2015 Vault Rankings Forum

[purpletiger]

I think all the skepticism/joking about Vault rankings is credited (especially given their dumb ranking methodology). But I think it's also important for people to remember that there is somewhat of a pecking order in practice areas regardless of Vault, and that perhaps for corporate law Vault very loosely tries to show what that pecking order is (although Chambers does a much better job). This isn't all that different from USNWR rankings of law schools, where the "t-14/t-6/HYS" would exist and generally be the hardest to get into and offer the best employment opportunities even if USNWR went away tomorrow.

Obviously, it's stupid to read too much into something like Skadden taking 3 over S&C, but is it that dumb to say that, all things equal, Skadden is viewed as more of a go-to for its sweet spot practice areas in its target markets (M&A in NYC, etc.) than someone much lower on the list (to pick a name at random, Alston & Bird)? Obviously, mileage varies and A&B may beat Skadden out for business in smaller target markets such as Atlanta, or maybe it is exceptionally strong in a couple of practice areas, but while we shouldn't put much stock in Vault (and I would put even less if I was in litigation, as places like W&C, Paul Weiss, etc. would be much higher on my list) I feel like we should also not go the opposite extreme and say v2 is the same all things equal as v100, it's just that it's not the "v" part that matters if that makes sense. I'm a 1L SA at a "v50" currently, and I would think that the complexity and sophistication of the deals that you probably work on at a v5 must be way higher than the stuff I've seen around the office.

Also, in regards to the Skadden hating ITT, you guys are ridiculous if you thing Skadden is viewed by actual corporations/CEOs as being less prestigious than, say, an S&C because their GPA requirement is lower (or because of their respective rankings on Vault). All of the places towards the top of this list are heavy-hitting firms with amazing client lists that excel in most of the practice areas they work on.

Maybe, but it pretends to be an overall prestige ranking. The reason why vault is terrible is because it pushes law students to make terrible decisions. A lot of students overlook great firms, and arguably much better firms, because they got an offer at a V10 or whatever. I know quite a few people who took "V20s" over a top firm in their desired practice area or location because of the prestige. So, you're going to a more prestigious firm for exit options to the place and firm you could have started working at to begin with.

Do people actually do this though? Anyone smart enough to get a V10 offer is going to be relatively savvy about it--and will likely have other V10 offers. The Vault rankings do a relatively good job of sorting the prestige hierarchy for New York. Cravath is more prestigious than STB in NY, generally speaking (blah blah private equity blah blah). But I do think law students aren't going to blindly take a V10 satellite office over a local giant. No one is choosing Kirkland's LA office over Munger or GDC.

[Mal Reynolds]

Crucial anon use.

[KD35]

Do people actually do this though? Anyone smart enough to get a V10 offer is going to be relatively savvy about it--and will likely have other V10 offers. The Vault rankings do a relatively good job of sorting the prestige hierarchy for New York. Cravath is more prestigious than STB in NY, generally speaking (blah blah private equity blah blah). But I do think law students aren't going to blindly take a V10 satellite office over a local giant. No one is choosing Kirkland's LA office over Munger or GDC.

I think you give too much credit to people doing background research. Vault ranking is an easy proxy for doing real research and thus I can easily see how someone just sees the biggest firms that are V5/10/20/etc. as the reason for accepting one bid over another. I can bet that there are people who take Kirkland LA over MTO (maybe not GDC because it is slightly closer in the Vault rankings).

[jd20132013]

Sorry for the snark. I'm just upset because you figured out I am a SullCrom associate. I'm trying to act like I don't care, but our drop in prestige stings and I'm lashing out. These are dark days near Battery Park.

You are quickly becoming my favorite poster.

lol @ the sinking ship that is Williams and Connolly

Called it. Unsustainable business model.

How, in any legitimate way, is it a sinking ship?

uh, it dropped two places on the rankings?

[alphasteve]

I still cannot honestly figure out how the Vault rankings would be useful for fucking anything, except prestige dick slanging.

[KD35]

I still cannot honestly figure out how the Vault rankings would be useful for fucking anything, except prestige dick slanging.

Seducing girls in bars...So yea I guess just prestige dick slinging.

[dixiecupdrinking]

I still cannot honestly figure out how the Vault rankings would be useful for fucking anything, except prestige dick slanging.

Seducing girls in bars...So yea I guess just prestige dick slinging.

Jesus H Christ.

[danitt]

I still cannot honestly figure out how the Vault rankings would be useful for fucking anything, except prestige dick slanging.

Seducing girls in bars...So yea I guess just prestige dick slinging.

Do you know any girls?

[rpupkin]

I still cannot honestly figure out how the Vault rankings would be useful for fucking anything, except prestige dick slanging.

Seducing girls in bars...So yea I guess just prestige dick slinging.

When I'm picking up girls in bars, I always tell them I work at a V5. Works like a charm. But they're usually disappointed when they get back to my place and realize that I actually work at a V100. Vault size matters, bros.

[jd20132013]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

[rpupkin]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

Shameless "Debevoise & Plimpton" trolling.

[ymmv]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

Who the fuck knows or gives a shit about Vault rankings outside of shitlawyers, shitlawyer-wannabes, and shitlawyer-wannabes' family members?

[brotherdarkness]

.

[jd20132013]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

Who the fuck knows or gives a shit about Vault rankings outside of shitlawyers, shitlawyer-wannabes, and shitlawyer-wannabes' family members?

guessing you're not at a V100?

[alphasteve]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

Moving what things in the right direction? What are you even talking about?

[ymmv]

if you think a clever mention that you work at a V15 or 16 won't get things moving in the right direction you're kidding yourselves

Who the fuck knows or gives a shit about Vault rankings outside of shitlawyers, shitlawyer-wannabes, and shitlawyer-wannabes' family members?

guessing you're not at a V100?

Not at the moment, but if I am this time next year you can bet your ass it won't be because of its Vault ranking.

[rad lulz]

.

[johnnyquest]

Non-lawyer girls generally don't recognize the names of law firms--even the ones ranked highly on Vault.

"I work for Kirland" = "I work at Costco"

Lol "Kirkland signature"

Their bourbon is pretty damn good for the price.

[crit_racer]

Non-lawyer girls generally don't recognize the names of law firms--even the ones ranked highly on Vault.

"I work for Kirland" = "I work at Costco"

Lol "Kirkland signature"

Their bourbon is pretty damn good for the price.

real talk. Someone told me its knob creek??

[brotherdarkness]

.

[toothbrush]

I watched a documentary-esque thing about Costco's move to compete in the alcohol market. Apparently their wine is pretty legit, too.

[Anonymous User]

Their bourbon is pretty damn good for the price.

real talk. Someone told me its knob creek??

Very close. It's made by Jim Beam (as is Knob Creek) and uses the same formula. But its aged 7 years I believe and KC is 9.

[johnnyquest]

I've heard similar things about their vodka being the same as Goose.

Their tequila is top notch as well.

[de5igual]

Costco sells liquor?

[rad lulz]

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