Let’s give SJ Berwin the benefit of the doubt. It is fair, after all, to say the firm has had more than its share of controversy over the last 12 months, largely focusing on what was seen as an aggressive bonus and claims of poor morale. But is the firm really so different from its City rivals wrestling with frustrated and tired assistants? It seems doubtful.
There is, however, a sense that communication has been a problem that has considerably amplified (though not fabricated) the woes of the average SJ staffer. Indeed, even some of the most upbeat partners (of which there are many) concede communication in the run-up and aftermath of the bonus furore stoked tensions.
