Williams & Connolly vs. Covington (DC) vs. WilmerHale (DC)? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have the great fortune to be deciding between W&C, WilmerHale (DC), or Covington (DC). I am most interested in doing investigations. I definitely like litigation, but I also don't know what regulatory work is like, and whether I would enjoy that as well. Right now I am leaning towards W&C, just because it is such a unique opportunity. I feel like I could try the summer at W&C, and if I don't love it, could always participate in 3L OCI for Covington and WilmerHale. Thoughts on this strategy? What do you think is each firm's strength, and what are the comparative exit options like? Interested to know how you all would approach this.

[Elston Gunn]

I would go with W&C if you’re pretty sure you want litigation/white collar. Wilmer and Covington are fine choices for that, but W&C is on a slightly different level.

That said, I wouldn’t expect to be able to get either Wilmer or Covington at 3L OCI. In any case, the only reason you’d want to trade firms is if you decided you wanted to do regulatory work, and there would be little chance of that happening after a summer at W&C.

[Anonymous User]

One thing to keep in mind is that W&C isn't as much of a revolving door as Wilmer/Covington, in case you are interested in investigations because you want DOJ eventually. That being said I'd imagine exit opps are probably as good or better than anywhere else. Do you mind sharing your CB and offer date? I'm waiting on W&C

[Anonymous User]

One thing to keep in mind is that W&C isn't as much of a revolving door as Wilmer/Covington, in case you are interested in investigations because you want DOJ eventually. That being said I'd imagine exit opps are probably as good or better than anywhere else. Do you mind sharing your CB and offer date? I'm waiting on W&C

OP here, CB last week, offer late this week.

[Anonymous User]

One thing to keep in mind is that W&C isn't as much of a revolving door as Wilmer/Covington, in case you are interested in investigations because you want DOJ eventually. That being said I'd imagine exit opps are probably as good or better than anywhere else. Do you mind sharing your CB and offer date? I'm waiting on W&C

This is definitely still true, but W&C is also relaxing it's no re-hiring policy somewhat. A few former associates recently have been brought back as counsel with a shot at making partner. The key is that they all spent significant time at the firm before leaving, so they're still seen as "home grown" / not laterals. Not something to bet on, but a data point worth having.

(Anon b/c sharing inside info.)