Untrue. There are a significant number of biglaw firms that don't require or expect Cahill-level hours.Anonymous User wrote:The hours are no different than any other big law firm
How good is Cahill Forum
Forum rules
Anonymous Posting
Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are revealing sensitive employment related information about a firm, job, etc. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
Failure to follow these rules will get you outed, warned, or banned.
Anonymous Posting
Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are revealing sensitive employment related information about a firm, job, etc. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
Failure to follow these rules will get you outed, warned, or banned.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Yeah...I'd put Cahill up there with Cravath, Quinn, and Kirkland for hoursAnonymous User wrote:Untrue. There are a significant number of biglaw firms that don't require or expect Cahill-level hours.Anonymous User wrote:The hours are no different than any other big law firm
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Previous anon: this is what I meant by the term "leverage" (not debt/Dewey problems). Cahill is a firm that expects a high attrition and works associates hard. I'm sure you loved your summer; my contact loved hers too. But the reality at working at the firm is different. Part of the reason they pay people extra bonuses is to keep people from leaving.clintonius wrote:What? "Leveraged" refers to a high associate-to-partner ratio. They don't have a NYC-specific NALP form, but firmwide, they list 36 partners and 110 associates for corporate, and 23/112 for lit. That's on par with any big firm notorious for using associate leverage.Anonymous User wrote:Cahill is not highly leveraged - in fact, they are not leveraged at all.
A non-leveraged firm would have a 1:1 ratio or better (I suppose a truly zero-leverage firm would be all owners). That's rare even in small firms; its absurd to claim it of a place like Cahill.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
at my cb they told me almost all the partners started as associates there--is partnership there more feasible than at a very large V5/10/20?
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Also a former summer here... not sure what's with all the apparent anti-Cahill mob on TLS but I think offering 100% of every summer class for the past 4 years, giving out bigger bonuses than most other firms, and having great, down-to-earth people are all great things. There's a reason most of us accepted on the spot.
The firms that tank are impossible to predict, but they tend to be ones who lure tons of partners from other firms with hefty signing bonuses, open offices in Kazakhstan just to say they're there, and expand at every turn.
Hours are crazy but you get that a lot of places. I do not know a first or second year associate at ANY big law firm in NYC that is just elated with the hours and work they do. (But sign me up if there is such a place)...
Also, it bears mentioning Cahill also does a lot of prominent securities litigation. It's not a V5 but I have found that its reputation around NY seems to significantly outrank it's Vault ranking, for what it's worth. I picked Cahill over a few higher-ranked Vault firms and have no doubts it was the right decision.
The firms that tank are impossible to predict, but they tend to be ones who lure tons of partners from other firms with hefty signing bonuses, open offices in Kazakhstan just to say they're there, and expand at every turn.
Hours are crazy but you get that a lot of places. I do not know a first or second year associate at ANY big law firm in NYC that is just elated with the hours and work they do. (But sign me up if there is such a place)...
Also, it bears mentioning Cahill also does a lot of prominent securities litigation. It's not a V5 but I have found that its reputation around NY seems to significantly outrank it's Vault ranking, for what it's worth. I picked Cahill over a few higher-ranked Vault firms and have no doubts it was the right decision.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
This is true on the corporate side - when the banks want things, they get them. The lit side is much more in line hours-wise with other firms.Anonymous User wrote:Untrue. There are a significant number of biglaw firms that don't require or expect Cahill-level hours.Anonymous User wrote:The hours are no different than any other big law firm
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
the more i read the more i feel as though they are underrated in terms of prestige. last year first years made 15k more in compensation than cravath first years, ATL reported a 10k bonus and another 5k bonus, all in addition to the 7.5k cravath scale bonus for first years. fwiw, wachtell's prestige and displacing of cravath could be explained by compensation, so i wouldn't be surprised if cahill moved up in vault
- Old Gregg
- Posts: 5409
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:26 pm
Re: How good is Cahill
The upswings are very big, but the downswings are very bad. Cahill might be more wachtell-like in compensation, but it isn't wachtell-like in stability.Anonymous User wrote:the more i read the more i feel as though they are underrated in terms of prestige. last year first years made 15k more in compensation than cravath first years, ATL reported a 10k bonus and another 5k bonus, all in addition to the 7.5k cravath scale bonus for first years. fwiw, wachtell's prestige and displacing of cravath could be explained by compensation, so i wouldn't be surprised if cahill moved up in vault
- DrGuano
- Posts: 192
- Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:13 pm
Re: How good is Cahill
I don't think he was comparing Cahill to Wachtell. Just pointing to Wachtell's jump as it related to it's taking over the top spot and its higher comp. scale. At the end of the day, who cares about Vault? NO ONE WHO PRACTICES.Fresh Prince wrote:The upswings are very big, but the downswings are very bad. Cahill might be more wachtell-like in compensation, but it isn't wachtell-like in stability.Anonymous User wrote:the more i read the more i feel as though they are underrated in terms of prestige. last year first years made 15k more in compensation than cravath first years, ATL reported a 10k bonus and another 5k bonus, all in addition to the 7.5k cravath scale bonus for first years. fwiw, wachtell's prestige and displacing of cravath could be explained by compensation, so i wouldn't be surprised if cahill moved up in vault
- Old Gregg
- Posts: 5409
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:26 pm
Re: How good is Cahill
I know, and agreed about Vault 100%. I was just making a general statement about Cahill.DrGuano wrote:I don't think he was comparing Cahill to Wachtell. Just pointing to Wachtell's jump as it related to it's taking over the top spot and its higher comp. scale. At the end of the day, who cares about Vault? NO ONE WHO PRACTICES.Fresh Prince wrote:The upswings are very big, but the downswings are very bad. Cahill might be more wachtell-like in compensation, but it isn't wachtell-like in stability.Anonymous User wrote:the more i read the more i feel as though they are underrated in terms of prestige. last year first years made 15k more in compensation than cravath first years, ATL reported a 10k bonus and another 5k bonus, all in addition to the 7.5k cravath scale bonus for first years. fwiw, wachtell's prestige and displacing of cravath could be explained by compensation, so i wouldn't be surprised if cahill moved up in vault
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
CGR Associate here. If you have an offer and are interested, I'd recommend taking the firm up on a return visit or asking to be put in touch with some junior associates for phone follow-up to see what we're about. Talk to more people and see if you fit with the people and culture here. For the most part, that's what sells the place for me. I genuinely enjoy my coworkers and don't mind the late nights because 95% of the time, I'm doing late nights with attorneys I respect, have chosen to work with and with whom I like talking during downtime.Anonymous User wrote:doesn't get love in vault or other prestige rankings, or among law students generally...but has good compensation and places well on league tables. have an offer trying to get some sense of what i may lose in exit options if i choose them over a V20/V30
The hours are longer generally in corporate, but the experience is really solid and with some exceptions, I've found the attorneys here make great superiors willing to help me grow as much as I'm able/willing and who treat me well. The fact that we're compensated better is all well and good, too.
Vacations are very well respected, also, not just fluff on that point. We respect each other and watch each other's backs.
I've never worked at another firm, but I have a lot of friends who do and I don't see a lot of reasons why I would pick any of them over CGR now that I'm here. Of course, most of them probably feel the same way (although many have commented about the fact that they wish they got our bonuses/tech stipends/etc).
As far as the exit options question, the ones I've seen are good. People leave for banks, clerkships, in-house company gigs, and smaller market/non-NYC firms with a very small number going to other NYC firms (as several people have said, why would you go somewhere to work the same hours and get paid less?). Most seem to be still on friendly terms when they leave and happy.
Not sure if any of this is helpful, but figured I'd drop a response in when I stopped by TLS for nostalgia's sake and saw the thread going. Good luck and if you come here next summer, I look forward to meeting you!
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
FYI, unless we've hired someone new recently that I somehow don't know about, we only have one male associate with a hyphenated last name, so this isn't exactly a subtle comment if you were trying to CYA.Anonymous User wrote:did this person have a hyphenated last name? i had a very very similar experienceAnonymous User wrote:I liked most of the attorneys that I met at Cahill on my CB. That said, one junior associate was incredibly awkward and borderline rude. His whole mission was to end the interview as early as possible because he had work to do. Lawyers are busy, yes, but don't volunteer to do something if you don't have time to do it.
Just anecdotal.
They are definitely very proud of their free market system. This is perfect for some people, but not so great for others.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Ha, I only summered there and thought the same thing (just based on the hyphenation; I've never talked to this attorney). Since I'm bored as hell (3LOL), I actually went on Cahill's website and confirmed.Anonymous User wrote:FYI, unless we've hired someone new recently that I somehow don't know about, we only have one male associate with a hyphenated last name, so this isn't exactly a subtle comment if you were trying to CYA.Anonymous User wrote:did this person have a hyphenated last name? i had a very very similar experienceAnonymous User wrote:I liked most of the attorneys that I met at Cahill on my CB. That said, one junior associate was incredibly awkward and borderline rude. His whole mission was to end the interview as early as possible because he had work to do. Lawyers are busy, yes, but don't volunteer to do something if you don't have time to do it.
Just anecdotal.
They are definitely very proud of their free market system. This is perfect for some people, but not so great for others.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
so would it be reasonable to choose cahill over all other firms save the v5/v10? (assuming you wanted corporate and felt like the fit with their culture was a good one)
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
I would, personally, say that if you are concerned about quality of work, prestige, and exit options, and your choices are Cahill and a firm outside the V15 (V15 to include PW, GDC, Debevoise, etc.) then choose the firm that you like more and think you would be happier at because I do not see that much difference concerning the above factors between Cahill and, let's say, a V35 (e.g. P. Rose or FF, etc.) in NYC.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Not OP here, but I have an offer from Cahill and money talks to the debt slave in me. I don't plan to stay in NYC forever and plan on moving to a smaller market. I have an offer from S&C, which is probably my front runner. How would these two firms compare for corporate exit options? Hours?Anonymous User wrote:I would, personally, say that if you are concerned about quality of work, prestige, and exit options, and your choices are Cahill and a firm outside the V15 (V15 to include PW, GDC, Debevoise, etc.) then choose the firm that you like more and think you would be happier at because I do not see that much difference concerning the above factors between Cahill and, let's say, a V35 (e.g. P. Rose or FF, etc.) in NYC.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Fit with the people you work with is way more important in my opinion than a relative Vault position once you're working. Almost no one I know gives a damn if their firm is Vault 27 vs. 47, etc. (for peer prestige or hiring purposes), although we do joke about it for like 5 minutes after the rankings come out (same with USNWR after you graduate). Your exit options after a few years in practice at most of these places are way more affected by a) the work you do, b) how well you do it, and c) who will go to bat for you/who do you know. You want to go in house at Company X, then you're probably better off at the firm that represents Company X. You want to go anywhere, you'd better have people willing to develop your career and who like you enough to help you become more than a document review or due diligence monkey. I've known several associates who had the option to jump ship for a 'higher ranked place,' but have no interest in going somewhere with worse fit for less pay.Anonymous User wrote:so would it be reasonable to choose cahill over all other firms save the v5/v10? (assuming you wanted corporate and felt like the fit with their culture was a good one)
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
For the love of god, go to S&C. I'm a debt slave too, but the exit options down the road would be far superior just by virtue of having "Sullivan & Cromwell" on your resume. Cahill's bonuses are high (for now), but who knows what type of money or opportunities you are giving up down the road.Anonymous User wrote:Not OP here, but I have an offer from Cahill and money talks to the debt slave in me. I don't plan to stay in NYC forever and plan on moving to a smaller market. I have an offer from S&C, which is probably my front runner. How would these two firms compare for corporate exit options? Hours?Anonymous User wrote:I would, personally, say that if you are concerned about quality of work, prestige, and exit options, and your choices are Cahill and a firm outside the V15 (V15 to include PW, GDC, Debevoise, etc.) then choose the firm that you like more and think you would be happier at because I do not see that much difference concerning the above factors between Cahill and, let's say, a V35 (e.g. P. Rose or FF, etc.) in NYC.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Not the poster above, but they did say outside the V15, which would not include S&C. Wilkie/FF vs. Cahill is a different ballgame than S&C/Wachtell vs. Cahill.Anonymous User wrote:For the love of god, go to S&C. I'm a debt slave too, but the exit options down the road would be far superior just by virtue of having "Sullivan & Cromwell" on your resume. Cahill's bonuses are high (for now), but who knows what type of money or opportunities you are giving up down the road.Anonymous User wrote:Not OP here, but I have an offer from Cahill and money talks to the debt slave in me. I don't plan to stay in NYC forever and plan on moving to a smaller market. I have an offer from S&C, which is probably my front runner. How would these two firms compare for corporate exit options? Hours?Anonymous User wrote:I would, personally, say that if you are concerned about quality of work, prestige, and exit options, and your choices are Cahill and a firm outside the V15 (V15 to include PW, GDC, Debevoise, etc.) then choose the firm that you like more and think you would be happier at because I do not see that much difference concerning the above factors between Cahill and, let's say, a V35 (e.g. P. Rose or FF, etc.) in NYC.
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Just summered at Cahill and I'd agree with this, I picked Cahill over offers from a few higher ranked Vault firms but none of them were V10.Anonymous User wrote:Not the poster above, but they did say outside the V15, which would not include S&C. Wilkie/FF vs. Cahill is a different ballgame than S&C/Wachtell vs. Cahill.Anonymous User wrote:For the love of god, go to S&C. I'm a debt slave too, but the exit options down the road would be far superior just by virtue of having "Sullivan & Cromwell" on your resume. Cahill's bonuses are high (for now), but who knows what type of money or opportunities you are giving up down the road.Anonymous User wrote:Not OP here, but I have an offer from Cahill and money talks to the debt slave in me. I don't plan to stay in NYC forever and plan on moving to a smaller market. I have an offer from S&C, which is probably my front runner. How would these two firms compare for corporate exit options? Hours?Anonymous User wrote:I would, personally, say that if you are concerned about quality of work, prestige, and exit options, and your choices are Cahill and a firm outside the V15 (V15 to include PW, GDC, Debevoise, etc.) then choose the firm that you like more and think you would be happier at because I do not see that much difference concerning the above factors between Cahill and, let's say, a V35 (e.g. P. Rose or FF, etc.) in NYC.
IMO, it's valuable to use this list as a general guide for picking between Cahill and other firms in NYC (instead of just relying on the overall Vault 100): http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/ran ... gYear=2013
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Great point. I would consider the first 13 to be better and 14-16 to be better but very close (of course, this is arbitrary, lol).
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
To those who've already done the Cahill CB, how many hrs did it take?
I have a 10am CB and am trying to decide whether to schedule a West coast CB for the next day at 11am.
Otherwise, I have to wait 2-3 business days
I have a 10am CB and am trying to decide whether to schedule a West coast CB for the next day at 11am.
Otherwise, I have to wait 2-3 business days
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
Cahill or Milbank? Offers from both.
I want to do transactional work. Would like to pursue a partner track wherever I go w/o playing the lateral game. I am concerned about volatility in business. While I'm cognizant of a normal business cycle, would like to stay away from a firm prone to very violent swings in either direction. Cahill's extra 10K & QOL (long hours) do not make a difference.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I want to do transactional work. Would like to pursue a partner track wherever I go w/o playing the lateral game. I am concerned about volatility in business. While I'm cognizant of a normal business cycle, would like to stay away from a firm prone to very violent swings in either direction. Cahill's extra 10K & QOL (long hours) do not make a difference.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
-
- Posts: 427947
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: How good is Cahill
When I did it last year, it was 2 hours. 4 interviews, no lunch.Anonymous User wrote:To those who've already done the Cahill CB, how many hrs did it take?
I have a 10am CB and am trying to decide whether to schedule a West coast CB for the next day at 11am.
Otherwise, I have to wait 2-3 business days
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login