Once a great place to work. - Anonymous employee Smart & Biggar Employee Review

2.0
Dec 8, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Was great in that there were many good people to work with, you learn a lot about patenting and trademarks depending on which section your posted, opportunities to work for lawyers or departments, and close proximity to the downtown core. Overall a great entry point workplace. The usual 9-5, no overtime pay and none is expected so that's good. Compensation is average but nowhere near great, and you first pay is your last pay; it wont ever go up. Though I've heard they may go through a genocidal layoff period soon, which may mean firing average paid and hiring peanut workers.

Cons

Unfortunately, the management is a little sketchy. They pretend they don't make enough money, they cheap out on Christmas parties (every year it gets worse for no reason), you get a measly $100 dollars as bonus (92 dollars AFTER TAX) for Christmas. They have limited potential, so you can't grow anywhere past what you are when you get the job, and there have been 0 raises or promotions. Don't bother with this company, you deserve better.

Explore other reviews about Smart & Biggar

5.0
Mar 1, 2022
Anonymous freelancer
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good, great, supportive, nice, respectful

Cons

no cons at all in my opinion

3.0
Aug 19, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pros: -Weekly classes by IP experts -People are generally nice with the exception of one pompous counsel guy -Social outings through the summer -Hybrid work flexibility -interesting projects if you reach out to partners -Top-notch clients

Cons

Cons: -Lack of transparency on hire back criteria for articling students -Significant high-turn over: only a few associates last more than 2-3 years -No meaningful performance feedback -Minimal training -No clear career track

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