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Trying to decide between the above. Interested in tech work but haven't yet decided whether I want to do corp or lit. Both SF firms want me as a corp associate for the summer, whereas it seems I would have more leeway to try lit at STB. I realize I'm very fortunate to be in this position, so really appreciate everyone's thoughts here!

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 23, 2021 6:02 pm

Trying to decide between the above. Interested in tech work but haven't yet decided whether I want to do corp or lit. Both SF firms want me as a corp associate for the summer, whereas it seems I would have more leeway to try lit at STB. I realize I'm very fortunate to be in this position, so really appreciate everyone's thoughts here!

If you genuinely want to do tech work, this is easy pick for Fenwick.

OP here–can you provide a little more context for your response? I ask mainly because I feel like I vibed with STB and MoFo people more than I did with my Fenwick interviewers. (Not a bad experience, just not a standout one.) Also more confused than ever since the poll appears to have resulted in a 3-way tie...

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 24, 2021 2:47 pm

OP here–can you provide a little more context for your response? I ask mainly because I feel like I vibed with STB and MoFo people more than I did with my Fenwick interviewers. (Not a bad experience, just not a standout one.) Also more confused than ever since the poll appears to have resulted in a 3-way tie...

Can't speak for other voters but imagine it's a combination of 1) people automatically voting the "bigger" name; and 2) you mentioned you wanted to do litigation and STB said you could explore this.

But please don't make the rookie mistake of picking a firm because you "vibed" with interviewers. Ask yourself what do you want to do and what do you imagine your career to look like?

If you want to do tech work, then neither STB nor MoFo should even register (would have been different conversation if you were deciding between Wilson Sonsini or Gunderson for example). But if you want to be a litigator and STB is the only firm that will let you pursue that, then you go with STB.

Agreed with Fenwick if tech/STB if lit. But also, where do you want to live?

I would consider whether you want to be in SF or NY. I've lived and worked in both. They are *very* different cities--in terms of culture, nightlife, weekend activities, dating scene, types of exit opportunities, etc.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 23, 2021 6:02 pm

Trying to decide between the above. Interested in tech work but haven't yet decided whether I want to do corp or lit. Both SF firms want me as a corp associate for the summer, whereas it seems I would have more leeway to try lit at STB. I realize I'm very fortunate to be in this position, so really appreciate everyone's thoughts here!

How certain are you that STB will actually let you do litigation if you find that's what you prefer? Is it possible they will just put you in Corporate (because that's where they need bodies) at the end of the summer regardless of your preference? I know some firms have done this to incoming associates but not sure if STB is one of them.

I’m glad that the poll’s started to reflect reality. Tech, Fenwick. But strongly factor whether you want to live in sf or ny. Don’t sweat it too much though, plenty of lateral movement in both directions