What's Up With Skadden? Forum

[Anonymous User]

So I have an offer from Skadden NY and I'm very heavily considering accepting (interested in lit and white collar) However, everyone I've talked to has told me not to, saying things like "it's so big," or "it's a sweatshop," or "it's an immature college fraternity." None of them work there though, and are just regurgitating rumors. When I met with them, they were so friendly, so social, and very work hard play hard oriented, which I loved. And sure, it's big, and the hours are long, but that's pretty standard for NYC biglaw. I'm trying to figure out if these negatives are just rumors or if there is actual substance to them. TLS seems pretty devoid of wisdom and conversation on Skadden NY (not even a TLS article on Skadden!). Can anyone offer insight? Thank you.

[Anonymous User]

Summered there recently. All sorts go there - plenty of people who just grind work, plenty of people who enjoy the city, plenty of people who work hard play hard, etc. One of the advantages of having a large office is there's room for everyone - if you want to find like minded people at work, make friendships in your class, etc. you'll be able to and those relationships are strongly encouraged. So I'm very secure in my impression that Skadden tends to be more social and less "work is over here, my personal life is over there" than most other firms.

It's a law firm with many top notch practices (read: as strong as any other firm). Top notch practices = there will be work. Work means there will be opportunity (if for nothing else, to build strong resume lines). I do not think the firm is a sweatshop relative to its peers. I feel like average hours billed are around 2000 but can't cite my source.

As with any large law firm YMMV

One more thing that I think is exceptional about Skadden is that Skadden makes a big effort to keep current associates in the loop on where "Skadden alumni" are working (and to make introductions as needed). The fact that people lateral later in their careers isn't a secret - so the fact that Skadden is on the ball with maintaining those relationships is a huge selling point for me.

[Anonymous User]

Also considering skadden nyc for lit and have had essentially the same exact experience. Really liked and was impressed with all 10 people I met, and got the idea that the workload was not among the very worst. Then the majority of people I've spoken deride its culture and say its one of the very worst sweatshops. Don't really know who to believe.

[snagglepuss]

Skadden's next campaign: "Who said chill bros didn't work at sweatshops?"

[Anonymous User]

In the same situation as other anons. Would like to know more about the actual culture. Also, anyone going to the offer dinner tonight?

[Anonymous User]

I'm an associate at Skadden's New York office.

it's a sweatshop

I feel like average hours billed are around 2000 but can't cite my source.

The official number Eric Friedman gave us a few months back was about 1800 for associates, and about 1900 for counsel. That seems about right based on my own hours the past few years and those of the folks I talk to. But your actual billables will vary a lot depending on what practice group you're in.

it's so big

It's true that we have a lot of international offices and other US offices, but I don't really feel it's huge. Our New York office has a smaller headcount than a number of other NY firms (but unless you're going to a boutique, I doubt it'll matter much if the office is 650 attorneys or 700). You get to know everyone in your summer class, then you get to know the other associates at your year level during the ACE training, you get to know folks on your floor and in your practice groups, you meet folks at the gym and events. Eventually you wind up feeling like you know most of the folks in the office. Also, honestly, having a big DC office or Delaware office is a huge benefit when clients come to you with questions about upcoming regulations or Chancery decisions etc.

it's an immature college fraternity

Would like to know more about the actual culture

If I had to generalize for the entire NY office, I'd say our culture is a bit more relaxed and extroverted, but I wouldn't say it's fratty. As another poster mentioned, all sorts work here--some people like to go out; some people like to be with their families. Your best bet at getting a feel for the culture and personalities here is to come back for a second look.