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DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:48 am
by lawschoolistough23
Honestly pretty straight forward issue - was very fortunate to get offers at both but don't really know where to go! Would love insight!
Feels like different factors cut different ways. Interested in corporate work but admittedly don't know the specific practice area I want so the "generalist" approach and freedom in the S&C model is appealing. Especially as opposed to what feels like a somewhat restrictive rotational system at DPW.
On the other hand, while I definitely liked the people I spoke with at both firms, I felt like I got along with those at DPW a little bit better. Kinda worries me, especially when compounded with all the "bad culture" comments I see online about S&C! But also, both are 500+ person organizations, can a group of 10 people really be considered representative.
Not knowledgeable enough to make a definitive call on prax areas but I get the impression that DPW is better for cap markets/finance work and S&C has the edge in M&A.
Just finished up a CB with Cravath as well so not totally sure how that should affect this calculus? Is a Cravath offer basically an auto-accept?
Re: DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:04 am
by Rule23andMe
lawschoolistough23 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:48 am
Honestly pretty straight forward issue - was very fortunate to get offers at both but don't really know where to go! Would love insight!
Feels like different factors cut different ways. Interested in corporate work but admittedly don't know the specific practice area I want so the "generalist" approach and freedom in the S&C model is appealing. Especially as opposed to what feels like a somewhat restrictive rotational system at DPW.
On the other hand, while I definitely liked the people I spoke with at both firms, I felt like I got along with those at DPW a little bit better. Kinda worries me, especially when compounded with all the "bad culture" comments I see online about S&C! But also, both are 500+ person organizations, can a group of 10 people really be considered representative.
Not knowledgeable enough to make a definitive call on prax areas but I get the impression that DPW is better for cap markets/finance work and S&C has the edge in M&A.
Just finished up a CB with Cravath as well so not totally sure how that should affect this calculus? Is a Cravath offer basically an auto-accept?
Clearly you know that there is another topic already on the front page weighing this exact same option, and I think all the takeaways for that poster are generally applicable: Both are great, some minor differences but go with your gut, etc.
Separately, why not wait to post until hearing back from Cravath? It certainly would change the calculus since it seems like a great fit for what you want. (EDIT: But still, at the end of the day, all great places so would not call it an auto-accept by any means)
Re: DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:14 am
by Anonymous User
Honestly, ppl here can’t help you decide. Cravath/S&C/DPW are peer firms. Just go with your gut - no wrong choice here.
Re: DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 6:15 pm
by lawschoolistough23
Rule23andMe wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:04 am
lawschoolistough23 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:48 am
Honestly pretty straight forward issue - was very fortunate to get offers at both but don't really know where to go! Would love insight!
Feels like different factors cut different ways. Interested in corporate work but admittedly don't know the specific practice area I want so the "generalist" approach and freedom in the S&C model is appealing. Especially as opposed to what feels like a somewhat restrictive rotational system at DPW.
On the other hand, while I definitely liked the people I spoke with at both firms, I felt like I got along with those at DPW a little bit better. Kinda worries me, especially when compounded with all the "bad culture" comments I see online about S&C! But also, both are 500+ person organizations, can a group of 10 people really be considered representative.
Not knowledgeable enough to make a definitive call on prax areas but I get the impression that DPW is better for cap markets/finance work and S&C has the edge in M&A.
Just finished up a CB with Cravath as well so not totally sure how that should affect this calculus? Is a Cravath offer basically an auto-accept?
Clearly you know that there is another topic already on the front page weighing this exact same option, and I think all the takeaways for that poster are generally applicable: Both are great, some minor differences but go with your gut, etc.
Separately, why not wait to post until hearing back from Cravath? It certainly would change the calculus since it seems like a great fit for what you want. (EDIT: But still, at the end of the day, all great places so would not call it an auto-accept by any means)
Very fair to call out for repetitious posting but that post was exclusively focused on lit and I wasn't sure if the calculus would be the same on the corporate side of things!
As for waiting on Cravath, honestly - no good excuse. I'm a bit antsy and nervous and I resolve that by trying to get outside perspectives to resolve the immediate issue. If I can figure out S&C v DPW, the choice between that firm vs. Cravath is a bit more binary
Re: DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 11:49 am
by Anonymous User
I had the same choice (DPW, Cravath, Skadden, S&C) and chose DPW for my summer. I liked the kinder culture at DPW (some describe it as passive aggressive--though I never experienced that) and that almost all assocs actually took four weeks vacation and those four weeks were respected (i.e., you were unlikely to be bothered). Both are equally strong for corporate. For lit, S&C is probably a touch stronger, though, especially given some of their more recent lateral partner hires. DPW is not known for litigation.
Re: DPW vs S&C v2 (electric bugaloo)
Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 12:10 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 11:49 am
I had the same choice (DPW, Cravath, Skadden, S&C) and chose DPW for my summer. I liked the kinder culture at DPW (some describe it as passive aggressive--though I never experienced that) and that almost all assocs actually took four weeks vacation and those four weeks were respected (i.e., you were unlikely to be bothered). Both are equally strong for corporate. For lit, S&C is probably a touch stronger, though, especially given some of their more recent lateral partner hires. DPW is not known for litigation.
Wouldn't say that DPW is "not known for litigation." They are band 1 for securities litigation, white collar, and antitrust, and band 2 for general commercial lit.