Milbank v. Debevoise Forum

[Anonymous User]

Interested in transactional generally, haven't had enough exposure to really narrow it down further from there. From what I understand Debevoise should be a no brainer, right? I liked my interviewers at both firms well enough, and both firms seem to have okay "culture". Just trying to make sure I'm not missing something glaringly obvious, it's been kind of tough narrowing the firms down by anything other than practice area strength.

Criteria are exit opportunities and general workplace environment (which obviously can vary drastically by practice area and partner).

[Anonymous User]

Interested in transactional generally, haven't had enough exposure to really narrow it down further from there. From what I understand Debevoise should be a no brainer, right? I liked my interviewers at both firms well enough, and both firms seem to have okay "culture". Just trying to make sure I'm not missing something glaringly obvious, it's been kind of tough narrowing the firms down by anything other than practice area strength.

Criteria are exit opportunities and general workplace environment (which obviously can vary drastically by practice area and partner).

Not a no-brainer. Milbank has robust transactional groups and is a solid firm.

[Anonymous User]

It might be helpful to look group by group. For example, Milbank has traditionally had a great restructuring group, which isn’t an area that Debevoise is known for. Even caveating that you have a broad corporate focus, a little digging may give you an inkling for particular groups that play to your strengths/interests.

A lot of Milbank’s transactional groups kind of fly under the radar, and it’s a great, well-rounded corporate-focused firm. (Not saying that Debevoise isn’t that, either.) Milbank has also done a solid job pushing the market on comp in the last few years. Obviously you will walk away with the same money at both places, but Milbank has earned a little bit of cred/goodwill in that area.

[Anonymous User]

Can’t go wrong with any of these choices, especially considering how strong Milbank has been recently. I would look more into your specific practice and culture.

[Anonymous User]

I'd go to the firm you got a better feel for.

[Anonymous User]

Not necessarily a no brainer, but Debevoise is definitely the better all-around firm. If youre interested in something like restructuring though, Milbank is one of the best and might be worth taking a second look. Check out chambers and see each firms ranked departments. Milbank has some niche strengths that are kind of interesting. But for most general litigation and corporate groups, Debevoise is the best bet for sure.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Does Paul Weiss being thrown into this change things at all?

[Anonymous User]

Bumping this as I am in a similar situation. Any additional insights on how these two compare? The people at Milbank seem nicer, and their recruitment is more personalized

[Anonymous User]

I think Debevoise is the clear winner here by a lot (unless you’re interested solely on restructuring). Stronger practice groups across the board and much more industry prestige

[Anonymous User]

Bumping this as I am in a similar situation. Any additional insights on how these two compare? The people at Milbank seem nicer, and their recruitment is more personalized

That’s interesting, I found the people at Deb to be nicer and the recruitment more personalized (hiring partner call, gifts, etc). I ended up going with an IP firm, but I think between Milbank and Debevoise, Debevoise is on a different level

[Anonymous User]

Echoing the last few posters, absent a strong restructuring interest Debevoise is the clear cut winner here in terms of practice area strength/prestige. Milbank has definitely upper their profile the last few years with their compensation moves, but Debevoise is NY elite.

Plus, the currently under construction building Deb is moving into in 2022 looks like it’s going to be insane.