Wilmer (DC) v. A&P (DC) v. OMM (DC) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Really unsure how to make this decision. Interested in litigation, but hope to stay rather generalist during my time at the firm. Hope to transition into nonprofit PI work and politics in the medium-term (a couple years), and likely not in DC. Priorities are maximizing pro bono and keeping hours as humane as possible (but going in with eyes wide open). A&P has a niche pro bono practice I'm very interested in. OMM seems the most relaxed, but the office is small. Wilmer seems like a great opportunity, but makes you choose a practice group after the summer. Would LOVE any advice.

[Anonymous User]

Really unsure how to make this decision. Interested in litigation, but hope to stay rather generalist during my time at the firm. Hope to transition into nonprofit PI work and politics in the medium-term (a couple years), and likely not in DC. Priorities are maximizing pro bono and keeping hours as humane as possible (but going in with eyes wide open). A&P has a niche pro bono practice I'm very interested in. OMM seems the most relaxed, but the office is small. Wilmer seems like a great opportunity, but makes you choose a practice group after the summer. Would LOVE any advice.

Wilmer is by leaps and bounds the best firm. Can make plenty of political connections there, and exit ops should be fantastic.

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer is definitely the best, followed by OMM, followed by A&P (in distant third). If "not in D.C." means California, a case could be made for OMM (and their D.C. office is great based on the people I know who've worked there), but otherwise think Wilmer is the clear choice.

[Elston Gunn]

I really can’t imagine a convincing case for picking anything but Wilmer. Maybe 5-10 years ago A&P would have been reasonable, but as other have said Wilmer is way, way ahead of the other two in DC.

[Anonymous User]

A&P associate here. I agree the calculus would have been different years ago. I’d have a hard time recommending A&P - the firm did not pay supplemental bonuses but what was worse was the complete lack of transparency on the process. Feels like management is against us.

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer is one of the most respected offices in DC. The others are great but unless I had a strong particular reason I would jump on Wilmer here.

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer associate here. Yes you have to choose a practice (Corp/lit/IP). However if you’re interested in lit you start as a lit generalist and don’t specialize until you’re more senior.

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer is arguably the best full-service firm in DC (in the top couple for sure along with Gibson, perhaps Covington). Excellent litigation practice across appellate, investigations, general commercial, IP, etc. And obviously next-level excellent regulatory and political work. Also a wonderful place with great people and culture.

A&P is on the decline from what I understand, even though the DC office is still big. The financial picture is rougher over there, and their reputation and lit practice is sliding big time. O Melveny is great, but it's just not at Wilmer level in DC.

[Anonymous User]

I think you could justify OMM. It’s a liberal office and supposed to be a great place to work. Tbh it doesn’t matter much if you’re bolting in two years. But yeah as an office Wilmer is the strongest. Jenner would be the perfect firm for your priorities but it’s very very selective.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone get a sense that the hours or lifestyle are meaningfully different between them?