Downey Brand LLP

Our Survey Says

 VAULT'S VERDICT:

Downey Brand is looking for attorneys who fit the culture, and does a good job of integrating laterals. The firm hosts monthly happy hours to help build community, and day-to-day has a welcoming environment. Partners genuinely care about mentoring associates, even those who aren’t directly working for them, and will often give praise for a job well done or effective business development efforts. The firm has a formal mentorship program for junior associates, and informal mentorship is readily available and appreciated. Downey Brand is transparent with firm finances and performance metrics, and associates receive annual reviews. Work is substantive, providing good training and opportunities to grow skillsets. While work distribution can be a sticking point, overall associates feel the billable-hour requirement is achievable and allows for a reasonable work-life balance. The path to partnership is considered relatively clear and achievable, though there is no pressure to make partner if associates would rather move toward a counsel role. The firm has improved its technology in response to the demands of remote work and staffs a dedicated IT department to assist the attorneys; it also encourages wellness, especially in the form of breaks and time off with family. 50 hours of pro bono work counts toward the billable-hour requirement, and the firm will reach out to attorneys with pro bono opportunities. Downey Brand is supportive of women attorneys, and has a diversity committee that is working to improve diversity across all aspects of the firm, including hiring, promotion and retention.