Skadden vs. Kirkland- NY Litigation Forum

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

As most, I dont have substantive experience working at both or either of these places in lit. However, Kirkland is a bit unique in assignment structure and culture. If you feel like the open system would be a good fit, they do seem to push the substantive work thing a lot and let you take on what you can manage. Skadden is probably a bit more tradtional and has the social reputation. Kirkland is in a way a unique beast, you can read journalistic articles about Kirkland that you don't really see about other firms. (consider Kirkland Financial Times piece, separate article entitled "Wrecking Ball" you can find on their website) Kirkland seems to expect people to go out and get business relatively early on and seems to really expect you to be proactive and make money if you stay until non equity. Equity partnership is obviously fruitful but it just depends if the Kirkland grind appeals to you. Just some things to think about.

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kirkland 1st years started in October and made ~$45,000 more than the Skadden 1st years that were deferred until January 2021. Not saying that is dispositive, but should tell you a lot about how Kirkland is doing financially, and how it treats its junior associates.

[Casper123]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kirkland 1st years started in October and made ~$45,000 more than the Skadden 1st years that were deferred until January 2021. Not saying that is dispositive, but should tell you a lot about how Kirkland is doing financially, and how it treats its junior associates.

Also Kirkland: https://abovethelaw.com/2020/05/partner ... ne-at-all/

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kirkland 1st years started in October and made ~$45,000 more than the Skadden 1st years that were deferred until January 2021. Not saying that is dispositive, but should tell you a lot about how Kirkland is doing financially, and how it treats its junior associates.

Also Kirkland: https://abovethelaw.com/2020/05/partner ... ne-at-all/

ooooh thats a big yikes

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kirkland 1st years started in October and made ~$45,000 more than the Skadden 1st years that were deferred until January 2021. Not saying that is dispositive, but should tell you a lot about how Kirkland is doing financially, and how it treats its junior associates.

Does this really matter though (in regards to financials) I doubt Skadden is hurting financially

[Anonymous User]

Really tied between these two firms for NY litigation. Kirkland keeps pushing the "you will get more substantive work earlier than other firms" piece, which is definitely attractive. But is that even true?

I like both cultures, probably Skadden slightly better just because of the people I've talked to. Any thoughts as to which firm will give better substantive experience earlier on, and whether that aspect is outweighed by other positive or negative elements?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kirkland 1st years started in October and made ~$45,000 more than the Skadden 1st years that were deferred until January 2021. Not saying that is dispositive, but should tell you a lot about how Kirkland is doing financially, and how it treats its junior associates.

Does this really matter though (in regards to financials) I doubt Skadden is hurting financially

that's a good question - is Skadden just financially more conservative or actually hurting?

[Sackboy]

Both sides here are pretty flame. It's obviously very unlikely that Skadden is hurting financially. It's probably just them being conservative. To the same extent, obviously one partner at Kirkland isn't indicative of what it's like to work there. Hope that clears up everything.

My general sense is that Kirkland does let you put whatever you want on your plate if you can handle it and that Skadden has a more traditional "wait your turn" approach, but it's obviously a spectrum, and I don't think Skadden would ever turn away great opportunities to a superstar associate.