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I'm choosing among Skadden, Davis Polk, Simpson and Kirkland. All New York. I'm interested in doing corporate work, but not sure what exactly (open to M&A, capital markets, etc). I'm leaning towards Skadden solely based on fit/personality, under the assumption that work, exit options and other similar considerations are pretty much the same across the board. Is this a valid assumption? Is there anything I should consider other than perceived fit? I plan on doing some second looks, but no idea how I will decide.

I had the same options plus the rest of the non-Wachtell V5 and picked Skadden for the same reasons you note. I meshed with them on a fit level, they have great exit options, and have a number of elite corporate practices. If you really vibed with the office, go ahead and pull the trigger.

Can't really make a bad choice here. Go with what feels good -- all are fantastic places to begin a career in corporate. Had Kirk, STB, Skadden, and Debevoise in the end, and largely chose STB for a similar reason.

OP here. Thanks for the advice.

Depends what you want to do. If goal is PE type exit options kirkland / stb look great (Kirkland for smaller clients, stb for bigger). If goal is fund fromation, consider deb. I think skadden is the best for undecided?

I'm most interested in M&A if I had to pick one now. Going in with an open mind though!