Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Thoughts on these firms for someone who is agnostic on practice group, and is looking for the firm that can make this lifestyle half-way sustainable for a few years, is good at training/mentorship, has solid exit options if/when wanted. Could be interested in funds, general corporate, or real estate. (I already know about Goodwin's stealth layoffs, and not ignoring it, but curious if anyone has anything else to say.)

Also wondering about Ropes and Gunderson if anyone has any thoughts on those two.

Any strong feelings? Any firms definitely in/out?

[Anonymous User]

Thoughts on these firms for someone who is agnostic on practice group, and is looking for the firm that can make this lifestyle half-way sustainable for a few years, is good at training/mentorship, has solid exit options if/when wanted. Could be interested in funds, general corporate, or real estate. (I already know about Goodwin's stealth layoffs, and not ignoring it, but curious if anyone has anything else to say.)

Also wondering about Ropes and Gunderson if anyone has any thoughts on those two.

Any strong feelings? Any firms definitely in/out?

First off, congrats on fantastic offers!

IMO, cross off Goodwin (besides the whole stealth layoffs thing, they lag behind Cooley/Fenwick in the area) and go with your gut between Cooley and Fenwick. I can make good arguments for either one.

[Anonymous User]

I’d pick Fenwick or Cooley based on fit (ie talk to folks and see who you vibe with). Can’t go wrong with either on the metrics you’ve stated. Maybe think of clients and recent matters too

[Anonymous User]

Agree with the above poster. I would go with Fenwick or Cooley. Goodwin has been lateralling like crazy recently and I've heard the quality is slipping. Lots of turnover and burnout.

[lawbear2022]

Seconding what was said above: in the Bay Area, Cooley = Fenwick > Goodwin. If you have a strong interest in funds work, then that might tilt things toward Cooley, but honestly, I would just go with whichever has the better fit/vibe

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in venture funds, I'd strongly consider Gunderson. But given that you're agnostic, probably Cooley or Fenwick. Fenwick might be good for exploring since it has a free market system.

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in venture funds, I'd strongly consider Gunderson. But given that you're agnostic, probably Cooley or Fenwick. Fenwick might be good for exploring since it has a free market system.

Not OP, but any insights on Gunderson LA versus Gunderson NYC?

[chefdough]

If you're interested in venture funds, I'd strongly consider Gunderson. But given that you're agnostic, probably Cooley or Fenwick. Fenwick might be good for exploring since it has a free market system.

Not OP, but any insights on Gunderson LA versus Gunderson NYC?

Used to work at GD (but not at the LA office). I would say the NY office is definitely different compared to the West Coast offices in terms of culture. The NY office was way more aggressive and not as warm as you see in the SF/SV/SD offices. I wouldnt say they were toxic as a whole but in comparison to the West Coast offices, it felt that way. GD is a great firm overall though so you can’t go wrong.

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in venture funds, I'd strongly consider Gunderson. But given that you're agnostic, probably Cooley or Fenwick. Fenwick might be good for exploring since it has a free market system.

Not OP, but any insights on Gunderson LA versus Gunderson NYC?

Used to work at GD (but not at the LA office). I would say the NY office is definitely different compared to the West Coast offices in terms of culture. The NY office was way more aggressive and not as warm as you see in the SF/SV/SD offices. I wouldnt say they were toxic as a whole but in comparison to the West Coast offices, it felt that way. GD is a great firm overall though so you can’t go wrong.

Do you think this is group dependent or the NYC office as a whole?