Dewey vs. Goodwin vs. Shearman Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey all,

I'd really love your input on this. I'm interested primarily in Corporate, but definitely want to try out Litigation as well. I know the culture at all these is very different, but I genuinely liked most of people I've met at all three. While I'd like a laid back firm (relatively), it's not a big deal if it's not, just as long as people are cordial, respectful, etc. Also, not looking to jump ship anytime soon. I'm not sure yet if I want to do the partnership track but I'm not looking to leave in ~3 years (at least for now). Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Which region?

[Anonymous User]

Which region?

OP here. NYC.

[Anonymous User]

How would you describe the difference in culture between the three?

[Anonymous User]

I was a 2011 summer at Shearman and I loved it. Definitely a pretty laid back atmosphere and the people were generally pretty great.

[Anonymous User]

How would you describe the difference in culture between the three?

All three were great but S&S definitely feels a little more formal and 'white shoe' than the others. Dewey and Goodwin on the other hand, felt a little more laid back and lifestyle type firms. I could be wrong, just the vibe I got from being in their offices.

[Anonymous User]

Problem with S&S is that they do mostly corporate, so you won't really have the chance to do lit there.

[Anonymous User]

Problem with S&S is that they do mostly corporate, so you won't really have the chance to do lit there.

I wholeheartedly disagree. I did one rotation at Shearman this summer in litigation. It's second largest practice area is pretty much litigation and there were tons of summer who rotated through.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Seems to be a pretty heavy lean towards Shearman. Aside from the obvious reason that they're better known/higher ranked, what are some reasons people seem to think they're better than the other two?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Seems to be a pretty heavy lean towards Shearman. Aside from the obvious reason that they're better known/higher ranked, what are some reasons people seem to think they're better than the other two?

Shearman is still in a different league than the other two options.

[Anonymous User]

relevant to my interests.

[Blindmelon]

Goodwin is a great Boston firm and Dewey is Dewey. Take Shearman.

[Anonymous User]

I was a 2011 summer at Shearman and I loved it. Definitely a pretty laid back atmosphere and the people were generally pretty great.

Care to elaborate on this? Thanks! Trying to decide b/t Shearman and a peer firm, as well.

[Anonymous User]

Goodwin is a great Boston firm and Dewey is Dewey. Take Shearman.

Dewey post-merger is not the same as Dewey pre-merger, and the firm appears to be on a decent upward trend. I've heard many say the opposite about Shearman. If OP wants corporate (specifically M&A), Dewey is fifth in the M&A league tables in deal value, behind only S&C, STB, Wachtell, and Skadden (http://www.mergermarket.com/pdf/FINAL_L ... 3_2011.pdf).

I would say this is a tougher choice between Dewey and Shearman than you make it out to be.

[Anonymous User]

Heard from a friend who worked there that Dewey NY only offered Litigation positions to a few SAs who had summered in the Corporate division, causing those SAs to either (a) work in a field that they had no interest in or (b) go find a new job. Very uncool. I would avoid.

[Anonymous User]

Heard from a friend who worked there that Dewey NY only offered Litigation positions to a few SAs who had summered in the Corporate division, causing those SAs to either (a) work in a field that they had no interest in or (b) go find a new job. Very uncool. I would avoid.

This was for the summer 2011 class?

[Anonymous User]

Heard from a friend who worked there that Dewey NY only offered Litigation positions to a few SAs who had summered in the Corporate division, causing those SAs to either (a) work in a field that they had no interest in or (b) go find a new job. Very uncool. I would avoid.

This was for the summer 2011 class?

Yes.

[Anonymous User]

Heard from a friend who worked there that Dewey NY only offered Litigation positions to a few SAs who had summered in the Corporate division, causing those SAs to either (a) work in a field that they had no interest in or (b) go find a new job. Very uncool. I would avoid.

This was for the summer 2011 class?

Yes.

Your friend is either not explaining this correctly, or you're lying. I SA'd there, and Dewey doesn't slot people into practice groups until just before they arrive next fall. All of the offers received were for the firm, and not for a general practice group like litigation or corporate.

[Anonymous User]

Heard from a friend who worked there that Dewey NY only offered Litigation positions to a few SAs who had summered in the Corporate division, causing those SAs to either (a) work in a field that they had no interest in or (b) go find a new job. Very uncool. I would avoid.

This was for the summer 2011 class?

Yes.

Your friend is either not explaining this correctly, or you're lying. I SA'd there, and Dewey doesn't slot people into practice groups until just before they arrive next fall. All of the offers received were for the firm, and not for a general practice group like litigation or corporate.

I don't know what to tell you. I'm not lying - just reporting what I heard. Perhaps they "strongly suggested" that this person go into that practice group. It's also entirely possible that this summer was dealt with differently than yourself.

[Anonymous User]

Do you know if Dewey gave offers to all of their SA's?

[Anonymous User]

I was also an SA at Dewey NY last summer and can confirm that they don't put you into a practice area or promise/not promise you a practice area when you get an offer. I dabbled in some of the niche practice areas.

Would stay away from Goodwin, friend was no offered there two summers ago.

[Pato_09]

Would stay away from Goodwin, friend was no offered there two summers ago.[/quote]

Wasn't this the norm for all firms (in 2009 summer)?

[Anonymous User]

To those who posted in this thread that summered at Dewey last year: Could you give me your impression of the firm? Is it really one of the more "laidback" NYC biglaw firms?

[Anonymous User]

To those who posted in this thread that summered at Dewey last year: Could you give me your impression of the firm? Is it really one of the more "laidback" NYC biglaw firms?

I'm also curious about this.

[Anonymous User]

Would stay away from Goodwin, friend was no offered there two summers ago.

Wasn't this the norm for all firms (in 2009 summer)?[/quote]


I meant Summer 2010. It was not the norm then. This person had offers to summer with various other firms, and regrets going with Goodwin. I know very few people who did not receive offers from their firms in 2010.