Akin (NYC) vs. Cadwalader (NYC) vs. Baker Botts (Dallas) Forum

[Anonymous User]

I generally want to do corporate/transactional, with a preference for firms that work with brick-and-motar companies rather than just investment funds and banks. I'm primarily concerned with picking the firm that's going to give me the best long-term options, whether that is a shot at making partner, or good lateral and/or in-house options.

Also concerned with finding a firm where I have low chances of being laid off or stealth laid off before I can cultivate good exit options (my understanding is that's years 1-3, though in general, I'd prefer to pick the firm with the lowest forced attrition).

Of the New York firms, I liked Cadwalader better, though I never know how much weight to put on callbacks and second looks. Somewhat concerned with the shark tank rumors surrounding that firm. I didn't see any traces of it, but if anybody has any input, I'd love to hear it. I didn't have any problems with Akin, it's just that the callback and second look left me feeling fairly neutral towards the firm. I've heard that Cadwalader has more of a diversified practice than Akin, but I don't know if that's true. A few professors told me that Cadwalader carries more portability and prestige than Akin. Is this true?

As far as NYC vs. TX goes, I'm far from being 100% sure I want to stay in Texas long-term. I've seen the city and while I don't think it would be absolutely miserable, I'm not a fan of the urban sprawl. My favorite cities are Boston/Seattle/San Fran, and other similar cities, so I don't know that Texas is for me long-term, unless I manage to adapt my preferences. That said, I'd have no problem happily spending five years there. It's just that thought of making a career commitment to the area gives me pause. I've heard the work-life balance is much better in Texas, and the low cost of living and tax rates are really tempting, especially to the risk-adverse part of me that wants to pay off all my loans and stockpile some money in case I'm one of the big law washouts who gets forced out without exit options (as I hear about on other threads, that's a non-negligable possibility, even if I work hard, etc.). That said, I'd be very hesitant to give up NYC's portability if starting off in Texas is going to lock me into that market.

Also, how much should the no-offer risk from BB factor into my decision?

Would really appreciate any help or insight into this decision. Thanks a bunch!

[Anonymous User]

BB Dallas offers for 2013 and 2014 were 100%

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader is legendarily unpleasant to work at and has ultra high leverage.

Akin NYC is run by its really excellent restructuring group. Much weaker in other practice areas.

[Actus Reus]

Cadwalader is legendarily unpleasant to work at and has ultra high leverage.

Akin NYC is run by its really excellent restructuring group. Much weaker in other practice areas.

Comical anecdotal info. Every firm has strong groups and weak groups and is tough to work at.

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader is legendarily unpleasant to work at and has ultra high leverage.

Akin NYC is run by its really excellent restructuring group. Much weaker in other practice areas.

Comical anecdotal info. Every firm has strong groups and weak groups and is tough to work at.

OK, 2L.

As a practicing lawyer who works across from, and has friends at, both those firms, I will restate:

Cadwalader has ultra high leverage. It is EWYK. It's basically like working in some sort of Darwinian dystopia.

Akin NYC is run by its excellent restructuring group and is basically a nonentity in other transactional practice areas.

[Actus Reus]

Cadwalader is legendarily unpleasant to work at and has ultra high leverage.

Akin NYC is run by its really excellent restructuring group. Much weaker in other practice areas.

Comical anecdotal info. Every firm has strong groups and weak groups and is tough to work at.

OK, 2L.

As a practicing lawyer who works across from, and has friends at, both those firms, I will restate:

Cadwalader has ultra high leverage. It is EWYK. It's basically like working in some sort of Darwinian dystopia.

Akin NYC is run by its excellent restructuring group and is basically a nonentity in other transactional practice areas.

Awesome to hide behind the anonymous label. I actually am a practicing attorney. And my point still stands. What group "runs" the firm means jack.

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader.

Avoid Akin because many strong partners are jumping ship and forming their own practices which is typical of a firm that is starting to sink.

Avoid Baker Botts because they ate up a bunch of Howrey lawyers which means Baker Botts had a hole they needed to fill with some temporary laterals.

[Anonymous User]

Anybody know anything more about the infamous Cadwalader culture? How are you supposed to ascertain whether it's true or not? I went back and people generally seemed happy. Ate lunch in the cafeteria with an associate and people didn't seem miserable and dead behind the eyes. Could just be a flame, though.

Also, why is Baker Botts filling a hole with laterals a bad thing? (Genuinely curious. I'm probably missing something there in understanding the business model of a firm).

[Actus Reus]

Anybody know anything more about the infamous Cadwalader culture? How are you supposed to ascertain whether it's true or not? I went back and people generally seemed happy. Ate lunch in the cafeteria with an associate and people didn't seem miserable and dead behind the eyes. Could just be a flame, though.

Also, why is Baker Botts filling a hole with laterals a bad thing? (Genuinely curious. I'm probably missing something there in understanding the business model of a firm).

Call up an alum and ask them to give it to you straight. PM me if you need help what to ask.

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader is legendarily unpleasant to work at and has ultra high leverage.

Akin NYC is run by its really excellent restructuring group. Much weaker in other practice areas.

Everyone seems to agree that Cadwalader was a terrible place to work at least until a few years ago but is it still so? How recent is your source? It still seems absolutely true that they are highly leveraged though...

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader.

Avoid Akin because many strong partners are jumping ship and forming their own practices which is typical of a firm that is starting to sink.

Avoid Baker Botts because they ate up a bunch of Howrey lawyers which means Baker Botts had a hole they needed to fill with some temporary laterals.

Which partners at Akin are jumping ship? Only reports I've seen are of partners joining Akin (http://nyti.ms/1r96tHF) and increases in PPP (http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=12 ... 0905205122). Both of which would suggest the opposite of a sinking firm.

[Anonymous User]

Cadwalader.

Avoid Akin because many strong partners are jumping ship and forming their own practices which is typical of a firm that is starting to sink.

Avoid Baker Botts because they ate up a bunch of Howrey lawyers which means Baker Botts had a hole they needed to fill with some temporary laterals.

Which partners at Akin are jumping ship? Only reports I've seen are of partners joining Akin (http://nyti.ms/1r96tHF) and increases in PPP (http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=12 ... 0905205122). Both of which would suggest the opposite of a sinking firm.

curious about this too