Milbank (LA) vs. Venable (LA) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Fortunate enough to have offers from both firms, but have to make a decision soon.

Obviously, Milbank is the bigger name, pays (sets) market rate, and probably would offer better all-around exit options if/when I decide to move on. However, it's more known for project finance/corporate work, and I'm leaning towards litigation (although open to other practices if I fall in love with something over the summer). They do have a fair amount of litigators in LA, but (1) most of the lit partners are in IP, which seems interesting but isn't something I'm particularly drawn to, and (2) it seems like the kinds of cases they handle will by nature require more partner oversight, which I'd guess will translate into less opportunities for substantive experience early on. I will say, I really loved everyone I met with in my interviews, and it seems like a very positive work environment.

Venable isn't as big of a name, pays market for the first two years, and then does some shenanigans where you make market salary thereafter so long as you hit your billables which I'm not a big fan of. However, the litigation practice seems a lot more broad here. The firm has picked up a couple of entertainment boutiques over the years so there's some pretty interesting work that's done for high net-worth clients, as well as other stuff like false advertising/product liability/general commercial/employment, etc. They also seem very willing to give substantive opportunities to their juniors early on (talked to a third year who's drafted dispositive motions, taken depos, and is getting a witness in an upcoming trial), which is a big plus for me. I have read some nasty things on here and elsewhere online regarding the work environment (screaming partners, etc.), but everyone I met so far has been pleasant and the one partner I've talked to at length was great.

At the end of the day having to pick between two offers is a good problem to have, and I'm pretty sure I'll end up happy wherever I go, but I'm curious what the hivemind on here thinks. What sayeth ye?

[Anonymous User]

Fortunate enough to have offers from both firms, but have to make a decision soon.

Obviously, Milbank is the bigger name, pays (sets) market rate, and probably would offer better all-around exit options if/when I decide to move on. However, it's more known for project finance/corporate work, and I'm leaning towards litigation (although open to other practices if I fall in love with something over the summer). They do have a fair amount of litigators in LA, but (1) most of the lit partners are in IP, which seems interesting but isn't something I'm particularly drawn to, and (2) it seems like the kinds of cases they handle will by nature require more partner oversight, which I'd guess will translate into less opportunities for substantive experience early on. I will say, I really loved everyone I met with in my interviews, and it seems like a very positive work environment.

Venable isn't as big of a name, pays market for the first two years, and then does some shenanigans where you make market salary thereafter so long as you hit your billables which I'm not a big fan of. However, the litigation practice seems a lot more broad here. The firm has picked up a couple of entertainment boutiques over the years so there's some pretty interesting work that's done for high net-worth clients, as well as other stuff like false advertising/product liability/general commercial/employment, etc. They also seem very willing to give substantive opportunities to their juniors early on (talked to a third year who's drafted dispositive motions, taken depos, and is getting a witness in an upcoming trial), which is a big plus for me. I have read some nasty things on here and elsewhere online regarding the work environment (screaming partners, etc.), but everyone I met so far has been pleasant and the one partner I've talked to at length was great.

At the end of the day having to pick between two offers is a good problem to have, and I'm pretty sure I'll end up happy wherever I go, but I'm curious what the hivemind on here thinks. What sayeth ye?

If you want to litigate then don't work at Milbank's LA office. If you are leaning lit but could do either, then pick Milbank for sure.

[Anonymous User]

IMO it's always better to start high (in the prestige ladder) and move lower later in your career. The reverse is often more difficult and sometime impossible--this is true in lit but less so in corp.

Curious why the above poster says to not work at Milbank LA in lit.

[Anonymous User]

Curious why the above poster says to not work at Milbank LA in lit.

I too am curious. Milbank's lit practice isn't in the same conversation as other firms in SoCal, but it looks like the LA office is roughly 1/3 litigation so I imagine there must be enough work to go around, and its not like Venable is particularly known as a litigation powerhouse either. Am I missing something? If it's not their cup of tea OP could always try lateraling somewhere else after a few years, but imo Milbank sounds like a better deal.