Paul Weiss vs. Quinn vs. Cleary vs. Steptoe vs. DPW (NY) Forum

[rooster]

I'm interested in litigation. Help me choose.

[NYAssociate]

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[rooster]

This should be between Paul Weiss and DPW. Toss the rest.

Why not Quinn?

[markymark]

This should be between Paul Weiss and DPW. Toss the rest.

Right, as usual.

[NYAssociate]

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[Anonymous User]

Steptoe DC seems random. Were you targeting both markets? If you got DPW, did you not get other DC offers?

[rooster]

Steptoe DC seems random. Were you targeting both markets? If you got DPW, did you not get other DC offers?

I was targeting both markets. DC was unbelievably difficult, particularly for me, since I have no meaningful ties to the city. My resume is very government-focused--I've actually never worked for a private employer. I think DC firms suspected that I was mainly interested in working in DC because of the possibility of transitioning into government, and therefore regarded me as a flight risk (but this is just speculation). I should note that I have offers from Paul, Weiss NY and DC, though. Their DC office seems like a nice shop with a pleasant, litigation-boutique feel.

[Anonymous User]

Steptoe DC seems random. Were you targeting both markets? If you got DPW, did you not get other DC offers?

I was targeting both markets. DC was unbelievably difficult, particularly for me, since I have no meaningful ties to the city. My resume is very government-focused--I've actually never worked for a private employer. I think DC firms suspected that I was mainly interested in working in DC because of the possibility of transitioning into government, and therefore regarded me as a flight risk (but this is just speculation). I should note that I have offers from Paul, Weiss NY and DC, though. Their DC office seems like a nice shop with a pleasant, litigation-boutique feel.

It makes sense, then, that Steptoe took you. They've seen a bunch of lawyers leave to do government work only to return to the firm after a couple of years. They're probably not as afraid of you being a flight risk as others are.

[Anonymous User]

PW NYC > DPW for Litigation.

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[Anonymous User]

Toss Steptoe and Cleary.

Paul Weiss has more of a reputation as a hard-charging sweatshop, DPW is "nicer" and more genteel, whatever that means.

I don't think you should toss Quinn totally off the table, but I would only go there over PW or DPW if you REALLY loved their culture and could not imagine going anywhere else.

[Anonymous User]

Toss Steptoe and Cleary.

Paul Weiss has more of a reputation as a hard-charging sweatshop, DPW is "nicer" and more genteel, whatever that means.

I don't think you should toss Quinn totally off the table, but I would only go there over PW or DPW if you REALLY loved their culture and could not imagine going anywhere else.

Why toss Steptoe if he/she's interested in DC? I don't know much about that office, but it seems to be a good DC litigation place, with good regulatory work and government connections.

[vamedic03]

Toss Steptoe and Cleary.

Paul Weiss has more of a reputation as a hard-charging sweatshop, DPW is "nicer" and more genteel, whatever that means.

I don't think you should toss Quinn totally off the table, but I would only go there over PW or DPW if you REALLY loved their culture and could not imagine going anywhere else.

Why toss Steptoe if he/she's interested in DC? I don't know much about that office, but it seems to be a good DC litigation place, with good regulatory work and government connections.

TCR - if you want to be in DC, Steptoe is excellent with a great reputation in the city.

[Anonymous User]

Toss Steptoe and Cleary.

Paul Weiss has more of a reputation as a hard-charging sweatshop, DPW is "nicer" and more genteel, whatever that means.

I don't think you should toss Quinn totally off the table, but I would only go there over PW or DPW if you REALLY loved their culture and could not imagine going anywhere else.

Why toss Steptoe if he/she's interested in DC? I don't know much about that office, but it seems to be a good DC litigation place, with good regulatory work and government connections.

TCR - if you want to be in DC, Steptoe is excellent with a great reputation in the city.

+1

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[Anonymous User]

I interviewed with a firm that is comparable to steptoe and was told that the firm encourages you to work in govt for a few years and then come back. if they encourage this, i imagine that its fairly easy to get. however, i am looking more at regulatory/lobbying, so I am not sure if the lit exit options are the same

[War Cardinal]

I interviewed with a firm that is comparable to steptoe and was told that the firm encourages you to work in govt for a few years and then come back. if they encourage this, i imagine that its fairly easy to get. however, i am looking more at regulatory/lobbying, so I am not sure if the lit exit options are the same

Patton Boggs?

[Anonymous User]

2. How would Stetptoe's exit options, in particular with respect to government, compare with the other firms I list? To be honest, this whole process has really turned me off of biglaw, so one of my main considerations is what firm will best propel me to greener pastures.

I think it's hard to compare exit options. Speaking purely about prestige, DPW and PW will give "better" exit options. For the DC exit options comparable to DPW, you'd need a similarly situated firm--say Covington or Wilmer. But, the exit options are generally different, so it's hard to compare. DPW will be great if you want to go in house or do white collar stuff in NYC. But if you're more interested in regulatory work, white collar in DC, or non-SEC, FTC government, then I think Steptoe or PW DC are better options.

Summary: DPC and PW NY have "better" exit options than Steptoe or PW DC, but they are very different in subject matter.

Disclosure: I had a CB at both DPW NY and Steptoe DC. Got an offer from Steptoe, not DPW, but decided to take a different DC firm.

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[NYAssociate]

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