey Brand a look. The firm’s culture is described as nice and professional, with some out-of-work socialization but no pressure to engage in such. Partners are said to uniformly value, appreciate, and respect associates, and transparency is rated more highly than peer firms as well. The firm’s billable hour requirement of 1,750 is lower than average, and while compensation is also below market, associates generally feel that the lower hours more than balance this. Quality of work receives glowing reviews, with associates uniformly happy with the level of substantive work they are assigned. Technology is good, with support available as needed, seamless remote work, and tech stipends to set up home offices. While the firm has occasional wellness programs, the formal ones don’t see a lot of use. Both formal and informal training receive high marks, with assigned mentors and well-structured programs to ensure associate development. Associates feel confident they can make partner if they wish, that the path to do so is clear, and that if necessary, they can spend some time in an intermediate role as counsel. While associates appreciate a strong female presence in the partnership and associate ranks, associates note the firm still has work to do on hiring and retention of other diverse candidates. The firm offers 50 hours of billable credit for pro bono work, including providing assistance for immigrants, victims of domestic violence, and family law matters.