S&C vs PW vs KE vs Debevoise (NY) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Have offers from all the above firms, all in NYC. I really have no idea what area I want to practice within, but I'm leaning corporate. Because of that, the S&C generalist system is appealing, but it's also the firm with the worst reputation for culture (though I liked all the people I've met from there).

Debevoise seems the best fit for me personality/soul-wise. It seems like the only place I would be able to stay at for several years.

Didn't like the PW people I met during CBs but they seem a good middle ground between S&C and Deb.

KE probably isn't for me, but I do have some interest in bankruptcy so it could be an option.

Looking for general in-house exits (probably not banking/finance). Would appreciate any advice.

[Anonymous User]

Have offers from all the above firms, all in NYC. I really have no idea what area I want to practice within, but I'm leaning corporate. Because of that, the S&C generalist system is appealing, but it's also the firm with the worst reputation for culture (though I liked all the people I've met from there).

Debevoise seems the best fit for me personality/soul-wise. It seems like the only place I would be able to stay at for several years.

Didn't like the PW people I met during CBs but they seem a good middle ground between S&C and Deb.

KE probably isn't for me, but I do have some interest in bankruptcy so it could be an option.

Looking for general in-house exits (probably not banking/finance). Would appreciate any advice.

First, congratulations on getting great offers! Second, if Debevoise is the best fit, it's probably the right choice. Don't underestimate the advantages of fit. You'll last longer and you'll do a better job. It's also NYC, so the name brand value difference between these firms is minimal.

S&C, PW, and K&E are all great firms and even though S&C is known to have a difficult culture, there are some people who do really like it. It's also probably not that different in the scheme of things than its peers. If you don't like PW and K&E's cultures, then they may not be right for you. You have a great decision ahead and although you will likely have some thoughts in the back of your head that you chose the wrong firm, just know you didn't.

[Anonymous User]

Have offers from all the above firms, all in NYC. I really have no idea what area I want to practice within, but I'm leaning corporate. Because of that, the S&C generalist system is appealing, but it's also the firm with the worst reputation for culture (though I liked all the people I've met from there).

Debevoise seems the best fit for me personality/soul-wise. It seems like the only place I would be able to stay at for several years.

Didn't like the PW people I met during CBs but they seem a good middle ground between S&C and Deb.

KE probably isn't for me, but I do have some interest in bankruptcy so it could be an option.

Looking for general in-house exits (probably not banking/finance). Would appreciate any advice.

PW anon. If you want general exits, you should go M&A and try to stick it out for 4-5 years. As far as exits go, there are two ways to make them:

1.) build a relationship with someone who can help get you hired. This doesn't mean the CEO or whatever, just someone who will tell you "hey, I think my company is hiring in the legal dep't" and then will pass your resume along.

2.) cold apply (recruiters, goinhouse, etc). They're gonna just look at your practice area, years in practice, law firm, and law school (in that order). Years in practice matter: speaking super-generally, and all other things equal, a S&C 4th year would have better exit ops than a Deb 4th year - but a Deb 4th year would absolutely crush a S&C 2nd year.