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I'm interested in corporate work broadly, probably public M&A or private equity. Wondering about the culture of each of these firms. Leaning towards DPW based on personality fit - seems like people are happier, better work-life balance, and decent M&A and private equity work but not sure if the reputation might be misleading.

The only one of these firms that does significant PE work (as a proportion of hours), is PW. Cravath, S&C, and to a lesser extent DPW, are public M&A shops. PW used to be driven by Apollo work, and that is still a big client, but Scott Barshay has been bringing in public deals lately. It is almost laughable to consider work life balance as part of this equation - all of these firms are going to work you 24/7.

Anonymous User wrote:The only one of these firms that does significant PE work (as a proportion of hours), is PW. Cravath, S&C, and to a lesser extent DPW, are public M&A shops. PW used to be driven by Apollo work, and that is still a big client, but Scott Barshay has been bringing in public deals lately. It is almost laughable to consider work life balance as part of this equation - all of these firms are going to work you 24/7.

From what I've heard and my experience in DPW, you'll have a better work life balance at DPW than S&C (by a bit) and Cravath (I think by a good amount.) No idea about PW.

Also take my comment with a grain of salt because my experience with DPW has been in litigation.

Agree - comparing hours across these firms is laughable. If you’re an above average associate at any of these shops you’ll be worked to the bone. You’re likely to be busier at S&C and CSM in the sense that their premier M&A groups are naturally busier than DPW’s premier capital markets group. But if you’re doing any kind of M&A across these firms don’t choose one over the other because one firm says hours are better.

I chose Davis Polk for my summer over these choices (no PW, but STB). I think you can succeed and have great exits at any of these firms, but if you liked Davis more, go for it.