DPW vs. Weil vs. Cleary vs. Willkie Farr vs. Milbank vs. Freshfields Forum

[Anonymous User]

All firms are in NY. I'm heavily leaning towards litigation, though no particular area within that (maybe prefer a more generalist practice). I plan to stay at a private law firm long-term so exit options to government, in-house, etc. are not super important to me. I definitely value a friendly culture and better work-life balance (if there is even any variation in that regard). All thoughts are welcome! Thanks!

[Sackboy]

I plan to stay at a private law firm long-term so exit options to government, in-house, etc. are not super important to me.

First of all, congrats! Second, while this is a seemingly reasonable sentiment as a law student, you really should take into account that firm life could be considerably worse than you can tolerate, you might want something else for yourself in 2yrs when you start the job, or that somewhere down the line you might want something else out of practicing. The fact that you're actively identified wanting a friendly culture and decent work-life-balance are two red flags that big law might not be something you can swallow long-term. While there are definitely firms out there that achieve these reasonable goals, it's very possible to go through your big law career and not find it.

[Definitely Not North]

Tcr ^

[Anonymous User]

OP here—

That’s fair! I was actually thinking about exiting to a smaller firm down the road but I didn’t think differences between the BL firms listed would affect that (correct me if I’m wrong). I’d be interested in in-house opportunities but I know that’s rare for litigators

[Wild Card]

You should know that any of those firms will assign you to wherever they need you, and you very likely will not get litigation. Also, the five-year survival rate of biglaw attorneys is under 25%.

In which case, your best bet is to choose the most reputable of the firms (to provide the best exit options), and Davis Polk is by far the most reputable.

[Anonymous User]

you very likely will not get litigation

(OP again)

Err, how true is this? "very likely" to not get litigation sounds exaggerated. Surely practice area preferences are taken into account. Anyways, thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely ask about this before making a decision. Also, I've been guaranteed a spot in the litigation department at Milbank by applying through their litigation track

[Sackboy]

you very likely will not get litigation

(OP again)

Err, how true is this? "very likely" to not get litigation sounds exaggerated. Surely practice area preferences are taken into account. Anyways, thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely ask about this before making a decision. Also, I've been guaranteed a spot in the litigation department at Milbank by applying through their litigation track

Based on Wild Card's previous posts, I think s/he wanted litigation and didn't end up getting it. That can and certainly does happen to folks. I have a good friend who ran into a similar problem and went off to clerk instead of being stuck in corporate. That being said, I'd guess 80% of the time if you want litigation at a place and spend your summer in litigation then you'll probably get it. Milbank's guaranteed lit track also solves that problem for you.

[consolidation058]

OP here—

That’s fair! I was actually thinking about exiting to a smaller firm down the road but I didn’t think differences between the BL firms listed would affect that (correct me if I’m wrong). I’d be interested in in-house opportunities but I know that’s rare for litigators

Curious about whether these are pre-OCI offers? If not, sounds like you could rack up more at OCI.

[Anonymous User]

100% of people at my firm (one of those listed here) who wanted litigation got litigation.

[Anonymous User]

Milbank. Great firm culture.

[mia.thermopolis]

100% of people at my firm (one of those listed here) who wanted litigation got litigation.

Do you mind DMing me the firm? I'm not OP but I'm considering two of the firms in this list and want to do litigation. I'm specifically concerned about getting my preferred placement in one of the firms, so some reassurance would really help!

[Anonymous User]

WGM pretty much guarantees your first choice of department and practice group by the end of your summer (for example, if you want securities litigation, you will be placed in the securities litigation group, not other groups in the litigation department or any other department.)

The only summers I’ve heard who didn’t get their first choice of practice group are those who somehow managed to fuck up big times during their 12 week summer stint.

“Very likely not getting litigation” is just exaggeratingly risk averse imo.