Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver, PLC

Advice to law firm management: None

Pros: Complex and challenging legal work without the Big Law downsides. Associates get responsibility very quickly - taking depositions, trying cases, having direct client contact much faster than at larger firms. Firm encourages and supports associates who want to develop their own practice areas. Great four season climate and beautiful place to live and raise a family in the Shenandoah Valley. Work/life balance is respected.

Cons: You have to travel 1.5-3 hours to see DC or Richmond to take in live professional sports or off-Broadway productions, major museums, etc.

Partners to Avoid and Why: None

Current or former employee?: Current Employee

Job type: Full time

Advice to law firm management: The law firm has many discrete practice groups which seem related in name only. Because of this, one size fits all solutions ie software packages which may work great for one group does not necessarily work as well in others.

Pros: Sophisticated work with sophisticated clients in a small firm setting

Cons: Remote location does not fit all life styles

Partners to Avoid and Why: Most partners are in discrete practice groups. So if you are not interested in criminal work, avoid the partners who do criminal work. You will not be forced to be in a practice group you don't not want to be a part of.

Current or former employee?: Former Employee

Last Year at Employer: 2022

Job type: Full time

Advice to law firm management: Can't think of anything

Pros: Sophisticated work, opportunity to advance quickly and take on large role and own cases faster than at most other firms, shorter and realistic/attainable partner track, solid pay/benefits and earned bonuses can be substantial

Cons: If you want to be in a NYC/DC/Chicago size city, central/Western Virginia might not be your scene (but Harrisonburg is awesome if you don't want or need to be in a major metropolitan)

Partners to Avoid and Why: None

Current or former employee?: Current Employee

Job type: Full time

Pros: None

Cons: Management and partners who seem to actively sabotage associates.

Partners to Avoid and Why: Derek Brostek is the firms primary issue and the reason behind several associates leaving. However he is long term friends with management and is not going anywhere.

Current or former employee?: Current Employee

Job type: Full time