Top Law Schools

Hi all, strongly leaning transactional atm but not sure what specifically. Trying to decide based on fit/office culture primarily (friendly, social etc.) but haven't been able to discern much from cbs and 2nd looks (eg. cadwalder gets a negative rep based on tls and friends, but I wouldn't have been able to discern that by myself)

Any input (including those calling me an idiot) is helpful. TIA!

Willkie. Would avoid Cadwalader, literally everyone I know who started there has lateraled out so I assume the negative rep is somewhat true.

smokeylarue wrote:Willkie. Would avoid Cadwalader, literally everyone I know who started there has lateraled out so I assume the negative rep is somewhat true.

Hey! Thanks for the input, esp about Cadwalader! Just had a follow-up - what made you say Willkie? Is it because they have a stronger corporate practice group or because they have a better firm culture/reputation etc.? Thanks!

Not sure about other offices but I keep hearing terrible things about Cadwaladers DC and NY offices. If rumors have even a grain of truth, they are pretty toxic, especially for minorities.

As someone who's worked in the Cadwalader corporate group, I'd advise going elsewhere. The group has one third year, one fourth year, and two second years, after hiring at least 4 or 5 associates from their summer class to the corporate group each year. That should tell you all you need to know. It's also famed for its "lean staffing" so you can expect to work harder than other young associates at other firms and work more directly with awful partners.

The toxic culture rumors are definitely true.

[Different anon, not OP]

Why not Fried Frank?

I think it's a toss-up between FF and Willkie. Their corporate practices are generally equal and culture at both is supposed to be good. Go wherever you felt the best connection.

Anon because I've worked at one of these firms.