Simpson Grierson Reviews

Leadership is a big one. The year group to be eligible to apply for senior associate has also increased to year 3 (in order to be a senior solicitor in year 4). The year group to be senior associate has also decreased by one year.

The culture is very inclusive and the firm recognises a wide range of interest groups and supports many different initiatives. The work is very collaborative and there are opportunities to work with people across the team as well as the office and the wider firm. The firm promotes well-being and supports interests outside of work and there are many opportunities to socialise inside and outside work.

We have a diversity and inclusion committee, they prepare internal policies and goals for the firm. We also have a Women and Allies committee, a Simpson Queerson committee, and more. We have generous maternity leave policies and staff tend to stay for many years.

I am very lucky to be in an incredible team that is not only very fun and caring but provides a wide range of work at a challenging and exciting level.

I have possibly the best managers/partners ever and I am very lucky. I can go to them for anything and I feel 110% supported.

The Auckland office is extremely spacious. While it is relatively old school, everyone has a huge amount of desk space and most desks/offices have a view. The dress code is 'dress for your day' so if you are seeing clients, you will need to dress appropriately, but if you are not - smart jeans are acceptable.

The interview process at SG stood out to me amongst other firms. The interview was focused on you as a person, and not just your grades. I also met members of the People & Culture team, as well as juniors and partners, all of whom were supportive and clearly wanted applicants to feel at ease.

Pay is revised annually, and the increases have been very satisfactory for me. However bonuses don't tend to be given to juniors at all.

Training is organised by the in-house professional development team and consists of seminars on various topics.

I have been working regular business hours since I started and the firm is very flexible if you need to attend appointments during work hours or work from home.

Tiny bins at our desks that we empty each day into recycling, rubbish, paper and compost. Also try to be as 'paper-light' as possible.