Is HQ important? Forum

[Anonymous User]

All else equal:
Would you go to V20 satellite (they claim near-independent decision making) or V30 HQ in the same area?

What could be the HQ and non HQ difference, and would it be significant?

[Anonymous User]

All else equal:
Would you go to V20 satellite (they claim near-independent decision making) or V30 HQ in the same area?

What could be the HQ and non HQ difference, and would it be significant?

Anecdotal but I've had practicing attorneys tell me that satellite offices can be hit-or-miss depending on their degree of autonomy. Some satellite offices can really play second-fiddle to HQ in terms of upward mobility and exit options. Others it doesn't really matter. You're going to need to do your homework on this.

But really, if the Vault rankings are as arbitrary as people say they are I don't think you should let V20 vs. V30 make your decision. Go to the place you "fit" best. Outside of V5/V10 I can't imagine the rankings mean more than the firm's individual reputation.

[Anonymous User]

So as long as the non-HQ office claims that they are not like outsourcing type of office, then the quality of work or the reputation should not be an issue?
I mean that V20 is the rank for either HQ or the firm itself, not the regional office, correct?
Then would working at a regional office carry same prestigiousness?

[fatduck]

well overall the V30 will be 10 points less prestigious, but HQs often house the star partners so that's at least +5 points, you also have advantages in firm politics, which gets you about +2-3 points. it's close, but based on these numbers i think the V20 satellite office is clearly the best place for you to spend 60-70 hours a week for the next few years of your life.

[Anonymous User]

well overall the V30 will be 10 points less prestigious, but HQs often house the star partners so that's at least +5 points, you also have advantages in firm politics, which gets you about +2-3 points. it's close, but based on these numbers i think the V20 satellite office is clearly the best place for you to spend 60-70 hours a week for the next few years of your life.

Interesting the way you approached it.
I was initially drawn to V20 for its prestige but V30 is really pursuing me. V30 is basically giving me subtle things that they don't do to other SAs to make me come to them.
Is this just a marketing tactic or should I really believe that I will be given more responsibility once I go there?

[JollyGreenGiant]

well overall the V30 will be 10 points less prestigious, but HQs often house the star partners so that's at least +5 points, you also have advantages in firm politics, which gets you about +2-3 points. it's close, but based on these numbers i think the V20 satellite office is clearly the best place for you to spend 60-70 hours a week for the next few years of your life.

[fatduck]

well overall the V30 will be 10 points less prestigious, but HQs often house the star partners so that's at least +5 points, you also have advantages in firm politics, which gets you about +2-3 points. it's close, but based on these numbers i think the V20 satellite office is clearly the best place for you to spend 60-70 hours a week for the next few years of your life.

Interesting the way you approached it.
I was initially drawn to V20 for its prestige but V30 is really pursuing me. V30 is basically giving me subtle things that they don't do to other SAs to make me come to them.
Is this just a marketing tactic or should I really believe that I will be given more responsibility once I go there?

you're right to be skeptical; you haven't even worked a day there. you're obviously a discerning individual, so i'd trust your instincts on this one.

[Anonymous User]

well overall the V30 will be 10 points less prestigious, but HQs often house the star partners so that's at least +5 points, you also have advantages in firm politics, which gets you about +2-3 points. it's close, but based on these numbers i think the V20 satellite office is clearly the best place for you to spend 60-70 hours a week for the next few years of your life.

Interesting the way you approached it.
I was initially drawn to V20 for its prestige but V30 is really pursuing me. V30 is basically giving me subtle things that they don't do to other SAs to make me come to them.
Is this just a marketing tactic or should I really believe that I will be given more responsibility once I go there?

you're right to be skeptical; you haven't even worked a day there. you're obviously a discerning individual, so i'd trust your instincts on this one.

Is it rare for a firm to do that to attract a particular candidate?