Paul Hastings in DC? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 2L looking at Paul Hastings in DC, and having a difficult time deciding (compared to V10 ranked firms in NY and DC). The firm generally seems great, but I really don't feel like I have any understanding of what the firm's level of prestige is/how that affects future exit options.

So, should I decide I want to leave after a few years, e.g., to go in-house or into government, would it be better if I were somewhere else? And/or does PH have ways of helping place people that other firms don't?

[Anonymous User]

Also considering PH's DC office, along with Cleary, O'Melveny, Cadwalader, and Sullcrom. Thoughts on the best option? (for litigation, possibly white collar)

[Anonymous User]

Bump-- anyone have any insight in PH D.C.?

[Anonymous User]

Also considering PH's DC office, along with Cleary, O'Melveny, Cadwalader, and Sullcrom. Thoughts on the best option? (for litigation, possibly white collar)

Sullcrom... Cadwalader should generally be avoided based on general reputation. Clearly, from my recollection, is focused predominantly on antitrust.

[Anonymous User]

I summered there, and I really liked it. It seemed like the opposite of a sweatshop. Hard to compare to other firms though. Associates lives seem much better than how they are described here, but the internet might just overblow how bad associates lifestyles are in general.

Though V10 is clearly more "prestigious." I'd imagine exit options are more tied to what practice group you join. If you want to do employment law, PH is really good.

Cleary and Sulcrom are just in another league in terms of "prestige."

[Anonymous User]

Two notes in re-upping this thread: first, i realize it's been 12 years, but that's exactly why I'm curious for some intel. Second, I am anonymous because my post history might reveal my background and identifiable info.

That being said, anyone have fresher info on the DC office?

[Anonymous User]

Your mileage will vary significantly depending on the practice group and the partners you're working for. PH has grown a lot over the years by poaching superstar laterals. The acquisitions have been good for the bottom line, but there isn't a lot of the "old" PH left, i.e., the people who knew the founding partners personally and who have a genuine sense of loyalty to the firm. The buying spree also means that they don't promote many partners from within. It's very much a mercenary firm.

DC has a fantastic IP group, though I get the impression that the firm's real IP superstars are on the west coast. DC also has a world-class white collar group, but it has historically focused on FCPA cases, which do not appear to be a significant priority for the current DOJ. Also a really great employment group. The partners overall are personable by biglaw standards. Take that how you will. Without getting into the details, the DC office definitely has "problem" partners. You'll want to talk to current associates off the record and do your research. Overall, you could definitely do a lot worse than PH in terms of culture. It doesn't have the DC prestige of say, Covington or Latham. But it's a very, very good firm.

[Anonymous User]

Two notes in re-upping this thread: first, i realize it's been 12 years, but that's exactly why I'm curious for some intel. Second, I am anonymous because my post history might reveal my background and identifiable info.

That being said, anyone have fresher info on the DC office?

They're really building it out, and it's a totally different firm within the last two years. Some splashy hires recently, building out appellate and antitrust practice, patent group also strong. Contrary to what was being said 12 years ago, people work hard. 2000 hour is the minimum for full bonus, which is pretty high to relative to other firms.

It's also funny because S&C still remains prestigious, but Cleary has been slipping the past 12 years. They're not V10 anymore...

[Anonymous User]

Let’s call it like it is. Brad bondi is awful to work for.

Your mileage will vary significantly depending on the practice group and the partners you're working for. PH has grown a lot over the years by poaching superstar laterals. The acquisitions have been good for the bottom line, but there isn't a lot of the "old" PH left, i.e., the people who knew the founding partners personally and who have a genuine sense of loyalty to the firm. The buying spree also means that they don't promote many partners from within. It's very much a mercenary firm.

DC has a fantastic IP group, though I get the impression that the firm's real IP superstars are on the west coast. DC also has a world-class white collar group, but it has historically focused on FCPA cases, which do not appear to be a significant priority for the current DOJ. Also a really great employment group. The partners overall are personable by biglaw standards. Take that how you will. Without getting into the details, the DC office definitely has "problem" partners. You'll want to talk to current associates off the record and do your research. Overall, you could definitely do a lot worse than PH in terms of culture. It doesn't have the DC prestige of say, Covington or Latham. But it's a very, very good firm.