Employees say:
"What makes this firm truly unique, especially for a law firm, is its exceptional culture of collaboration and support. Having worked as an attorney at another law firm and within a large corporation, I've experienced environments where colleagues were often too busy or unwilling to offer meaningful guidance or mentorship. In contrast, the attorneys here are genuinely approachable, generous with their time, and committed to helping one another succeed. That spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect sets this firm apart and makes it an outstanding place to work."
Employees say:
"Alston & Bird does an incredible job of ensuring that every single person here feels appreciated and valued. From onsite massage therapy for staff appreciation, to family planning and caregiving benefit education sessions, A&B is committed to putting it's people first. I'm grateful to be able to say that I look forward to coming into work each day. In the time that I've been here, I've been given countless amazing opportunities to plug in and get involved in the firm and the community as a whole. I've been given the opportunity to pursue interests outside of my job description, and the support and encouragement to grow both personally and professionally. Simply put, I love it here."
Employees say: "We have a special combination of a workplace that delivers incredible experiences, delivers excellent results, provides meaningful compensation, and also has a fantastic culture. I have worked here almost 30 years, and I still love my job. I feel lucky to live what I do and to respect and enjoy the colleagues I do it with."
Employees say:
"People care about each other, and make everyone feel welcome. We have a wonderful Executive Staff Mentoring program for high achieving individuals seeking management positions, and for newly promoted/hired managers. This program allows great mentorships to be made, as well as benefits both the mentor & mentee in many aspects of their work and personal lives."
Employees say:
"We have a special combination of a work place that delivers incredible experiences/ delivers excellent results/ provides meaningful compensation and also has a fantastic culture. I have worked here almost 30 years and I still love my job. I feel lucky to live what I do and to respect and enjoy the colleagues I do it with."
Employees say:
"(1) The mentorship and training I receive from all levels of attorneys is outstanding. From those just a few years more senior all the way to the partner level, employees here will always take the time to give a learning point or tips for practicing. (2) This firm is excellent about operating as a team. I am confident others will cover for me if I need help, and others know I will likewise cover for them if they are extremely busy or need to be out. (3) This firm is excellent at hiring and retaining people that work at an incredibly high caliber, but don't lose their sense of humility and kindness."
Alston & Bird is a venerable law firm that rose 26 spots from its 2023 ranking. Recently, it amended its billable hours policy to include DEI-related cases; employees can now devote up to 50 hours of their 150-hour pro bono billable credit to diversity-related work. Staff also receive 15 hours of PTO for voting and volunteering in the community.
The law firm regularly evaluates and amends its medical plan coverage based on employee feedback. It expanded its gender-reassignment surgery coverage to include services such as hair removal, facial feminization, and voice modification. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, the firm expanded travel reimbursement eligibility for services not available within 100 miles of an employee’s home address.
After bringing in consultants to lead programming on well-being in the legal profession in 2020, employee responses were so enthusiastic that the firm made the program permanent. It now offers staff one-on-one coaching sessions, support groups, and educational sessions across all of its offices.
International law firm Alston & Bird is a longtime Best Company, marking its 24th year on the list.
- Alston & Bird recently updated its policy, providing its legal staff 150 billable-hours credit to spend on pro bono work, including up to 50 billable hours on diversity work.
- Lean-In Sessions, held twice a year, give middle management lawyers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with executive staff to discuss career goals and receive coaching.
- The law firm expanded its benefits package to include free counseling sessions for employees and their families.
- “From its supportive environment and focus on diversity and inclusion to its financial transparency—demonstrated through annual meetings where associates and partners both receive the same level of information about the last year’s performance—the firm works hard to live these values,” said one employee.
Employees say:
"As a new employee, it's been the welcoming atmosphere. People stopping by my office to make sure I have everything I need, taking me out to lunch to ensure that I feel like a part of a team, introducing me to people that they think I should know—for a variety of reasons, not all business-related."
Employees say:
"I think A&B does a phenomenal job of creating an unique opportunities for their staff to professionally develop. In the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with different areas and learn new tools to make my job more efficient. They have also given me the opportunity to get accredited in leadership tools so that I can be better equipped for my job. I have never worked for a company that is so open to having conversations about what is going on in the workplace and what we can do to improve it. They truly do have an open-door policy."
