Latham NY vs. Debevoise NY vs. Paul Weiss NY vs. Weil NY? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone! I am very grateful to have offers from these firms but am very conflicted. Leaning towards corporate work (really don't know what I am interested in). My biglaw expectations are realistic, but I want to get a real sense of culture/nice people/stress/reputation/exit opportunities of these places beyond what virtual CBs have (insufficiently) shown. I also recently heard some less-than-stellar things about PW corporate practice culture re: abusive partners and wanted to verify.

Thanks so much!

[Anonymous User]

FWIW, I had an adjunct professor who used to be a corporate partner at PW and he adamantly recommended not to work there. Litigation is different tho.

[Anonymous User]

For corporate work, I think Debevoise is the answer. Latham would probably be a close second.

[Anonymous User]

For corporte, I would say Deb and Weil over the other two.

[Anonymous User]

for corporate, especially for M&A, the 4 are peer firms basically, but PW's corporate culture is a toss-up, because they have been building their corporate presence via hiring a LOT of lateral attorneys (inconsistent culture). For the rest practice area, Deb is known for funds formation (the famous funds team); latham is known for Capital market and PE work; Weil has their stellar bankruptcy. So depends on what you want to do. Go to Chambers and Partners and check their band ranking in each practice area in the US and NY.

[Anonymous User]

Go to Weil; I think the firm best meets all your needs.

[Anonymous User]

Depends on what type of corporate work interests you and where your geographical aspirations lie. Deb and PW have the edge in PE and Funds, they all do PE M&A, although PW and Latham (I think) have the edge there, Latham is better Cap. Markets, PW is better Public M&A, Weil for Debtor RX, PW for Creditor RX. None is really "weak" in anything, although there are differences in breadth of practice (e.g., Latham has VC and Fintech work, PW doesn't do underwriter cap markets work).

I don't think you can draw any conclusions about culture - they are all large groups with lots of different personalities.

[Anonymous User]

OP Here- thank you so much for the insight everyone! I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous User]

OP Here- thank you so much for the insight everyone! I really appreciate it.

OP, where did you end up going?

[Anonymous User]

Barshay is v difficult to work for but it's trial by fire. You will learn a lot. Love the people I've met at PW, all v competent. That being said, no bad options.