Pros
Some of the other Associates I worked with were the best, but all left within a year because of management over-promises, being completely overworked without proper compensation, and no work/life balance.
Cons
Management will tell you that the Associate role is "what you make it," but please DO NOT be fooled. You will only be promoted if you fit the mold management has created. If you question anything, you will be ostracized. If you have any outside industry experience, do not work at Bernstein. As an Associate you will be tasked with mostly administrative duties (account opening, prefilling documents, and processing wire transfers) that most other financial firms have streamlined processes for or have dedicated, outsourced service teams. Be prepared to work over 60 hours a week, Saturdays and Sundays and not be compensated (you are not an overtime eligible employee).