Wilmer (NY), Debevoise (NY), or Quinn (NY) Forum

[CPJ24]

Having a hard time deciding. Only interested in litigation. Do value quality of life significantly and firm "vibe" is important. Interested in people's thoughts on these firms.

[jedibill]

Commercial litigation, white collar, or undecided?

[Anonymous User]

Do you want to do Plaintiff work? That's the fundamental question re: Quinn. Some people love it, but I opted out of it after summering at a (different) P side firm. On the one hand, you get experience early. On the other hand, it often engenders a unique brand of competitiveness, greed, and stress that I really didn't like. Plus, you're more likely to be conflicted if you try to lateral or even go in house.

I'm a midlevel at WH so I have my obvious biases, but I do think that our culture is unique. Your hours will be long at all three of these firms, but IME WH is a pleasant place to be at. There's no hierarchy bullshit and every team member's input is valued. I'd describe it as academic, but not in a pretentious sort of way. There are certainly some crappy parts to the job, but on the balance I hear people complaining less about those here than at other firms like Deb.

(Edited: grammar)

[Anonymous User]

Commercial litigation, white collar, or undecided?

Undecided. More interested in WC/Appellate/Investigations work.

[Anonymous User]

Commercial litigation, white collar, or undecided?

I'm undecided but leaning white collar and facing a similar dilemma as OP re firm choice. I understand that lit associates start as generalists at Deb and WH. Is there a clear choice here?

[Anonymous User]

Commercial litigation, white collar, or undecided?

I'm undecided but leaning white collar and facing a similar dilemma as OP re firm choice. I understand that lit associates start as generalists at Deb and WH. Is there a clear choice here?

White collar = Deb

[Wild Card]

Wilmer NYC is some IP boutique that Wilmer DC acquired a few years ago

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer NYC is some IP boutique that Wilmer DC acquired a few years ago

I used to work at WH. This is not true and it’s funny that people keep saying that it was a “few years ago.” WH has had a NY office for over 20 years (aka before WilmerHale became one firm), and it’s a full-service office. IP lit is obviously one of its bread and butter practices, but that’s true of most WH offices.

[ExpOriental]

Wilmer NYC is some IP boutique that Wilmer DC acquired a few years ago

I used to work at WH. This is not true and it’s funny that people keep saying that it was a “few years ago.” WH has had a NY office for over 20 years (aka before WilmerHale became one firm), and it’s a full-service office. IP lit is obviously one of its bread and butter practices, but that’s true of most WH offices.

I think they dinged Wild Card or something. Made the same weird comment in another thread. It's coming off as bitter.

[Anonymous User]

Wilmer NYC is some IP boutique that Wilmer DC acquired a few years ago

I used to work at WH. This is not true and it’s funny that people keep saying that it was a “few years ago.” WH has had a NY office for over 20 years (aka before WilmerHale became one firm), and it’s a full-service office. IP lit is obviously one of its bread and butter practices, but that’s true of most WH offices.

I think they dinged Wild Card or something. Made the same weird comment in another thread. It's coming off as bitter.

That must be the case. I think Deb may be the better choice here given OP’s goals, but it’s weird that someone is trying to say WH is “just” an IP lit firm in NY. I mean, I guess Preet Bharara could be doing just IP lit.