Skadden LA vs. Latham LA Forum

[Mal Reynolds]

Skadden did the Lucasfilm/Disney deal so I would go there.

[Anonymous User]

Skadden did the Lucasfilm/Disney deal so I would go there.

And suddenly the decision is clear...

[Anonymous User]

Any final thoughts?

Decision must be made tomorrow and so far it seems like Latham=better QOL, Skadden=better transactional work (to oversimplify).

Torn.

Munger is also in the mix.

I took Munger over these in a heartbeat, my only real sticking point was Gibson Dunn but ultimately I crossed them off too. Then again, I'm litigation where the choice is easy. For transactional I know it's more complicated.

[Anonymous User]

Any final thoughts?

Decision must be made tomorrow and so far it seems like Latham=better QOL, Skadden=better transactional work (to oversimplify).

Torn.

Munger is also in the mix.

I took Munger over these in a heartbeat, my only real sticking point was Gibson Dunn but ultimately I crossed them off too. Then again, I'm litigation where the choice is easy. For transactional I know it's more complicated.

Interesting. What was the rationale? And knowing what you know about corporate, would you make the same decision if that were your interest?

[Anonymous User]

Should be between Latham and Munger. Fit also matters here. As stated elsewhere (huge oversimplification) but would you consider yourself more fratty or more academic/intellectual?

[Anonymous User]

Should be between Latham and Munger. Fit also matters here. As stated elsewhere (huge oversimplification) but would you consider yourself more fratty or more academic/intellectual?

To answer your question, I'm a bit of a dichotomy--was in a fraternity but also was the guy who would skip parties at times to go read a good book and enjoy interesting conversation above beer bongs. But then also I love sports etc.

Question for you: why should Skadden not be in the mix? My impression was they do great transactional work in LA and they've honestly seemed to care a great deal more about me working with them through this whole process than Latham has.

[Anonymous User]

Any final thoughts?

Decision must be made tomorrow and so far it seems like Latham=better QOL, Skadden=better transactional work (to oversimplify).

Torn.

Munger is also in the mix.

Where do you get this from?

[WhiskeynCoke]

Should be between Latham and Munger. Fit also matters here. As stated elsewhere (huge oversimplification) but would you consider yourself more fratty or more academic/intellectual?

While Munger is the most "prestigious" of these options, they routinely no-offer summers for "work product reasons." From what I hear, the people are also not nearly as enjoyable as those at other firms in the area.

I know a couple people who chose much "less prestigious" firms than MTO for these reasons. MTO is also better known for lit than for trans. I would pick your favorite between Latham/Skadden based on fit. The firms are close enough in reputation to be a wash. Latham might be a bigger name in CA, but Skadden is a bigger name globally.

[Sgt Pepper]

Should be between Latham and Munger. Fit also matters here. As stated elsewhere (huge oversimplification) but would you consider yourself more fratty or more academic/intellectual?

While Munger is the most "prestigious" of these options, they routinely no-offer summers for "work product reasons." From what I hear, the people are also not nearly as enjoyable as those at other firms in the area.

I know a couple people who chose much "less prestigious" firms than MTO for these reasons. MTO is also better known for lit than for trans. I would pick your favorite between Latham/Skadden based on fit. The firms are close enough in reputation to be a wash. Latham might be a bigger name in CA, but Skadden is a bigger name globally.

I would agree with this. There typically aren't going to be jobs you can get from one but not the other. Go with which people you liked the most.

Munger is obviously a great firm, but it's my impression that Latham and Skadden are deeper with regard to transactional practices.

[rpupkin]

Any final thoughts?

Decision must be made tomorrow and so far it seems like Latham=better QOL, Skadden=better transactional work (to oversimplify).

Not sure about Latham having a better QOL, at least not if you're judging QOL by hours worked. Like Skadden, it has something of a sweatshop reputation as well. But perhaps the associates are happier there. Recall the anecdote earlier in the thread about the associate who comes into work on the weekends—even when she doesn't have work to do—just so she can hang out with her friends in the office. Personally, I find that anecdote terrifying. But if it appeals to you, you might be the Latham type.

[Anonymous User]

Op here.

Skadden doing better transactional work is word from a partner at a respected LA firm who's worked in M&A for most of his career, who also alluded to the fact that Latham may be the more "humane" place to work. He couldn't speak to what life is like as an associate now though which I why his opinion on being a jr. is irrelevant to me.

I keep hearing that Skadden's culture is one of overwork while Latham's is one of hard work. But this must vary even by practice group and career goals.

I think the idea of fit is credited. And that being the case I wanted to look at both firms but Latham would not fly me out for a 2nd look (while Skadden would) which is off-putting in and of itself.

Is anyone who worked at either of the two able to comment?