WilmerHale DC or Munger LA? Forum

[swisscheese2000]

Currently deciding between these two firms for 2L SA. As of now, I’m leaning towards WilmerHale, but wondering if I’m missing any factors in my deliberation.

- In terms of location preferences, I’d prefer the east coast. I have a girlfriend in NYC, and visiting her would be a lot easier from DC than LA. No family in either location. I also am not a fan of LA generally, but I’ve heard Munger lets you “lateral” to the SF office after the summer.

- For practice areas, I’m generally interested in litigation, with a focus on IP, white-collar, or appellate (if I can swing it). I could be potentially interested in regulatory work, but to be honest I have no idea what that really looks like. Long-term goals would be lateraling into the government or a non-profit, most likely.

- I preferred the vibes of the people I spoke to more at WilmerHale than Munger, though I’m also cognizant that in all likelihood the few people I spoke with during the interview process could be unrepresentative of the firm’s culture and likely won’t be who I’m working with on a day-to-day basis. However, I’ve also heard that WilmerHale is a lot more hierarchical, while Munger prides itself on transparency, and I’m definitely a fan of the latter.

- WilmerHale DC is significantly bigger than Munger LA. I think I prefer the smaller size, as associates get much more experience right off the bat. At the same time, I’ve also heard that lower leverage places like Munger can tend to overwork their associates.

- Pro-bono is very important to me, and it seems both firms pride themselves on that, although I’d appreciate any insight on the differences between how the firms approach it.

Those are my main considerations thus far. Given everything, my gut is leaning WilmerHale, but is there anything I’ve missed?

[Anonymous User]

If you have offers at these two firms and your girlfriend is in NYC, is there a reason you didn’t consider working at a top firm there?

Either way, I don’t think choosing Munger makes much sense here. Both firms are great and so imo it really comes down to location.

[Anonymous User]

Both are great firms, but if you want to do IP WilmerHale is a no brainer. Also, as a WH associate (hence why anon), I can confirm that the firm is relatively flexible about switching offices after your summer (as long as you don't piss someone off). If your GF is still in NYC post-3L (and you're still together) you've got a good shot at an easy change to the NYC office.

[Anonymous User]

Currently deciding between these two firms for 2L SA. As of now, I’m leaning towards WilmerHale, but wondering if I’m missing any factors in my deliberation.

- In terms of location preferences, I’d prefer the east coast. I have a girlfriend in NYC, and visiting her would be a lot easier from DC than LA. No family in either location. I also am not a fan of LA generally, but I’ve heard Munger lets you “lateral” to the SF office after the summer.

- For practice areas, I’m generally interested in litigation, with a focus on IP, white-collar, or appellate (if I can swing it). I could be potentially interested in regulatory work, but to be honest I have no idea what that really looks like. Long-term goals would be lateraling into the government or a non-profit, most likely.

- I preferred the vibes of the people I spoke to more at WilmerHale than Munger, though I’m also cognizant that in all likelihood the few people I spoke with during the interview process could be unrepresentative of the firm’s culture and likely won’t be who I’m working with on a day-to-day basis. However, I’ve also heard that WilmerHale is a lot more hierarchical, while Munger prides itself on transparency, and I’m definitely a fan of the latter.

- WilmerHale DC is significantly bigger than Munger LA. I think I prefer the smaller size, as associates get much more experience right off the bat. At the same time, I’ve also heard that lower leverage places like Munger can tend to overwork their associates.

- Pro-bono is very important to me, and it seems both firms pride themselves on that, although I’d appreciate any insight on the differences between how the firms approach it.

Those are my main considerations thus far. Given everything, my gut is leaning WilmerHale, but is there anything I’ve missed?

The bolded is not always true and I would not make the decision in reliance on it.

Beyond that, nothing in your post evinces a reason to choose Munger, other than the transparency point. But I wouldn't make the decision on that alone.

[Anonymous User]

Currently deciding between these two firms for 2L SA. As of now, I’m leaning towards WilmerHale, but wondering if I’m missing any factors in my deliberation.

- In terms of location preferences, I’d prefer the east coast. I have a girlfriend in NYC, and visiting her would be a lot easier from DC than LA. No family in either location. I also am not a fan of LA generally, but I’ve heard Munger lets you “lateral” to the SF office after the summer.

- For practice areas, I’m generally interested in litigation, with a focus on IP, white-collar, or appellate (if I can swing it). I could be potentially interested in regulatory work, but to be honest I have no idea what that really looks like. Long-term goals would be lateraling into the government or a non-profit, most likely.

- I preferred the vibes of the people I spoke to more at WilmerHale than Munger, though I’m also cognizant that in all likelihood the few people I spoke with during the interview process could be unrepresentative of the firm’s culture and likely won’t be who I’m working with on a day-to-day basis. However, I’ve also heard that WilmerHale is a lot more hierarchical, while Munger prides itself on transparency, and I’m definitely a fan of the latter.

- WilmerHale DC is significantly bigger than Munger LA. I think I prefer the smaller size, as associates get much more experience right off the bat. At the same time, I’ve also heard that lower leverage places like Munger can tend to overwork their associates.

- Pro-bono is very important to me, and it seems both firms pride themselves on that, although I’d appreciate any insight on the differences between how the firms approach it.

Those are my main considerations thus far. Given everything, my gut is leaning WilmerHale, but is there anything I’ve missed?

WH seems like a no-brainer given your preferences. Munger may “pride[] itself on transparency” but that doesn’t mean it actually is (or even if it is, then significantly more so than WH).
Edit: didn’t mean to abuse the anon function, this is sleepyzombie

[Anonymous User]

If it’s a serious girlfriend you might marry, you should be looking to live in NY unless she can move to LA/DC imo. Wilmer NY is also a good office.