Debevoise Rotation System/Staffing Forum

[jkim852]

I understand that Debevoise has a rotation system when an associate starts as a first year but at what year does that stop?

Also, in terms of M&A, what is the typical split of deals with respect to PE related deals vs. pub-co/strategic matters for a mid-level and/or senior associate? Believe there is a central staffing system but does the firm push an associate to do more PE or pub-co work? Can an associate ask the staffer to focus on one type of work, client, deals, etc.?

As background, I am a mid-level associate at a v10 firm looking to make a potential lateral move (I know.. not a great time to do so especially in M&A) but was curious in terms of the above. Any insight would be much appreciated!

[Anonymous User]

The rotation stops after second year, so 3rd year associates enter into their permanent placements in February of their 3rd year.

There is a staffing coordinator who helps with staffing but it is unclear how much they weigh your preference over the business needs. Debevoise doesn’t have a ton of PE m&a clients so keep that in mind if that’s what you want to focus on.

M&A at Debevoise has been painfully slow since the invasion. Also, if you’re interested in partnership, the Debevoise partnership is overwhelmingly made up of homegrown attorneys.

[jkim852]

Thanks for this, super helpful. So it seems like most M&A associates work for strategics/pubcos?

Would have thought there is a strong pipeline of PE M&A work given Deb’s strong fund formation practice but assuming this isn't necessarily the case? Also thought Deb did a lot of CD&R’s deals?

[Anonymous User]

OP, you are correct. Maybe a typo in the other user's post?

- Former Deb M&A associate

[Anonymous User]

Debevoise does a lot (almost all of CD&R M&A) but that’s just one client. There are many fund PE clients who use other firms for their M&A work. If you are thinking about lateraling, talk to other former laterals (not a former homegrown associate) about their experience in M&A at Debevoise (and do this at any firm you’re considering).

[Anonymous User]

Different poster wondering about whether first years can go straight to International Arbitration or if they have to rotate? when you interview can you interview for the IA group specifically?

[Anonymous User]

Different poster wondering about whether first years can go straight to International Arbitration or if they have to rotate? when you interview can you interview for the IA group specifically?

The rotations are only for corporate. All litigators (internal arbitration is housed in the Litigation Department) start in a general pool and are officially placed in their group in 3rd year. During the time in the pool, you preference assignments through central staffing. For the IA folks, they're pretty much identified coming in (summer self-selection & demonstrated interest) and spend their time in the pool working almost entirely on IA matters, so even first years are functionally members of the group.