L.E.K. Consulting is a global strategy consultancy that advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, commercial strategy, performance improvement and market entry. Headquartered in London, the firm serves industries including healthcare, consumer goo...
“I joined as an associate and was surprised by how quickly I was thrown into meaningful work. You will learn fast, and you will be supported.” — Senior Associate, 2 years
“Teams are tight-knit. We celebrate wins, and people genuinely want to help. It can get intense, but when you need guidance, someone will step up.” — Consultant, 3 years
“Project variety is great — you’re not doing the same thing every day. You will travel, you will burn the midnight oil, and you will grow.” — Engagement Manager, 5 years
These voices give a quick snapshot: people here care about the work, mentorship is real, and the environment rewards hustle. If you are looking for a place where you can build consulting skills quickly, these testimonials reflect many peers’ experience with working at L.E.K. Consulting.
The company culture at L.E.K. Consulting blends analytical rigor with a collaborative spirit. There is a clear emphasis on fact-based problem solving, but teams are surprisingly down-to-earth. You will find an expectation of high standards combined with approachable colleagues who are willing to coach.
Culture varies by office and practice area. Some hubs are more social and team-focused, while others skew more intense and task-driven. Overall, company culture at L.E.K. Consulting values intellectual curiosity, client-focus, and practical recommendations rather than academic theorizing.
Work-life balance at L.E.K. Consulting is realistic rather than idealized. You can expect periods of heavy workload around client deadlines and proposal seasons, but there are quieter stretches too. People use personal time successfully when they plan ahead and communicate with their teams.
The firm has policies to encourage time off and flexible scheduling, yet the nature of client work means that responsive team members are valued. If you prioritize predictability and strict 9-to-5 hours, this may be challenging. If you thrive on project variety and can manage busy cycles, it can be rewarding.
Job security at L.E.K. Consulting is generally stable. The firm serves a wide range of industries, which provides some protection against sector-specific downturns. There will be performance expectations tied to billable work and client development; underperformance over multiple review cycles can lead to exit discussions.
Layoffs are not the norm but may occur during broad market contractions or strategic restructurings. Overall, employees who perform consistently and build client relationships will find a reasonable level of job stability.
Leaders at L.E.K. Consulting are often experienced consultants who value directness and practical solutions. Leadership emphasis is on client impact, real-world results, and sustaining long-term client relationships. Communication from senior leadership is usually clear about strategic priorities.
There is a strong meritocratic streak; leaders reward visible contribution and innovative thinking. Some employees may find leadership focused heavily on deliverables rather than on softer aspects like emotional coaching, which can be a cultural norm rather than personal oversight.
Managers vary, but many are praised for being accessible, technically strong, and invested in career growth. Good managers will give candid feedback, set clear expectations, and help you map promotion paths. Less effective managers may be overloaded with client work and consequently less available for one-on-one mentoring.
When interviewing, try to get a sense of the manager’s bandwidth and mentoring style. A supportive manager will make the working environment noticeably better.
The firm prioritizes on-the-job learning: you will learn through client projects, structured case work, and peer coaching. Formal training programs cover core consulting skills, industry knowledge, and tools like data analysis and modeling. Learning is accelerated by frequent feedback loops and a culture that encourages asking questions.
There are also opportunities to attend external conferences and internal knowledge-sharing sessions. If you are hungry to learn and can manage a steep learning curve, this is a strong environment for professional development.
Promotion processes are structured and transparent. Advancement depends on a mix of client delivery, leadership contribution, and business development. It is common to see relatively fast promotions in early years for high performers, with timelines lengthening at senior levels.
There is a clear pathway from analyst to associate and then to manager/principal, but competition is real. Employees who seek visibility on impactful projects and cultivate client relationships will improve their promotion prospects.
Salaries at the firm are competitive within the strategy consulting market and vary by region, role, and experience. Entry-level analysts will generally see market-standard compensation, while mid-level consultants and managers earn significantly more. Salaries are typically higher in major markets to reflect cost of living and market rates.
Compensation packages often include base salary, performance bonuses, and benefits. It is advisable to research local benchmarks and consider total compensation rather than base pay alone.
Bonuses are tied to performance — both individual and firm-level. There are annual bonuses and occasional spot bonuses for exceptional contribution. Senior roles have more variable compensation linked to client origination and business development.
Incentives are designed to align individual effort with client outcomes and firm profitability. High performers can expect meaningful bonus upside.
Health and insurance benefits are comprehensive and generally on par with industry standards. Typical offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life insurance and disability plans. Many offices also provide wellness programs and mental health support.
Benefits can vary by country and office, so reviewing the specific package during recruitment is important.
Employee engagement is driven by team retreats, social events, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Offices host informal gatherings, networking events, and volunteer activities. These activities help build camaraderie and reduce the feeling of isolation during busy project phases.
There is an active alumni network and internal communities that sustain connections beyond day-to-day work.
Remote work support has improved, with hybrid arrangements becoming more common. The firm equips teams with collaboration tools and allows remote flex when client needs permit. Client-facing roles will require travel or onsite presence periodically.
Remote policies are pragmatic: they accommodate remote work but expect responsiveness and deliverables to remain consistent.
Average working hours vary by project stage. Typical weeks range from 45 to 60 hours, with spikes above that during critical deadlines. Travel can extend the workday due to client meetings and time zone differences.
Attrition is moderate, reflecting the intense nature of consulting and plentiful exit options in industry. The firm has not been associated with frequent mass layoffs historically, but there have been periodic reductions tied to market conditions. Turnover often reflects career transitions rather than dissatisfaction alone.
Overall, L.E.K. offers a high-quality consulting experience with strong learning opportunities, competitive compensation, and a collaborative culture. It will suit candidates who want fast professional growth, intellectually rigorous work, and a results-driven environment. Those seeking strict work-life predictability may find it challenging. Overall rating: a solid option for ambitious consultants who value skill-building and client impact.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at L.E.K. Consulting
High-quality clients and projects, good for building a resume. You work with very bright people and gain strong case experience.
Burnout risk was real — long hours and sporadic travel. Promotion decisions felt political at times and cost of living adjustments didn't always match NYC market.
Clear promotion path, excellent mentorship and training, lots of client exposure. L.E.K. invests in your development and the partners are accessible.
Travel can be frequent and project weeks are long during busy seasons. Work-life balance varies by engagement.
Smart colleagues, well-structured training and strong exposure to interesting healthcare clients. Good peer support and case variety.
Long hours at times and promotion timelines can feel a bit opaque. Bonuses could be more competitive compared to some rivals.
Steep learning curve and very structured training. Great exposure to deal work and seniors who take time to coach juniors. Strong case-based learning.
Compensation felt a bit low for the market and the culture can be competitive during tight deadlines. Workload spikes are intense around deals.
