Updating Results

Allens

4.6
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Culture at Allens

9.2
9.2 rating for Culture, based on 37 reviews
Please describe your company's culture both in the office and after hours. Let us know about the structure and hierarchy, cooperation and teamwork, and socialising amongst colleagues.
I think there is a great culture in the office. People have lunch together, we will catch up for a drink or attend industry events together etc. Equally, and something which I like, there is not a pressure to attend these extra-curricular things and many people choose not to. This is a lovely balance, there is always something to do if you want to, but no-one is asking why you aren't there if you decide not to go. This is an essential part of giving people the latitude to have a work-life balance model which works for them and I am very grateful for it. With respect to structure and hierarchy, although 'formally' it is intrinsically hierarchical by nature of being a law firm with clearly established levels (Partner, Senior Associate, Associate, Lawyer, Graduate etc.), on the ground this is not really the case. Everyone at all levels are approachable and interested in your personal lives and professional development. I can provide an anecdote to demonstrate. Sometime around 3 months in, a very senior partner (sector lead) found themselves with a bit of time one afternoon and popped into my office. He stated that he understands that by default many people just won't approach him or say hi, regardless of how many times he will say that his door is always open. So he takes it upon himself to say hello and we otherwise just had a bit of a chat. It was a great tonesetter and speaks volumes on the general 'vibe' of the firm in my opinion.
Graduate, Melbourne - 13 Aug 2024
Law firms are very hierarchical by nature however, I do feel that a lot of the partners and senior lawyers are very approachable and the firm's culture is positive.
Graduate, Brisbane - 08 Aug 2024
Company culture overall is really good. There's a few areas I would be cautious of, but easy enough to avoid. Teamwork is really good, our team is quite small and very collaborative and supporting which I enjoy, although probably less social than other teams - both during office hours and outside of work.
Graduate, Melbourne - 08 Aug 2024
The firm is incredibly social and outgoing, hosting a number of events and opportunities to network with your colleagues. The culture is a key reason I look forward to coming to work each day.
Graduate, Brisbane - 07 Aug 2024
The culture of my team is very good both in the office and after hours - everyone from the juniors to the seniors are interested in fostering a fun and healthy work environment. The culture of the company as a whole is difficult to articulate because it varies so much team to team. Overall, the firm encourages socialising both in and out of office, but some teams do not necessarily align.
Graduate, Brisbane - 06 Aug 2024
Everyone is very friendly and I don't feel like it is a very hierarchal environment. Everyone socialises and gets along well. I have had the chance to work closely with a lot of different levels of experience, from other grads to partners. I feel the same can be said for the after hours environment - everyone gets along.
Graduate, Perth - 06 Aug 2024
In my experience, everyone is incredibly kind and willing to give you the time of day. The structure is highly hierarchical, and after-hours work expectation is team dependent and changes with workflow but can be demanding.
Graduate, Brisbane - 20 Oct 2023
Hours are fine. Culture is generally ok. Colleagues at my own level (ie, my grad cohort) are brilliant and not sure how I'd cope without them.
Graduate, Melbourne - 20 Oct 2023
Great culture where you feel safe, included and valued.
Graduate, Perth - 20 Oct 2023
Structure is clear, the hierarchy is broken down by frequent interactions between juniors and seniors, there is a great sense of collaboration within the team, and between teams nationally. There's a real sense of being one team which I really enjoy. And there are so many opportunities to meet other people in the firm through pro bono activities, committee work, cross-team deals, firm sports and generally around the floor because people are so open to having a chat.
Graduate, Sydney - 20 Oct 2023
The company makes a good effort to run organised events during office hours. The events can be based on a broad number of categories - social issues, diversity and inclusion, usual holidays coming up or industry related events. Outside of work hours there are usual celebrations (quarterly parties, EOFY and Christmas events). Colleagues also make an effort to attend non-official work events.
Graduate, Sydney - 19 Oct 2023
In office: friendly, cooperative, emphasis on learning and learning from mistakes, good team culture After hours: good amount of work activities, social activities are an opt-in basis rather than opt out
Graduate, Melbourne - 17 Oct 2023
Hierarchical, less social than other firms, people are generally more introverted
Graduate, Melbourne - 12 Oct 2023
It probably comes through in some earlier answers, but I think the firm has an excellent culture. There's a sense that senior people know what they're doing and aren't looking to prove anything, so they invest a lot of time in supporting more junior lawyers and putting them on the right track. It's also a very friendly office - I've come to know every face on my floor, as well as many colleagues in different teams and offices. No one is ever really too busy for a chat, and there's a universally-followed open-door policy. Structurally and hierarchically, I think every grad has had direct and substantial contact with the partners and managing associates on each of their matters. There is obviously a process by which our work gets reviewed, but I've found it's usually between me and the partner, without going through several rungs on the way up. Because the team is 'non-siloed', there's not a static teamwork dynamic on each matter - which I think works really well. It also means I've been exposed to different leadership and management styles. The grad cohort is very social, there's always happening on a Friday and the weekend. We otherwise have regular disputes floor drinks and morning tea, as well as matter-specific events.
Graduate, Sydney - 11 Oct 2023
Good team vibe. Partners are approachable.
Graduate, Sydney - 10 Oct 2023
Good culture.
Graduate, Perth - 06 Oct 2023
The strength of the interpersonal relationships in our office is much stronger than I anticipated, but it is a strength of the firm. It is a place where a lot of people are very good friends, and take a genuine interest in their colleagues. The social activities are great opportunities to meet new people, and there is generally a culture of inclusion so that everyone is invited into existing social groups to make new friends and connections.
Graduate, Brisbane - 06 Oct 2023