Lawyers have feelings too

Morale at the Los Angeles office of Sidley Austin is "perilously low," according to Above the Law - so much so that the firm held a three-day "mini-retreat" at the Biltmore (just a few steps from Sidley's downtown offices). As ATL notes, one day was for senior associates, one day for mid-level folks, and one day for juniors.

The meetings were not well-received in all quarters. The idea of mandatory, lengthy, and non-billable meetings didn't thrill associates who may have to make up the lost hours over the weekend. The main source of discontent at Sidley - LA appears to be bonus levels. Their bonuses are described as a fraction of New York market, even for lawyers with strong reviews, and even below the market level for Los Angeles. We hear that a fair number of Sidley lawyers are interviewing around town in search of greener pastures.