Management at K&L Gates

Accessibility of managers is team dependent, but overall I would say is quite difficult as they are very busy. It helps to have other people in the team who can offer advice, but the difficulty becomes when it is just you and a senior manager on a matter and it might not necessarily be their priority of the day. It is also hard to constantly follow someone up as you do not want to annoy them or overwhelm them. I have had and currently have amazing mentors at the firm in a variety of teams, and a lot of people have put in so much time to help me understand things further and develop my skills every day. Feedback is usually better from junior lawyers who usually have more time to help, but when it comes from partners it is always very helpful. However, it is common to get no feedback or no reply from more senior people which makes it difficult to know if the work is up to standard or even if it has been sent to the client.

No feedback is taken on board in any meaningful way. May as well talk to a brick wall.

Very accessible. I have a lot of contact hours with the Partners, HR people, and others in managerial roles at the firm (I am a junior)

K&L has an open door policy when it comes to mentoring and communication. My managers always welcomed me into their office if I had questions or feedback.

They are very accessible. Praise and recognition are given when due.

I am learning by osmosis through some highly skilled people and it is a privilege to have that chance.

Yes so far, mine have been great

Mine is fantastic but very team specific

Most managers are patient and are good mentors

Partners are very busy, but they are always open to having a discussion with you in relation to how your tracking and suggested areas where you could improve. Also, the firm runs a mentor/mentee program for graduates.

Very good mentors who take time to give feedback and are always responsive

Managers are reasonably good - they are very understanding and supportive.

Our supervisors (often partners) do interact with us as it is necessary for them to check off/review the work we are doing. They are relatively accessible, but I find the slightly more junior lawyers (senior associates) are often more accessible and relatable and therefore make better mentors.

Great mentors; great people.

My manager is very accessible and is willing to talk candidly about the going-ons of the firm and the processes by which I can develop my skills. He is willing to provide feedback and advice openly. On the HR side, it is a bit more opaque but they are still supportive and friendly.

Senior staff are approachable and generally make time to explain things if you ask.

My direct partner is always very open and honest with me regarding clients, internal matters, etc. We speak probably every 30 minutes throughout the day so very accessible and never overly demanding.

This is a team-by-team issue, as your Partner is ultimately responsible for these issues. I have a very good relationship with the Partner I work for, and most other Partners in the Brisbane office. They are all extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled lawyers, and working with them makes for an excellent learning opportunity.

My supervising partner is excellent at communicating, and is an excellent manager. Other members of "higher up" management seem inaccessible and sometimes out of touch.

They are supportive but there could be better feedback (both structured and informal)