Top Law Schools

Obviously, Fish has a great reputation for IP in both prosecution and litigation. I hear that the firm is trying to grow its commercial litigation practice group as well and that Dallas is the focal point of that expansion. It seems like they've made tried to emphasize bringing in laterals that have a good track record in commercial lit. Does anybody have any knowledge or insight into that expansion or the strength of it in general?

Back during the 2008-2010 crash, Fish closed down their Austin office. They recently opened it up again with only about 6-8 attorneys.
I think they have 3 2L summers this year in their Dallas office, but I could be wrong. I heard that number somewhere during the middle of 2012 fall OCI, so it might be outdated. I believe they are heavier on lit than prosecution, but they do both.

Anonymous User wrote:Back during the 2008-2010 crash, Fish closed down their Austin office. They recently opened it up again with only about 6-8 attorneys.
I think they have 3 2L summers this year in their Dallas office, but I could be wrong. I heard that number somewhere during the middle of 2012 fall OCI, so it might be outdated. I believe they are heavier on lit than prosecution, but they do both.

Also read that they screw over large number of SAs with no offers like its no big deal. If you dont have a hard science degree, I would strongly suggest avoiding that firm

Back when the economy went to Hell, fish's commercial lit and corporate people were the first ones shown the door. I'd avoid it like the plague if I wasn't a patent guy.

OP here. That sucks to hear. All I see is glowing reviews for the hours, culture, and the work. But I guess that's just if you have the security of being a patent guy eh?

Anonymous User wrote:OP here. That sucks to hear. All I see is glowing reviews for the hours, culture, and the work. But I guess that's just if you have the security of being a patent guy eh?

Dude I don't know where you are hearing this... I have only heard bad things besides apart if they keep you around.

Seems like BB Dallas is very strong for IP. Also IP attorneys from the Dallas office moved out and started the Palo Alto office so there may be workflow between these but I don't know that for sure.

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:OP here. That sucks to hear. All I see is glowing reviews for the hours, culture, and the work. But I guess that's just if you have the security of being a patent guy eh?

Dude I don't know where you are hearing this... I have only heard bad things besides apart if they keep you around.

Vault reviews:

- # 8 for satisfaction
- # 9 for best compensation
- # 10 for best business outlook
- #11 for best associate/partner relations
- # 14 for best informal training
- # 16 for best culture
- # 17 for best hours
- #21 for best formal training

AveryIndex:

- #2 in best Dallas law firms to work for

American Lawyer:

- #24 on MidLevel Associates Survey

Some of the high rankings are due to previous bonus amount that Fish has paid out.
2010 bonuses for first were about 35k. 2009 bonuses for best performing first years were about 50k. Apparently these were far higher than Cravath for those years.
http://abovethelaw.com/2011/03/associat ... ichardson/

However, I have knowledge from associates that the 2011 bonuses were "disappointing."

I had a friend who summered with them in their Dallas office in 2009. The friend, along with most of the summers, were no-offered. The friend had a strong patent background, great personality, and other strong credentials (basically an ideal candidate).

If it were me, I would definitely avoid Fish Richardson. If it was my only offer, then of course I would go with it...but if I had options, I would opt for another firm.

Anonymous User wrote:I had a friend who summered with them in their Dallas office in 2009. The friend, along with most of the summers, were no-offered. The friend had a strong patent background, great personality, and other strong credentials (basically an ideal candidate).

If it were me, I would definitely avoid Fish Richardson. If it was my only offer, then of course I would go with it...but if I had options, I would opt for another firm.

Definitely a valid point. On the other hand though, didn't firms that already had great offer rates end up either no offering their classes or severely limiting their hiring class comparatively during the 2009 summer / recession period in general?

Anonymous User wrote:Seems like BB Dallas is very strong for IP. Also IP attorneys from the Dallas office moved out and started the Palo Alto office so there may be workflow between these but I don't know that for sure.

Agreed. That is the only practice area I would want to work in if I were going to BB.