Tiny Ray of Hope Forum

[como]

I agree with doyle. I think what you're seeing is the reaction of some firms with otherwise huge summer classes to their 2011 deferral problem. I don't think you'll see a huge uptick in hiring across the board, but I think the otherwise healthy firms that cut back massively will open ip a few hundred more SA spots between them, sucking up top students who'd otherwise be going to lower-ranked firms. I don't think lower-ranked firms are in the financial position to significantly increase their SA classes, though. See e.g. Proskauer.

Proskauer already has such a relatively large summer class though. Additionally, I'm not sure if the fact that they were able to extend offers to the vast majority of their summer class indicates that they are doing well, or if it is just such a miserable place to work that they need tons of fresh meat to account for turnover.

[dresden doll]

I agree with doyle. I think what you're seeing is the reaction of some firms with otherwise huge summer classes to their 2011 deferral problem. I don't think you'll see a huge uptick in hiring across the board, but I think the otherwise healthy firms that cut back massively will open ip a few hundred more SA spots between them, sucking up top students who'd otherwise be going to lower-ranked firms. I don't think lower-ranked firms are in the financial position to significantly increase their SA classes, though. See e.g. Proskauer.

Proskauer already has such a relatively large summer class though. Additionally, I'm not sure if the fact that they were able to extend offers to the vast majority of their summer class indicates that they are doing well, or if it is just such a miserable place to work that they need tons of fresh meat to account for turnover.

Reading these posts really cues me in on how much I don't know.

Why is Proskauer a miserable place to work? Any elaboration?

[NYAssociate]

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[dresden doll]

I wish Simplicity listed firms' SA class sizes. All I see are interview slots and those may or may not reflect the size.

[MrKappus]

I wish Simplicity listed firms' SA class sizes. All I see are interview slots and those may or may not reflect the size.

They're available in the NALP directory, but it'd definitely be pretty great not to have to look it up firm by firm.

[como]

I agree with doyle. I think what you're seeing is the reaction of some firms with otherwise huge summer classes to their 2011 deferral problem. I don't think you'll see a huge uptick in hiring across the board, but I think the otherwise healthy firms that cut back massively will open ip a few hundred more SA spots between them, sucking up top students who'd otherwise be going to lower-ranked firms. I don't think lower-ranked firms are in the financial position to significantly increase their SA classes, though. See e.g. Proskauer.

Proskauer already has such a relatively large summer class though. Additionally, I'm not sure if the fact that they were able to extend offers to the vast majority of their summer class indicates that they are doing well, or if it is just such a miserable place to work that they need tons of fresh meat to account for turnover.

Reading these posts really cues me in on how much I don't know.

Why is Proskauer a miserable place to work? Any elaboration?

Oh, I'm not saying that they are. I have just read that PR tends to have a heavy workload and a more competitive culture. Maybe something more similar to Ari Gold's office than to E's office on Entourage.

"However, there are many accounts of “bad apple” managers, often senior-level associates, who “feel more pressure to perform; they're trying to prove themselves.” The main gripes are poor time management, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of consideration for the time you have out of work. Partners “wait until sundown on Friday to give you an assignment that would take you all weekend,” a source said, adding that they are often asked to cancel vacation plans at the last minute. Some have witnessed behavior that “at times borders on the disrespectful and made me question whether or not I was valued on the team.” Things do improve as you grow in seniority, said a rising third-year." - Chambers Associate

[dresden doll]

Oh, I'm not saying that they are. I have just read that PR tends to have a heavy workload and a more competitive culture. Maybe something more similar to Ari Gold's office than to E's office on Entourage.

"However, there are many accounts of “bad apple” managers, often senior-level associates, who “feel more pressure to perform; they're trying to prove themselves.” The main gripes are poor time management, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of consideration for the time you have out of work. Partners “wait until sundown on Friday to give you an assignment that would take you all weekend,” a source said, adding that they are often asked to cancel vacation plans at the last minute. Some have witnessed behavior that “at times borders on the disrespectful and made me question whether or not I was valued on the team.” Things do improve as you grow in seniority, said a rising third-year." - Chambers Associate

^Thanks, buddy.

[NYAssociate]

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[dresden doll]

London firms are also, IMO, more poorly managed.

Why do you think that?