Akin (NYC) vs. Cadwalader (NYC) vs. Baker Botts (Dallas)
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 2:29 pm
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!
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!