Berkes Crane Santana & Spangler LLP

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
You may want to keep looking around if you are used to having a mentor or someone who can help you in this field. If not, just keep in mind that you are probably on your own at this firm and that doesn't work for everyone.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
You will enjoy a decent salary at this firm, but it comes at a cost. There is little room for advancement at this firm and not much support from upper management. But maybe the salary is supposed to make you feel better about it?

What did you not like about this institution?
As stated above, management seems to have little interest in fostering the careers of young attorneys. Maybe they are just too busy. But as a new lawyer in a fledgling career, you want to work with people who have your best interest in mind and aren't too busy for you.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
I would like to see the room for growth expanded with more frequent raises given. I would also like to see the political talk and gossiping cut down to a minimum to keep the work environment conducive to getting work done during work hours.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
During my stay at this firm as an intern I felt very welcome and at ease at all times. There's a very diverse group of attorneys at this firm so you be rest assured that there will always be someone there to help you when you need it.

What did you not like about this institution?
The room for growth feels somewhat limited. The office can feel slightly political at times but it was never overbearing or too much for me to handle. Some of the attorneys tend to be uptight.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
When you bring people on you show explain to people how their work is important and how everything fits together.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Everything here feels huge and important once you think back at the scale of everything working together as a team.

What did you not like about this institution?
Your work by itself may feel at times meaningless if you don't think about how it all fits together with the rest of the team.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Take the time to get to know what is going on in your office. Watch how your office manager treats people. Remember that just because others do not make as much money as you they are still people who are entitled to respect as human beings. You are not above anyone.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
The best part of this firm is nothing. The decor is drab just like the attorney's. The office manager has a way about her that is either to love or hate her. You must never cross her or that will be the end of your employment with BCR&S. Update: maybe the Chocolate shamrocks from Ron on St. Patrick's Day is the best thing about this firm.

What did you not like about this institution?
The worst part about this firm is being a new person . If you are not part of this long time "family" they will not accept you. If the minions are against you they will snitch on every thing you do, including rolling your eyes. You must never think the attorney's are your friends here, they are not!!! The office manager treats everyone like they are children including, yelling at them, scolding them, embarrassing them in front of others.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Avoid them all, because at some point they will all turn against you. They do not have any loyalty to anyone other than their office manager. You should avoid hiring family members of the other staff. It creates a favoritism perception that may or may not be there.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Leaving the firm is my most favorite thing about this firm. There is nothing good about this firm. In my time there I witness more disrespect than I have ever seen in a law firm. The way people are spoken to there is beyond words. I have seen people leave there in tears because of the way they are treated.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
The only management advice would be to have more staff or attorney meetings. I really enjoyed listening to the stories and advice from the senior partners.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Working with the senior attorneys and partners is a great learning experience. It is a pleasure to work with a support staff that truly "supports" you. Great place to work to gain trial experience.

What did you not like about this institution?
This firm like all firms has its share of personalities. The people are friendly and seem to get along well.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
There are no partners or people to be avoided. The years of litigation experience in the firm is vast.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
The people are hardworking and very knowledgeable. The support staff is always willing to go above and beyond to assist the attorneys.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years