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Thanks guys.

Anonymous User wrote:Was wondering pros and cons. Have an offer at all 3.

Which practice group? Lateral or 1L SA?

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Was wondering pros and cons. Have an offer at all 3.

Which practice group? Lateral or 1L SA?

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Was wondering pros and cons. Have an offer at all 3.

Which practice group? Lateral or 1L SA?

Later and transaction

You're the latter like a 1L? Or a lateral? I think your phone autocorrected.

What form of Transactional? Private equity/M&A or banking and finance?

Weil is one of the top ten law firms in the nation, eleven actually this year I think. They are a New York based firm, so you get New York deals and work, but Texas cost of living. They also are renowned for their bankruptcy practice, so in hard times (for when this bull market ends), the firm will be safe. I believe they were one of the only firms that did not lay off attorneys or abandon offers during the 08 recession. I have a friend that works there and I believe she said they offered paid pro bono opportunities or temporary bankruptcy spots. They also are so accomplished, they would provide a better platform to step off from if you didn't want to stay in firm life forever or wanted better transition opportunities. They have had a bit of movement in their transactional department this past year due to new entries in the Dallas market, but each person who left, left with a title upgrade. This is a really exemplary firm, and my friend is thrilled to work here. She loves the Dallas office, people, and always lights up when she discusses work...which is rare in this field.

Akin is a regional firm due to it being founded in Dallas, so it has a huge Texas presence if you want to stay Texas born and bred. I have a friend in the M&A department here and he loves it; his goal in choosing Akin was to select a place where he could really focus on Texas Oil & Gas. The way he talks, O&G drives the majority of Akin's transactions, and he used to be a landman, so that was his niche. I know a few people who dislike the culture here, but mostly I hear positive things from current and past Akin attorneys. They are extremely engaged in the Dallas legal market and are constantly sponsoring really neat events to get them better plugged into the community and help their lawyers build a solid network. My understanding is if you're oil and gas focus, this is the place you want to be for southern region. The only real oil and gas transaction contender in Dallas is K&E, aside from those two you have to go to Houston.

Winston Strawn is interesting. I was really drawn to it when they first moved into the Dallas area because they pulled a lot of great attorneys when they moved into Dallas and have an amazing reputation. I debated my Chicago Winston offer hard before landing in Dallas. However, despite being a Chicago based firm with a wonderful reputation, they do not appear to have established a name for themselves in Dallas yet. I only know one individual who went over when they came in, and he actually returned to the firm he had left. So I speak not having much to go on. They've only been in Dallas for approximately two-ish years, so I'm sure they are trying to still establish a culture within themselves. They were able to pull attorneys who had worked at other firms for a long time, and I think they've had some struggle getting all those past cultures to fit into their new Winston culture. However, they are Winston Strawn; I'm sure they'll be great. The thing that distinguishes this one right now is if you want a chance to get in early and help build this firm's Dallas base. Akin has been in Dallas 70+ years and Weil has been in Dallas 35+ years; they have an established reputation and culture for their offices where Winstead might still be trying to figure it's vibe out.

Weil: the Dallas office has had some pretty massive defections in recent years. Some call the office a sinking ship. Having said this, it seems like this applies mostly to lit. I think a lot of people would still put Weil's corp practice in tier 1 for Dallas, but not the most stable team.

Akin: terrible reputation for culture. Probably the worst in the city. Lots of past threads on this.

Winston: new office, no idea about their corp team. Their lit team is doing very well from what I hear.

I'd also recommend checking out the 2018 Dallas thread. Lots of useful info there.

[quote="Anonymous User"]Weil: the Dallas office has had some pretty massive defections in recent years. Some call the office a sinking ship. Having said this, it seems like this applies mostly to lit. I think a lot of people would still put Weil's corp practice in tier 1 for Dallas, but not the most stable team.

Akin: terrible reputation for culture. Probably the worst in the city. Lots of past threads on this.

Winston: new office, no idea about their corp team. Their lit team is doing very well from what I hear.

I'd also recommend checking out the 2018 Dallas thread.

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Weil: the Dallas office has had some pretty massive defections in recent years. Some call the office a sinking ship. Having said this, it seems like this applies mostly to lit. I think a lot of people would still put Weil's corp practice in tier 1 for Dallas, but not the most stable team.

Akin: terrible reputation for culture. Probably the worst in the city. Lots of past threads on this.

Winston: new office, no idea about their corp team. Their lit team is doing very well from what I hear.

I'd also recommend checking out the 2018 Dallas thread. Lots of useful info there.

I’ve checked that thread. It seems like good information. My concern with Akin is the lack of opportunity to make partner because that office does not bring in much work. Does anyone know if this is true? Also, Winston seems to have better opportunities but it is such an unknown right now that maybe it’s best to go with the established firm.

There isn’t much opportunity to make partner at any of these firms.

If you want transaction I would go with Weil. But that’s from a nyc perspective.

RaceJudicata wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Weil: the Dallas office has had some pretty massive defections in recent years. Some call the office a sinking ship. Having said this, it seems like this applies mostly to lit. I think a lot of people would still put Weil's corp practice in tier 1 for Dallas, but not the most stable team.

Akin: terrible reputation for culture. Probably the worst in the city. Lots of past threads on this.

Winston: new office, no idea about their corp team. Their lit team is doing very well from what I hear.

I'd also recommend checking out the 2018 Dallas thread. Lots of useful info there.

I’ve checked that thread. It seems like good information. My concern with Akin is the lack of opportunity to make partner because that office does not bring in much work. Does anyone know if this is true? Also, Winston seems to have better opportunities but it