Schulte v. Fried Frank v. Dechert Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I'm still waiting on some places to trickle in, but for now I'm making a choice between FF and SRZ. I'm interested in transactional work generally but beyond that, not sure (maybe M&A, Real Estate, or Tax - it seemed like the firms are strong in the same areas but that FF is better in all except investment fund stuff). FF seemed a bit "stiff" but other than that I had pretty similar impressions of the cultures on net, though FF seemed a little more laid back. I'm mostly looking for best quality of experience/exit opps. I have one concern in that over the past year or so, I've heard some instability rumors regarding FF, so if true, that's a concern (I'm going to talk to CSO and try to get in touch with FF alums of my school to determine whether it's true).

Eta: dechert offer.

[Swimp]

Do you have a strong interest in hedge fund work? If not, FF seems like the pretty clear choice here. I'm actually a little surprised the voting is so even.

[Anonymous User]

bump. Rationale behind the SRZ votes?

[Anonymous User]

Also, and I don't mean to come off as entitled, but should I do my scheduled callbacks at Dechert and McDermott NY? I'm not really sure where those two fall on the spectrum.

[Swimp]

Also, and I don't mean to come off as entitled, but should I do my scheduled callbacks at Dechert and McDermott NY? I'm not really sure where those two fall on the spectrum.

It wouldn't be crazy to take either of those places over FF or SRZ. I'd do the callbacks.

[hephaestus]

Do you have a strong interest in hedge fund work? If not, FF seems like the pretty clear choice here. I'm actually a little surprised the voting is so even.

I think FF is the better choice, unless you really want to do funds work. FF has a top notch corporate practice in NYC that is not properly reflected in its Vault ranking. Additionally, they have consistently given 100% offers.

[Anonymous User]

Do you have a strong interest in hedge fund work? If not, FF seems like the pretty clear choice here. I'm actually a little surprised the voting is so even.

I think FF is the better choice, unless you really want to do funds work. FF has a top notch corporate practice in NYC that is not properly reflected in its Vault ranking. Additionally, they have consistently given 100% offers.

OK cool I didn't find offer rates. Schulte is high but they no offered someone last year

[Anonymous User]

Bump for new offer.

[Anonymous User]

Fried Frank probably gives you the best overall transactional practice. Schulte for funds work. Would probably take both over dechert, don't know much about them.

[Anonymous User]

bump

[Anonymous User]

If you want a shot at doing developer-side real estate work, FF is the only one of these firms that does that. SRZ and Dechert are both on the financing/securitization side.

[Anonymous User]

If you want a shot at doing developer-side real estate work, FF is the only one of these firms that does that. SRZ and Dechert are both on the financing/securitization side.

I'm probably leaning more toward transactional stuff, but I really like that FF works a lot with GS. Other main considerations are lateral opportunities and job security/offer rates.

[Anonymous User]

I had the exact same offers as you OP and chose FF. My rationale was aligned with what a couple of the posters here have said and seems to be what you are thinking as well - I am interested in transactional generally but can't say what exactly. I think FF is more well-regarded in a breadth of corp transactional practice areas whereas Schulte is almost exclusively funds. Also think FF has better rep in NY than it might seem like for exit opps.

I was concerned about the partner defections though. Hopefully with new head of the firm things will start trending in a better direction.

[Mal Reynolds]

If you're not operating at the top of the funds game then you might as well go to med school.

[Anonymous User]

If you're not operating at the top of the funds game then you might as well go to med school.

what?

I had the exact same offers as you OP and chose FF. My rationale was aligned with what a couple of the posters here have said and seems to be what you are thinking as well - I am interested in transactional generally but can't say what exactly. I think FF is more well-regarded in a breadth of corp transactional practice areas whereas Schulte is almost exclusively funds. Also think FF has better rep in NY than it might seem like for exit opps.

I was concerned about the partner defections though. Hopefully with new head of the firm things will start trending in a better direction.

Thanks, it sounds like you and I have similar interests/concerns. I was also worried about the whole Greenwald/Jacob changeover. Are you a 2L or are you already at the firm?

[Anonymous User]

I had the exact same offers as you OP and chose FF. My rationale was aligned with what a couple of the posters here have said and seems to be what you are thinking as well - I am interested in transactional generally but can't say what exactly. I think FF is more well-regarded in a breadth of corp transactional practice areas whereas Schulte is almost exclusively funds. Also think FF has better rep in NY than it might seem like for exit opps.

I was concerned about the partner defections though. Hopefully with new head of the firm things will start trending in a better direction.

Thanks, it sounds like you and I have similar interests/concerns. I was also worried about the whole Greenwald/Jacob changeover. Are you a 2L or are you already at the firm?

I'm a 2L. Just accepted my offer this week.

[FKASunny]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

[Anonymous User]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

Is this just srz trolling or do you have real reasons?

[Mal Reynolds]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

Is this just srz trolling or do you have real reasons?

DROVES of FUNDS

[Anonymous User]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

Is this just srz trolling or do you have real reasons?

[Mal Reynolds]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

Is this just srz trolling or do you have real reasons?

DROVES of FUNDS

[Anonymous User]

I hate that you got offers at the only NY firms I had cbs with and was rejected from. but go with Fried Frank.

[Anonymous User]

You'd be a fool not to accept the Schulte offer

Is this just srz trolling or do you have real reasons?

DROVES of FUNDS

to be clear, second anon was not me (OP)

[hephaestus]

Eta: dechert offer.

I don't think Dechert changes this equation at all, and I would still stick to FF.

[mvp99]

Obvissssss Schulte