Which DC firm would you choose? Forum

[HIREMEPLZ]

Showing some bias here, but Gibson and it’s not close. The QOL at Gibson DC is markedly better than is being implied here. Sure, you’ll have your late nights and weekend projects, but it’s not a regular occurrence and the face-time expectations are pretty relaxed. The work is great, the partners are nice (I’ve never had a negative interaction), and the culture is pleasant.

I can’t say I’ve heard the same about some of those others, especially Kirkland.

FWIW my experience at Kirkland DC is not like what you have apparently heard. K&E definitely has lower face-time expectations than you might find elsewhere. It’s not a firm you think of for QoL/hours reasons, but then again the median or average (I forget) K&E associate hours last year was 1950ish, and I’m confident the DC office is below average firmwide.

Also I think all the big lit shops do mostly the same kind of work. Generally speaking the partners are good to work with as well. There are nights and weekends where you’ll work. You will find those at any biglaw firm.

I have a close friend at GDC and I have only heard good things subject to the usual biglaw gripes. It’s probably the most prestigious office on OP’s list in terms of litigating in DC too. But I would also be generally positive about KE in DC which is very similar to GDC in work, perception (generally although GDC will be shinier to those in the know), and associate expectations as far as I know. I think KE NY is a different animal entirely, though.

Thanks! Yeah, I see similarities between KE and GDC. I think most of the negative Kirkland stereotypes come from the NY office and/or saltiness from the firms they're stealing clients and talent from. TLS and the market overall (and Vault etc) are so NY-centric that I have to remind myself to focus on the reputation of the specific office I'm actually applying to.