Top Law Schools

Anyone know anything about this firm, or the Del Mar office specifically? Typical hours/lifestyle/culture, etc. really any information would be appreciated about the firm and the office.

The recruiter is super nice and friendly. Per her word, the firm is mostly IP oriented (that specific branch). Because of the location being small, she said that it's a very collegial environment.

This is all info from a non-attorney, but you said anything would help.

To be honest, given the location and what I heard from that branch, not a bad place to be at. I also overall like SM, so I'm a little biased.

Good luck!

What about the quality of exit options...due to being in a smaller office, and what seems to be a more regional firm within CA? Or is that not an accurate description?

Bump. Also, anyone know if they're amenable to splitting time with other offices? Specifically Century City to be able to see some media/entertainment work.

Has the highest rating in San Diego according to ALM in terms of midlevel satisfaction. They have a ton of laterals, so that might very well be true.

Their Labor and Employment practice is probably one of the best in San Diego. Their corporate side is known for diversifying pretty heavily so as to survive in the region where the legal market can be pretty cyclical and has seen firms like Baker and Gibson Dunn close up shop due to expecting they'd be able to survive on niche. SM does work for a good amount of smaller companies as well as bigger companies, and I got the feeling there is the opportunity early to be almost completely handling those small client's needs.

That's all I got - I did a callback there and also met the hiring partner on a separate occasion. Seems like a pretty good place to go for quality of life. That said, they do work just as hard as other biglaw firms.

Anonymous User wrote:Has the highest rating in San Diego according to ALM in terms of midlevel satisfaction. They have a ton of laterals, so that might very well be true.

Their Labor and Employment practice is probably one of the best in San Diego. Their corporate side is known for diversifying pretty heavily so as to survive in the region where the legal market can be pretty cyclical and has seen firms like Baker and Gibson Dunn close up shop due to expecting they'd be able to survive on niche. SM does work for a good amount of smaller companies as well as bigger companies, and I got the feeling there is the opportunity early to be almost completely handling those small client's needs.

That's all I got - I did a callback there and also met the hiring partner on a separate occasion. Seems like a pretty good place to go for quality of life. That said, they do work just as hard as other biglaw firms.

This year? Have you heard back from them?

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Has the highest rating in San Diego according to ALM in terms of midlevel satisfaction. They have a ton of laterals, so that might very well be true.

Their Labor and Employment practice is probably one of the best in San Diego. Their corporate side is known for diversifying pretty heavily so as to survive in the region where the legal market can be pretty cyclical and has seen firms like Baker and Gibson Dunn close up shop due to expecting they'd be able to survive on niche. SM does work for a good amount of smaller companies as well as bigger companies, and I got the feeling there is the opportunity early to be almost completely handling those small client's needs.

That's all I got - I did a callback there and also met the hiring partner on a separate occasion. Seems like a pretty good place to go for quality of life. That said, they do work just as hard as other biglaw firms.

This year? Have you heard back from them?

Yes, I did a callback over the summer (mid July) and then had radio silence for about 3 weeks before being asked back to talk to the hiring partner. They extended an offer the day after speaking with the hiring partner (who was a very laid back and cool guy) a month after the initial callback.