Top Law Schools

What sort of ties would I need to the area to land a mid-level spot at one of the bigger Philly firms? I'll be moving there for my wife's work and will also be coming off a CA3 clerkship; is that sufficient? In general, what's the vibe like in the Lit groups at Morgan Lewis, Dechert, DM, etc.? Thanks for your input!

Anonymous User wrote:What sort of ties would I need to the area to land a mid-level spot at one of the bigger Philly firms? I'll be moving there for my wife's work and will also be coming off a CA3 clerkship; is that sufficient? In general, what's the vibe like in the Lit groups at Morgan Lewis, Dechert, DM, etc.? Thanks for your input!

Can't really speak to the vibes/culture, but I think if your wife has a job in Philly, that's a pretty significant tie. That said, I'm sure the concern would be that your wife could get transferred again next year or something to some other city.

So, I'd try to emphasize additional ties that are more long-term (do you have family in the area?). If no other ties, try to emphasize that you've visited Philly and really like the area, you'd love to put down roots and stay for good, you could see yourself raising your family there, etc. to make it seem like you're committed to the market long term.

OP here. Thanks, Tiger. I do have some family in central PA, but would emphasizing that geographic connection come across as a bit of a stretch?

Anonymous User wrote:OP here. Thanks, Tiger. I do have some family in central PA, but would emphasizing that geographic connection come across as a bit of a stretch?

How far away is central PA? Not too familiar with PA geography, but I would think that could only help to play it up.

You go with something like, you know my wife and I really wanted to be back closer to family, and she already found a job in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia has always been our target market to settle down in because (1) it's still a major city with a lot going on, (2) we're close to our family (Central PA), and (3) because it's major city I can continue to do sophisticated work at [ML/Dechert/etc.] because I love the type of work I'm doing and want to continue to do sophisticated work while being closer to family... blah blah blah.

and when in doubt, talk about how great wawa is. Philly ppl love that shit.