Updating Results

Buddle Findlay

4.3
  • 100 - 500 employees

Buddle Findlay Reviews

Based on 8 surveyed graduates working at Buddle Findlay. Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.
4.3
Based on 8 reviews

Pros & Cons

  • The range and challenge of work. I get to work on something different every day, and feel as if the work I do can actually help people and change things for the better.
  • The sheer amount of opportunities provided - not only in terms of multiple weekly legal training, but diversity and inclusion and social committees as well as external training e.g. resilience training. 2. He aha te mea nui o te ao (What is the most important thing in the world?) He tangata, he tangata, he tangata (It is the people, it is the people, it is the people). The people make up the culture at Buddle Findlay and everyone is willing to help you along your journey.
  • Great community/network of people that are kind, caring, professional and knowledgeable.
  • The firm has a great culture with kind and supportive people. We have a buddy system for summer clerks and law clerks which is very helpful and fosters a very nurturing work environment due to the availability of the buddy to answer questions and help you learn the ropes. We also get to rotate through teams as summer clerks and law clerks which enables you to get a taste of what different practice areas do and helps you to work out what type of law you are interested in and what team you want to end up in. We have heaps of great social events, great development opportunities and the technology of the firm is exceptional.
  • Doing challenging, interesting work in a team of high performers can be stressful, and it is easy for imposter syndrome to kick in. This job can be demanding.
  • Given it is a big law firm, sometimes it takes time to get to know everyone, especially if you are on different floors.
  • While pay is market rate for law graduates, my knowledge of what other people my age are getting paid in similar (non-law) graduate roles does make it feel as though law graduates start off with relatively low salaries, however I understand that this will climb quickly.

What Insiders Say

8.2
Career Prospects
8.2
Career Prospects
The firm fosters an excellent learning environment and I feel confident that I will learn a lot from the lawyers here and will grow as a lawyer and a person. The firm has great connections with international firms. I feel very satisfied with my career prospects at this firm and beyond.
7.2
Corporate Social Responsibility
7.2
Corporate Social Responsibility
The firm is ahead of the curve compared to others when it comes to some cultural competency initiatives - there are regular Te Reo classes offered and overall a real want to incorporate Te Reo and Tikanga into regular practice.
8.3
Culture
8.3
Culture
Buddle Findlay is all about collaboration and that's not only within your own team, but expands to collaborating with other teams especially when dealing with complicated and multi-faceted transactions. Buddle Findlay also has several social events such as the annual ball, Friday drinks and several kōreros over lunch. I also catch up with my fellow law clerks after work from time to time. In terms of structure and hierarchy you can start off as a summer clerk, come back after you graduate as a law clerk, become a solicitor once you are admitted, then senior solicitor then senior associate, special counsel and then there are partner and consultant levels. A senior associate or partner will often be your supervisor as a law clerk or solicitor but you will often get a lot of help and guidance from the junior lawyers as well!
7.1
Diversity
7.1
Diversity
I am in the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and we have an active and serious focus on improving and promoting D&I within the firm and have made great progress, even within the short time I have been here.
7.7
Satisfaction
7.7
Satisfaction
Drafting and reviewing documents, researching niche legal problems, sometimes attending client meetings and lots of trainings!
7.7
Management
7.7
Management
Yes, I have a supervisor which is often my first point of contact - then our P&C team are a great alternative route depending on what is needed. Performance is regularly assessed, and praised is often received when you have done a good piece of work for someone.
8.7
Office Work Environment
8.7
Office Work Environment
Newly renovated, lovely offices with open plans. Stunning views and open spaces. The dress code is dress for your day - smart/casual, unless you have court or a meeting.
7.7
Recruitment
7.7
Recruitment
The communication with me was great from my first phone call with HR to my offer. I felt really relaxed through the whole process.
6.4
Salary
6.4
Salary
Good pay as graduate roles are concerned. I think all professional service graduate roles should be more though.
8.7
Training
8.7
Training
Comprehensive training. Weekly training about what different practice areas within the firm do, and regular professional development workshops.
8.1
Work Hours
8.1
Work Hours
I have a good work-life balance and only work past my ordinary hours when we are busy, but rarely work later than 6pm.
7.7
Sustainability
7.7
Sustainability
The Environmental Committee has undertaken various efforts including, but not limited to, pushing various green initiatives such as container banks to take for getting take-out meals/coffees, soft plastic recycling, discouraging unnecessary printing, screening of environmental documentaries, and encouraging sustainable practices both at work and at home