Shearman and Sterling? Forum

[Anonymous User]

What's the current general consensus on the firm? Currently have an offer. They do all the work I'm interested in (project finance, M&A, capmarkets - with an international bent), but I've heard negative things about the firm's health and future. I'm aware their practice isn't what it used to be.

Also, for argument's sake, how would it compare to a firm like Fried Frank (assuming the same practice area interests)?

[Anonymous User]

bump

[Anonymous User]

Shearman is definitely in decline. They seem to be on fewer and fewer deals every year. In another thread, itbvorm (the V15 senior associate who is on TLS) said they've basically fallen off the face of the earth. And yet somehow it's also has a terrible culture.

I have friends from MVP at both Shearman and Fried Frank. You'll work hard at both, FF has a much a better culture (as well as a broader ranger of practice groups)

[jasonredranger]

Shearman is definitely in decline. They seem to be on fewer and fewer deals every year. In another thread, itbvorm (the V15 senior associate who is on TLS) said they've basically fallen off the face of the earth. And yet somehow it's also has a terrible culture.

I have friends from MVP at both Shearman and Fried Frank. You'll work hard at both, FF has a much a better culture (as well as a broader ranger of practice groups)

I thought revenue and PPP were on the rebound? From what I hear they have more work than associates can handle.

[Anonymous User]

Shearman is definitely in decline. They seem to be on fewer and fewer deals every year. In another thread, itbvorm (the V15 senior associate who is on TLS) said they've basically fallen off the face of the earth. And yet somehow it's also has a terrible culture.

I have friends from MVP at both Shearman and Fried Frank. You'll work hard at both, FF has a much a better culture (as well as a broader ranger of practice groups)

I thought revenue and PPP were on the rebound? From what I hear they have more work than associates can handle.

Heard the same. SS is also increasing the size of their summer class.

[Anonymous User]

OP, how many days were between your CB and offer?

[Anonymous User]

OP, how many days were between your CB and offer?

Not OP, but 48 hours between callback and offer.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I got the call the evening after the CB.

[Anonymous User]

How were the CBs? Relaxed?

[Anonymous User]

Would I be crazy for taking Shearman over Kirkland (NY)?

[Johann]

Would I be crazy for taking Shearman over Kirkland (NY)?

Yeah that's a terrible decision.

[Anonymous User]

Would I be crazy for taking Shearman over Kirkland (NY)?

Yeah that's a terrible decision.

Any insight why? I'm pretty committed to working overseas as soon as possible — is Kirkland still the right move?

[Johann]

Yeah disregard that then. I know nothing about going overseas. It's easy to go from Kirkland to similar shops as shearman which is why I said it would be dumb. Plus shearman looks like they are struggling and Kirkland swimming in work. But the overseas wrinkle renders my input worthless

[Anonymous User]

Yeah disregard that then. I know nothing about going overseas. It's easy to go from Kirkland to similar shops as shearman which is why I said it would be dumb. Plus shearman looks like they are struggling and Kirkland swimming in work. But the overseas wrinkle renders my input worthless

What have you heard about Shearman struggling? I've asked other attorneys and my CSO about this but no one has confirmed that they are struggling. I've only heard rumors about problems on TLS. Anything that you know would be helpful.

[Johann]

Struggling in this economy is probably way stronger word. They aren't booming right now in a booming economy would be more accurate based on what I've read and seen which you could just search here and look at revenue numbers. New York was booming and shearman I believe lagged. But obviously if you want to work in London that's a big deal.

[Anonymous User]

Shearman is definitely in decline. They seem to be on fewer and fewer deals every year. In another thread, itbvorm (the V15 senior associate who is on TLS) said they've basically fallen off the face of the earth. And yet somehow it's also has a terrible culture.

I have friends from MVP at both Shearman and Fried Frank. You'll work hard at both, FF has a much a better culture (as well as a broader ranger of practice groups)

I work at Shearman and every junior I know is both (a) busy as shit and (b) loves their general practice group/people they work with. The various midlevels who have left have gone to some pretty sweet gigs.

This whole "Shearman is in decline!!!" stuff I don't really understand at all, given my day-to-day experience.

[Johann]

Please do not put me in the camp of shearman being in decline. My general take which is not that well informed and only based on New York City numbers I saw was that shearman was doing fine but other firms were really booming right now. A quick google search indicates the London office is booming and NYC office is fine. I don't have any inside intel. My main thought is Kirkland is really really booming right now in the category of ID put them as the second best firm to work for right now behind only wachtell. Obviously the foreign thing changes things significantly because shearma a London office is doing very very well.

Just wanted to clarify that before bowing out.

[Anonymous User]

I work at Shearman and every junior I know is both (a) busy as shit and (b) loves their general practice group/people they work with. The various midlevels who have left have gone to some pretty sweet gigs.

This whole "Shearman is in decline!!!" stuff I don't really understand at all, given my day-to-day experience.

This. I also work at Shearman (junior) and have had my plate full (more than?) over the past two months.

[Anonymous User]

I know a junior associate there who bills 240 a month all year, except this summer apparently.

There is no shortage of work if you want work.

[Anonymous User]

I know a junior associate there who bills 240 a month all year, except this summer apparently.

There is no shortage of work if you want work.

Also looking into heading to Shearman. What happened this summer? Slowdown?

[Anonymous User]

No, summer. Dude there is no conclusion about long term health of a firm to be made from the cyclical and seasonal nature of work flow. August is busy for recruiting, lighter for litigation.