Holland & Knight pays market salaries in most cities, but associates who do not hit their billable hours target do not receive a salary increase.  In July 2009, the firm announced it would be cutting associate salaries by between 0% and 10%, as well as modifying its overall compensation system with details to be announced later in the year.  According to Lateral Link Members, bonuses are lower than those at other firms.

Associates at Holland & Knight receive written and oral feedback annually and complete self-evaluations.  Lateral Link Members report that "associates work directly with partners" and are "given responsibility very early on in their careers."  However, according to one Member, attorneys "are pegged into [their] practice group[s]...and there is little crossover."  The firm has a formal mentoring program, and a partner in each office is responsible for assigning each new lawyer a mentor.  The firm offers training programs on a variety of topics, including legal writing, professionalism, leadership, and business development.  The firm also created the Rising Stars Program, a leadership and economic development program for female attorneys who are at least in their sixth year.  Holland & Knight is very dedicated to diversity and consistently ranks as one of the top law firms for the number of minority partners and Hispanic attorneys who work at the firm.

Holland & Knight has a minimum billable hours requirement of 1,900 hours.

The firm gives associates four weeks of vacation time.  Unused vacation days do not carry over to the next year.  According to Lateral Link Members, "face time does not seem to be important."  Associates are expected to be in the office during normal working hours, but working in the office on weekends or holidays is rare.

Lateral Link Members feel Holland & Knight has a "good pro bono culture" and the firm "demonstrates a commitment to pro bono."  The firm has a formal pro bono policy and expects associates to complete at least 50 pro bono hours annually.  The firm counts 100 hours of pro bono work towards billable hours and bonus consideration.  In addition, Holland & Knight has a Community Services Team of lawyers, whose practices are devoted entirely to helping those in need.  The team focuses on cases with issues that affect large groups of people.

Holland & Knight has a two-tier partnership track.  Associates are generally up for the first tier of partnership after eight years and are considered for equity partnership between their tenth and twelfth year of practice.  Lateral Link Members feel "the chances for partnership are very strong" and that partnership is an achievable goal.

Incoming first-year associates receive a $5,000 stipend to defray the cost of relocation expenses and bar review course and exam expenses.  Holland & Knight also provides a comprehensive benefits package.

Summer associates at Holland & Knight are encouraged to attend client meetings, depositions, hearings, trials, and other events.  The firm also has a two-day Summer Associate Training Program.  Summer associates are also paired with mentors who help guide them through the summer program.