Ropes & Gray Forum

[Anonymous User]

What do people generally think of R&G in terms of prestige and also in terms of overall reputation and exit options for associates?

[Wild Card]

I don't consider it impressive because it's only 10 years old and has no particular strengths, according to Chambers.

Nontheless, I've run into one or two former associates at the U.S. Attorney's Office (SDNY) and the SEC (NY), which is quite a feat.

What are your other options?

[dogger]

Solid firm especially well-known in Boston. Pretty prestigious to me. Seems like a good option on paper.

[Anonymous User]

I don't consider it impressive because it's only 10 years old and has no particular strengths, according to Chambers.

What office are you referring to? Chicago or Silicon Valley or something? Obviously their Boston and even NY offices are very-well established. Been around a lot longer than 10 years.

I always looked at Ropes as a smaller Simpson Thatcher (and I know many attorneys at Ropes' east coast offices). Similar clients and practice groups, very thorough and complicated work, demanding clients, but the atmosphere isn't as "heavy" as some of the NY big-time-hitters. A little more laid back, a little more predictable schedules (especially in litigation), a lot of money and billing flowing through (but still not as much as the Skaddens/STs/Sullivans/Kirklands).

Most new attorneys want the really heavy hitting work and the squeeze firms. Ropes is a very reputable firm with great work and clients, but whether you're in Boston or a satellite, it is not going to present the same prestige as ST or the others I listed above. But if you want a firm that pays market (or a little above) and doesn't choke you quite as hard as its neighbors in Manhattan, I say go for it.

[Anonymous User]

Depends entirely on the office. In Boston, it is traditionally one of the big 3 most prestigious firms (along with Wilmer and the now defunct Bingham), and is IMO a better choice for transactional work in Boston than Wilmer. In NYC, it is a respectable satellite office of a larger firm, meaning that is has a good variety of practice areas, pays market, good exit ops if you perform well. I'd imagine it is the same for DC, SF, and Chicago. All in all a very good firm but a little heavy on PE work which is due for a contraction in the next cycle.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the feedback! Referring to their NYC office.

[Anonymous User]

Some people refer to it as Ropes and Chains.

It’s a great firm, though. I wouldn’t choose it over a NY HQ though (even a “lower ranked” one).

[Anonymous User]

Depends entirely on the office. In Boston, it is traditionally one of the big 3 most prestigious firms (along with Wilmer and the now defunct Bingham), and is IMO a better choice for transactional work in Boston than Wilmer. In NYC, it is a respectable satellite office of a larger firm, meaning that is has a good variety of practice areas, pays market, good exit ops if you perform well. I'd imagine it is the same for DC, SF, and Chicago. All in all a very good firm but a little heavy on PE work which is due for a contraction in the next cycle.

Lol Bingham. You mean Goodwin bro.