Coblentz or Shartsis (SF) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Thoughts on either for someone lateraling from biglaw? Think a non-litigation practice. Anecdotally hear great things about the colleagues at each firm. My understanding is that compensation hovers around (but definitely below biglaw) and unclear re: hours. I'm aware that banking on hours being lower than biglaw is not a wise assumption due to the nature of client service. Thoughts, anecdotes and experiences re: these two firms and their lawyers welcome--TYIA

Also, can't be any more specific re: my background due to outing concerns.

[hangtime813]

Both firms are local SF firms with great reputations there. As you mentioned, hours are allegedly better with comp pretty close to biglaw (at least Shartsis was from memory). If you want to stay in SF or go in house in SF, great spot to be if you can get an offer there.

[Anonymous User]

Both firms are local SF firms with great reputations there. As you mentioned, hours are allegedly better with comp pretty close to biglaw (at least Shartsis was from memory). If you want to stay in SF or go in house in SF, great spot to be if you can get an offer there.

Thanks for the response. Would you say these two firms are fungible peers?

[Anonymous User]

Coblentz 100% but only because the other has the word "Sharts" in its name.

[hangtime813]

Both firms are local SF firms with great reputations there. As you mentioned, hours are allegedly better with comp pretty close to biglaw (at least Shartsis was from memory). If you want to stay in SF or go in house in SF, great spot to be if you can get an offer there.

Thanks for the response. Would you say these two firms are fungible peers?

Coblentz is an older and slightly larger firm but I think Shartsis was ranked in Vault's top 150 under 150 (or whatever they call it now). More or less interchangeable, as far top midsize firms go i suppose.

[Anonymous User]

Both firms are local SF firms with great reputations there. As you mentioned, hours are allegedly better with comp pretty close to biglaw (at least Shartsis was from memory). If you want to stay in SF or go in house in SF, great spot to be if you can get an offer there.

Thanks for the response. Would you say these two firms are fungible peers?

Coblentz is an older and slightly larger firm but I think Shartsis was ranked in Vault's top 150 under 150 (or whatever they call it now). More or less interchangeable, as far top midsize firms go i suppose.

Generalizing of course but seems as if Coblentz may have more recognizable clients (e.g. 49ers in RE deals) and a Napa office (?) while Shartsis appears to have attorneys with more selective schools and with biglaw backgrounds (could be a plus or minus, not sure). Also not sure how similar the compensation is.

Interesting re: Vault's Top 150 under 150. I wonder how reliable their rankings are for midsize firms.