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Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:44 pm
by 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?
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:55 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:44 pm
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.
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 10:56 pm
by 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
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 11:14 pm
by 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.
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2021 6:18 pm
by 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
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2021 12:35 am
by 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.
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2021 2:27 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Aug 14, 2021 12:35 am
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?
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 12:35 am
by chefdough
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Aug 14, 2021 2:27 pm
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Aug 14, 2021 12:35 am
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.
Re: Goodwin (SF) v Fenwick (SF) v Cooley (SF)
Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2021 7:35 pm
by Anonymous User
chefdough wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 12:35 am
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Aug 14, 2021 2:27 pm
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat Aug 14, 2021 12:35 am
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?