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STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:29 pm
by SamuelDanforth
A broad inquiry into Simpson Thatcher's West Coast offices and what working there is like as a corporate associate.
It seems like their LA office is primarily PE work on the corporate side. Is it mostly PE M&A work, or are associate doing fund formation type work too? Is work primarily generated from that office, or is work coming from other offices too? What the culture like?
Similar questions about Palo Alto. It seems like it is a mix of Cap Markets and PE. Do associates get to work on a mix, or are people generally slotted into one practice area or the other? What is the culture like?
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 10:16 pm
by Anonymous User
SamuelDanforth wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:29 pm
A broad inquiry into Simpson Thatcher's West Coast offices and what working there is like as a corporate associate.
It seems like their LA office is primarily PE work on the corporate side. Is it mostly PE M&A work, or are associate doing fund formation type work too? Is work primarily generated from that office, or is work coming from other offices too? What the culture like?
Similar questions about Palo Alto. It seems like it is a mix of Cap Markets and PE. Do associates get to work on a mix, or are people generally slotted into one practice area or the other? What is the culture like?
I work with a lateral from STB PA who described their experience as essentially nice people, but horrific hours. All nighters not uncommon.
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 1:09 am
by dabigchina
I can only speak to Palo alto cap markets, but their hours are absolutely insane. Nice people for biglaw.
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 2:13 am
by Anonymous User
Again speaking to PA. Agree that hours are bonkers for corporate associates (I knew 1st years with 2k hours 8 months in). I'd say "nice" should be qualified. There aren't really screamers, but folks are huge perfectionists and don't really believe in second chances.
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 2:13 am
by Anonymous User
Dupe...
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2020 6:11 pm
by SamuelDanforth
Thank you for the helpful replies. Bumping in case anyone can comment on Los Angeles.
Re: STB in Palo Alto & LA
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2020 2:38 am
by Anonymous User
It seems like their LA office is primarily PE work on the corporate side. Is it mostly PE M&A work, or are associate doing fund formation type work too? Is work primarily generated from that office, or is work coming from other offices too? What the culture like?
They do PE work and relatedly, fund finance work on the corporate side in LA. On the PE side it is almost all fund formation, very little M&A, although two M&A partners from another firm joined this year so that could change. Work is primarily generated from the office. Culture is intense. More than enough hours to go around.
I'd say "nice" should be qualified. There aren't really screamers, but folks are huge perfectionists and don't really believe in second chances.
Agree.