Data Privacy/Cybersecurity: WSGR v Goodwin Forum

[Anonymous User]

Given the the opportunity to work at one of these two firms -- WSGR / Goodwin -- in the data privacy/cybersecurity practice, which would you choose?

Further details:

• Junior - lateral;

• Small, non-US offices;

• Goodwin has more of an established presence generally in this location, but this practice is new-ish;

• [Redacted]

• [Redacted]

• Goodwin seems to do more deal support in this location (which I am not interested in);

• [Redacted]

I am keeping some details private (incl. location) because the relevant market is small. If you need more information, I will see what I can provide.

I would be grateful for any insight you have.

[Anonymous User]

Given the the opportunity to work at one of these two firms -- WSGR / Goodwin -- in the data privacy/cybersecurity practice, which would you choose?

Further details:

• Junior - lateral;

• Small, non-US offices;

• Goodwin has more of an established presence generally in this location, but this practice is new-ish;

• WSGR lost most of its data privacy team in this location recently, but still has a strong practice in the region;

• Goodwin has a nice office, whereas WSGR is working from a run-down co-working office, although they do have plans to move soon-ish (I care way too much about this);

• Goodwin seems to do more deal support in this location (which I am not interested in);

• Both teams seem great, but I will be one of only a couple of associates in this team at WSGR; however, they do have plans to expand quickly.

I am keeping some details private (incl. location) because the relevant market is small. If you need more information, I will see what I can provide.

I would be grateful for any insight you have.

Recent WSGR lateral who had the option to choose between Goodwin and WSGR. Regret my decision immensely. Should have chosen the 40k+ signing bonus with Goodwin rather than go with WSGR's name brand. WSGR is cheap AF and the people kinda suck. Everything is siloed. People may not tell you so initially, but you soon learn every group is a tribe.

[Anonymous User]

Given the the opportunity to work at one of these two firms -- WSGR / Goodwin -- in the data privacy/cybersecurity practice, which would you choose?

Further details:

• Junior - lateral;

• Small, non-US offices;

• Goodwin has more of an established presence generally in this location, but this practice is new-ish;

• WSGR lost most of its data privacy team in this location recently, but still has a strong practice in the region;

• Goodwin has a nice office, whereas WSGR is working from a run-down co-working office, although they do have plans to move soon-ish (I care way too much about this);

• Goodwin seems to do more deal support in this location (which I am not interested in);

• Both teams seem great, but I will be one of only a couple of associates in this team at WSGR; however, they do have plans to expand quickly.

I am keeping some details private (incl. location) because the relevant market is small. If you need more information, I will see what I can provide.

I would be grateful for any insight you have.

Recent WSGR lateral who had the option to choose between Goodwin and WSGR. Regret my decision immensely. Should have chosen the 40k+ signing bonus with Goodwin rather than go with WSGR's name brand. WSGR is cheap AF and the people kinda suck. Everything is siloed. People may not tell you so initially, but you soon learn every group is a tribe.

OP here.

That's really helpful, thanks.

Could you speak more about why you regard WSGR as cheap, why the people suck, and how the silos actually function in practice?

Really appreciate the insight.

[Anonymous User]

WSGR's privacy team is much more established than Goodwin's, particularly if you're looking at one of the European offices. I can't speak to the culture of Goodwin's privacy team, but WSGR's privacy team (not the firm as a whole) has a reputation for being laid back and chill. If you've interviewed at both places you probably have a good sense of culture, the hours people bill, the core privacy clients, the types of matters, the size of the teams, etc.

[Anonymous User]

Don't mean to hijack the convo here, but can someone tell me what a junior/mid does in a data privacy/cybersecurity group? Is it transactional in nature or more lit focused? Is the work consistent or unpredictable? Are you working on deals or just doing compliance review etc? Thanks!