Arrufat Gracia, PLLC

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
I took a position as a Trademark Attorney with Arrufat Gracia. As a Junior I had continuos interaction with the clients. In the trademark area most clients were international companies. I did mostly trademarks but I had exposer to other areas when I asked (mostly a few corporate and comercial real estate cases). Firm has good reputation in the IP world. Benefits that I remember were 401k, healthcare (Oxford 75% paid by the firm), $1000 of annual bar membership dues reimbursement. Mr. Arrufat was very supportive when I transitioned to a new career and provided good references. We have spoken from time to time. When I left I was trained to join big firms. Most attorneys from here go to large lawfirms.

What did you not like about this institution?
The firm charges clients very adjusted legal fees, often flat fees for trademark and transactions. They equally pay low salaries to employees. However both the partner and the clients demand quality equal to a big firm. Salaries are a bit off for attorneys and paralegals in NY with more than 2 years of experience so I ended leaving for a . I inherently a lot of cases of other attorneys which is not as nice as starting fresh.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Exposure to clients, focus on research under the correct sources of law, cases assigned so you see entire cases, access to multiple areas of practice.

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Be professional, and treat employees with respect. Note that today everybody have social media, so it is easy for the newcomer to contact the old employees and ask questions about the firm.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
None

What did you not like about this institution?
Office environment and pay. They want you to work long hours without paying over-time. Partner behavior is the worst think I have ever experienced. Oxford Medical insurance with a very high deductible.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
The solo-owner partner, Mr. Arrufat. Why? He is a complicated person, very difficult to work with him, he screams, speaks out load, tells you that you do everything wrong. It seems that he is like a frustrated person who wants to pay his frustration with others to feel his best.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Clients

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Spend time with the good employees and less correcting the not so productive or at least equal amounts of time. It felt that the productive employees who got things done right had less access to partner’s time and feedback.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
It gave me a chance to work in various areas during my OPT when I finished my Masters. Very knowledgeable in IP, business Imm, Fed litigation, Corporate.

What did you not like about this institution?
A lot of volume, small firm, was a one year position.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Great office location. International clients. Very diverse firm everyone of different backgrounds.

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Compensation & Benefits:

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Nothing

What did you not like about this institution?
Partner behavior. Toxic culture (extreme). Low pay. Co-working space.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
The only partner because of his behavior and the environment he creates.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Nothing

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Compensation & Benefits:

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Senior Management:

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Perhaps put more time into nurturing the promising employees (vs. chastising underperforming ones). Could result in more work done and more incoming cases in the long run.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Working directly with all levels (partner, paralegals, co. CPA, etc.). Small number of employees, so more personal, camaraderie feel. Able to learn about different areas of law in passing, even though not my position.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
The personal feel, international clients, location

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Compensation & Benefits:

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Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Perhaps spend more time nurturing the promising employees, vs. chastising the underperforming ones. Could be more efficient and bring more cases in the long run.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Working with all levels of employees (partner, paralegals, co. CPA, etc.). Personal feel, camaraderie given it's a small firm. Learned about many areas of law just by virtue of interacting with everyone.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Personal feel of the firm, international clients, location

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?
Hire more senior professionals.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Areas of practice give you exposure to business immigration, complex litigation, corporate and Intellectual property. So long as you keep up you are allowed to tackle other areas.

What did you not like about this institution?
Small so only senior person to bounce ideas when I was there.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Location and areas of practice. TdI have received plenty of support and favor after leaving the firm.

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Senior Management:

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Length of Employment:
10+ years