Jones Day (SF) vs. Gibson Dunn (Palo Alto)
Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 7:45 pm
Yep, another one of those threads...
I'm looking to: do corporate work, be secure in my job, have some exposure to international work, and work in a firm with good culture.
I'm gonna list my personal pros and cons below, but would love to hear people's assessments of the firm, exit options, wether my pros/cons are on point, personal opinions, etc.
Gibson Dunn:
Pros:
-Great culture - everyone seemed very nice
-Winner of mid-level associate satisfaction survey (I think this speaks volumes)
-In silicon valley - tons of corporate work, would be very interested in doing work with VCs and emerging companies
-Free market system - can choose my own path
-Smallish office where everyone knows everyone else
-Prestigious (esp in CA) with good exit options
-Did not fire anyone
Cons:
-Big firm, but not Jones Day in terms of global reach and global clients
-Located in Silicon Valley - suburbs (boo)
Jones Day:
Pros:
-Gigantic firm, global reach, tons of international work
-In SF - exciting! Amazing offices too, what a view
-The corporate department is growing rapidly in the office - was told starting work in 2 years would be great for my career because the corporate department is going to really grow and I will be at the bottom floor.
-Great partners, who from what I can tell, REALLY look out for younger associates and help their careers along
-Also did not fire anyone!
Cons:
-Bigger office, less personal
-Less inclusive culture - got the feeling it was less collegial then gibson dunn, even though everyone was very nice
-As of now, less developed corporate practice, no VC work or emerging companies work
-Slightly less prestigious, slightly worse exit options
I think that about does it - any advice, insight, etc would be much appreciated.
I'm looking to: do corporate work, be secure in my job, have some exposure to international work, and work in a firm with good culture.
I'm gonna list my personal pros and cons below, but would love to hear people's assessments of the firm, exit options, wether my pros/cons are on point, personal opinions, etc.
Gibson Dunn:
Pros:
-Great culture - everyone seemed very nice
-Winner of mid-level associate satisfaction survey (I think this speaks volumes)
-In silicon valley - tons of corporate work, would be very interested in doing work with VCs and emerging companies
-Free market system - can choose my own path
-Smallish office where everyone knows everyone else
-Prestigious (esp in CA) with good exit options
-Did not fire anyone
Cons:
-Big firm, but not Jones Day in terms of global reach and global clients
-Located in Silicon Valley - suburbs (boo)
Jones Day:
Pros:
-Gigantic firm, global reach, tons of international work
-In SF - exciting! Amazing offices too, what a view
-The corporate department is growing rapidly in the office - was told starting work in 2 years would be great for my career because the corporate department is going to really grow and I will be at the bottom floor.
-Great partners, who from what I can tell, REALLY look out for younger associates and help their careers along
-Also did not fire anyone!
Cons:
-Bigger office, less personal
-Less inclusive culture - got the feeling it was less collegial then gibson dunn, even though everyone was very nice
-As of now, less developed corporate practice, no VC work or emerging companies work
-Slightly less prestigious, slightly worse exit options
I think that about does it - any advice, insight, etc would be much appreciated.