NY: Kirkland vs Weil? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Curious as to what the pros and cons are between these two firms. I don't have a specific practice area in mind and would like to explore different areas during the summer. My interests right now are as broad as being generally interested in corporate, lit, and restructuring (but leaning towards corporate). I know a big difference between these two firms is the way work is assigned (free market vs structured assignment system with assignment coordinator(s)). There's also a Vault ranking difference, although I don't know how much it should factor into my decision. Any help would be appreciated!

[Anonymous User]

I don't know too much about either aside from what's generally said on here, but I will say I much prefer a free market system to a structured one, but that's personal preference I guess. I will also say, do not put much, if any, stock into Vault rankings; they are fairly meaningless.

[Anonymous User]

I don't know too much about either aside from what's generally said on here, but I will say I much prefer a free market system to a structured one, but that's personal preference I guess. I will also say, do not put much, if any, stock into Vault rankings; they are fairly meaningless.

Weil and don't look back. But this is hard to answer without a practice group preference.

[Anonymous User]

Also, Kirkland summers are hired into specific practice groups. There's no rotation system like at Weil. There's still opportunity to explore at Kirkland, for the most part—if you're in general transactional you don't have to specialize for a few years and litigation is all generalists. But definitely go with Weil if you don't know what group you want just yet (and for other reasons too).

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have any input on culture differences between the 2 firms? (although I know it's pretty difficult to generalize, especially with no specific practice groups of interest)

[the lsat failure]

With the sheer size of the NY offices for both firms, it's hard to generalize "culture" at either. But I really think that this will come down to whether or not you want to work in a "free-market" system and whether you have any connections with partners/associates at either that you think might make for a good working relationship.

You'll receive great training at both and exit options will largely be a function of you as an individual and not which firm you come from. Don't let Vault rankings alone dictate your choice (too many friends who've done this and now regret their decision).

[Anonymous User]

I don't know too much about either aside from what's generally said on here, but I will say I much prefer a free market system to a structured one, but that's personal preference I guess. I will also say, do not put much, if any, stock into Vault rankings; they are fairly meaningless.

Weil and don't look back. But this is hard to answer without a practice group preference.

Curious why you say that? How would you compare the M&A/PE groups at both firms?

[Anonymous User]

I don't know too much about either aside from what's generally said on here, but I will say I much prefer a free market system to a structured one, but that's personal preference I guess. I will also say, do not put much, if any, stock into Vault rankings; they are fairly meaningless.

Weil and don't look back. But this is hard to answer without a practice group preference.

Curious why you say that? How would you compare the M&A/PE groups at both firms?

Listen I'm just repeating stories I've heard through the grapevine, but KE just sounds like a really tough place. It's possible that suits you, though. Are you an aggressive go-getter who's not afraid of competing with associates in your class? Could be the right fit. I'm sure they have slightly stronger M&A/PE groups, although Weil's PE is very strong and Mike Aiello in M&A at Weil is a HOF partner on Chambers, but for most people, and me, that wouldn't be worth it.

[Anonymous User]

If comparing both firms and someone is interested in M&A or cap markets, would Kirkland be the obvious choice?

[Anonymous User]

If comparing both firms and someone is interested in M&A or cap markets, would Kirkland be the obvious choice?

No, not at all. It depends on who you are as a person. Kirkland M&A is a different culture from Weil M&A.

[Anonymous User]

If comparing both firms and someone is interested in M&A or cap markets, would Kirkland be the obvious choice?

No, not at all. It depends on who you are as a person. Kirkland M&A is a different culture from Weil M&A.

Would you mind elaborating a bit?