WilmerHale v. O'Melveny (both DC)? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Mostly wondering if I would be crazy to pick OMM over WH. I vibed with the people at both but think that OMM would be a better culture fit (they seem more lax/fun/energetic). Pretty sure I want to start as a litigation generalist (no specific practice area pref) and maybe try out regulatory work, too. I'll stay at a firm as long as the work is interesting and I like it but do hope to eventually shift to PI/civil rights litigation.

Thanks for the help!!

[Anonymous User]

Mostly wondering if I would be crazy to pick OMM over WH. I vibed with the people at both but think that OMM would be a better culture fit (they seem more lax/fun/energetic). Pretty sure I want to start as a litigation generalist (no specific practice area pref) and maybe try out regulatory work, too. I'll stay at a firm as long as the work is interesting and I like it but do hope to eventually shift to PI/civil rights litigation.

Thanks for the help!!

Work at WH. It’s definitely the stronger firm, in terms of work and reputation. The work the firm handles is insane. That being said, I think your sense about culture is correct: WH is less fun and more isolated overall.

[Anonymous User]

OMM is also a strong DC office that hires top associates. Not as strong as WH but picking it if you prefer the culture--and my understanding is that it is indeed a fun place to work--isn't insane imo.

[Anonymous User]

Not sure about OMM, but WH pro bono is the bees knees. Unlimited hours and abundant opportunities to take on really interesting work (not just little clinics). I figured you might be interested in this given your ultimate goal of PI/civil rights lit.

[Anonymous User]

Not sure about OMM, but WH pro bono is the bees knees. Unlimited hours and abundant opportunities to take on really interesting work (not just little clinics). I figured you might be interested in this given your ultimate goal of PI/civil rights lit.

Seconding this. When I was there, some of my colleagues had 300+ pro bono hours working on insane matters and the partners fully supported it.

[Anonymous User]

Not sure about OMM, but WH pro bono is the bees knees. Unlimited hours and abundant opportunities to take on really interesting work (not just little clinics). I figured you might be interested in this given your ultimate goal of PI/civil rights lit.

Seconding this. When I was there, some of my colleagues had 300+ pro bono hours working on insane matters and the partners fully supported it.

It's practically in the firm's blood. Reginald Heber Smith (one of the founders of the US legal aid movement) was a long-time Hale & Dorr managing partner. Wilmer has similarly strong pro bono roots.

+1 on the 300+ pro bono hours - I know a few of those as well. I wouldn't call myself Mr. Dogooder, but I've broken 100 most years.