Management at King & Wood Mallesons

Considering the very strong hierarchy at law firms, Partners may not always be a direct mentor or provide direct feedback. In my experience, senior associates usually take on this role more.

Managers are very approachable and open to conversation due to our supportive work environment. They are great mentors to junior lawyers. Sometimes, they may be inaccessible as they are busy with back-to-back meetings scheduled.

Each partner and their team can have wildly different working styles and cultures, so it’s a bit of a lucky dip. But you’ll find a partner and management style that works for you.

KWM has a great system of development coaches, buddies and supervising partners for grads. There are multiple formal and informal opportunities to discuss development and feedback. Having a range of mentors is extremely helpful as a junior. My mentors have all been very accessible and involved.

Always accessible

I think this is very case by case. I have been given feedback and if I reach out to seniors for guidance they have given it to me. I feel comfortable asking for support. We also have senior lawyers within the office allocated to manage and support our graduate cohort.

Yes, they tend to be quite accessible, very good mentors who are happy to give you a lot of their time to teach you. Internal praise and recognition is quite good. Performance feedback is regular.

Have not had the chance yet, but Partner is approachable and would probably be open to these conversations.