Vantaggi
Excellent ability to learn litigation. Lots of responsibility from the get go. The experience will turn harden you, which how they like it. Support staff can be competent (but not always).
Svantaggi
Where do I start? Horrid managing partner. They cut most of your hours. It is a pressure cooker environment and nearly none of the associates enjoy working there -- they look to leave after 2-3 years, if they can survive that long. Several of the support staff make efforts to get associates fired. Success is determined on whether the primary partner in your group likes you -- your abilities are largely irrelevant. Associates are the least respected persons in the organization. Trust me -- the receptionist will keep her job longer than you will.