Unionizing Big Law Associates Is Tough Sell in Competitive World

Big Law partners need not fear unionization among their firms’ associate ranks despite a recently successful organizing campaign at a premier plaintiffs’ firm, industry observers say.

That doesn’t mean associates at large corporate firms lack reasons to seek a collective voice to help improve their job conditions.

The work life of Big Law associates is often defined by intense demands and expectations of 24-7 availability that can take a toll on their mental health, observers said.

“There basically aren’t limits on what an associate can be asked to do, as long as it’s legal,” said Kate Reder Sheikh, a ...