Covington DC v. Gibson Dunn DC Forum

[Anonymous User]

Found myself in an incredibly lucky situation. I’m very interested in appellate work, which makes Gibson a no-brainer. However, I’m a little worried that it might not be the wisest decision to choose a firm on the basis of the strength of one of its practice areas since it’s not guaranteed I’d even be able to work in that area anyway. I do get the sense that Covington is the more well-known and established firm in DC, which makes me wonder if the quality of training I’d get there would be better overall. I like both offices and can see myself working with the people there. Both offices seemed polite and nerdy. I’ve been thinking through exit options too, but I’m not certain if any one of the firms is better for certain exit options (government, public interest, academic etc.) than is the other. TLS community, any insights into whether Covington or Gibson might be the better choice here?

[Anonymous User]

This is a great outcome, congrats!

Both firms are very well-respected in DC and you will get excellent training and have excellent exit options from both firms. If you’re really interested in appellate, Gibson seems like the obvious answer. But honestly, you can’t go wrong here. I’d go with your gut—which firm made you feel the most comfortable/which firm had the people you connected with best?

[cheaptilts]

Gibson and not particularly close question. The brand in DC (and NY, and CA) is more than fine.

[Anonymous User]

One thing to think about Gibson is that appellate work might not be so easy to get if you don’t have SCOTUS clerk credentials. (Maybe you do!) I think it’s still probably the correct choice, but know that you might have to do more traditional lit too.

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in appellate work, Gibson 100%. Gibson DC has excellent work in other areas too, so you won't lack for good work that isn't appellate. But the difference between Gibson and Covington when it comes to appellate work is day and night.

(I'm a Gibson associate who does appellate work.)

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in appellate work, Gibson 100%. Gibson DC has excellent work in other areas too, so you won't lack for good work that isn't appellate. But the difference between Gibson and Covington when it comes to appellate work is day and night.

(I'm a Gibson associate who does appellate work.)

Hey, incoming associate here, any insight into what Gibson's delay to reopening means for incoming associates? Thanks!

[LBJ's Hair]

I do get the sense that Covington is the more well-known and established firm in DC, which makes me wonder if the quality of training I’d get there would be better overall.

Not a DC lawyer, but this has never been my perception fwiw

[Anonymous User]

There isn’t a difference in DC signaling power between Covington, Wilmer, Gibson, and W&C substantial enough to affect the choice. Each firm has all-stars who served in very senior Government roles. If you like Gibson better, go there. Both firms are among the best of the best.

One caution would be that becoming an appellate lawyer is easier said than done at a place like GDC. You should have a COA clerkship at a minimum, and probably a good one, if you want to be assured a role in the appellate group. People who already are doing appellate work at a GDC or Wilmer and who have the credentials may advertise it as open to all for the purpose of recruiting summer associates, but take those pitches with a grain of salt. Fortunately, if you have these offers, you probably are a top candidate with a decent shot at COA clerkships.

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in appellate work, Gibson 100%. Gibson DC has excellent work in other areas too, so you won't lack for good work that isn't appellate. But the difference between Gibson and Covington when it comes to appellate work is day and night.

(I'm a Gibson associate who does appellate work.)

Hey, incoming associate here, any insight into what Gibson's delay to reopening means for incoming associates? Thanks!

None that wouldn't be speculation. Last year's associates started remotely, so the firm could do that again. There was a lot of appetite this summer to start getting back to "normal" and the summer associates spent a fair amount of time in-office toward the later part of the summer, so I would have told you until recently that the firm would want to avoid a remote start for this year's class but I think Delta has thrown that all up in the air.

[Anonymous User]

If you're interested in appellate work, Gibson 100%. Gibson DC has excellent work in other areas too, so you won't lack for good work that isn't appellate. But the difference between Gibson and Covington when it comes to appellate work is day and night.

(I'm a Gibson associate who does appellate work.)

Hey, incoming associate here, any insight into what Gibson's delay to reopening means for incoming associates? Thanks!

None that wouldn't be speculation. Last year's associates started remotely, so the firm could do that again. There was a lot of appetite this summer to start getting back to "normal" and the summer associates spent a fair amount of time in-office toward the later part of the summer, so I would have told you until recently that the firm would want to avoid a remote start for this year's class but I think Delta has thrown that all up in the air.

Agreed on Delta, thank you! Hopefully I hear directly from GDC soon