DPW vs. GDC vs. Skadden vs. CSM for NYC Lit? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Currently weighing up these options for next summer. Want a place with a strong presence across a variety of lit matters, with some specific interest in antitrust and appellate (to the extent that's possible to get your hands on in NY). Curious for people's understandings of the respective cultures as well. I'm already aware of some of the big differences (e.g., free market at GDC, rotation at CSM).

Are there any non-compensation reasons to opt for Wachtell over these? What's people's current read on Hecker Fink post Kaplan exit? Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Currently weighing up these options for next summer. Want a place with a strong presence across a variety of lit matters, with some specific interest in antitrust and appellate (to the extent that's possible to get your hands on in NY). Curious for people's understandings of the respective cultures as well. I'm already aware of some of the big differences (e.g., free market at GDC, rotation at CSM).

Are there any non-compensation reasons to opt for Wachtell over these? What's people's current read on Hecker Fink post Kaplan exit? Thanks!

Just going off of general prestige of the lit groups I'd say CSM or Skadden > GDC > DPW. I don't know of any of them having big antitrust or appellate lit practices in NY but someone can correct me. Not sure about your other questions.

[Anonymous User]

CSM has some top-tier antitrust lawyers but you cannot count on doing antitrust work due to the rotation system. Hecker Fink is basically a white collar boutique. I actually think GDC makes a ton of sense in your shoes even though it is nominally less "prestigious" than your other options.

[Anonymous User]

Just curious but why aren't we talking about Kaplan's new firm instead of Hecker Fink, which is just another good litigation boutique? The whole point of going there was to work with Roberta Kaplan (have fun)

[Anonymous User]

Currently weighing up these options for next summer. Want a place with a strong presence across a variety of lit matters, with some specific interest in antitrust and appellate (to the extent that's possible to get your hands on in NY). Curious for people's understandings of the respective cultures as well. I'm already aware of some of the big differences (e.g., free market at GDC, rotation at CSM).

Are there any non-compensation reasons to opt for Wachtell over these? What's people's current read on Hecker Fink post Kaplan exit? Thanks!

Just going off of general prestige of the lit groups I'd say CSM or Skadden > GDC > DPW. I don't know of any of them having big antitrust or appellate lit practices in NY but someone can correct me. Not sure about your other questions.

Chambers should be able to answer the antitrust question

[Anonymous User]

GDC has appellate people in NYC. Skadden's appellate group is very small (under ten people) but there are one or two appellate associates who work out of the NYC office.

[Anonymous User]

I would put all but Skadden in the top category. Skadden is less selective and prestigious, plus they silo you into a narrow group (eg political law, mass torts) as a first year, so you may very well get shut out of white collar or antitrust. If you are hung up on appellate work, which is very tough to get into, GDC would be your best bet. CSM’s rotation system makes it a hit or miss

[Anonymous User]

If you want appellate I really don't think NYC is a good place to summer. I think Gibson Dunn has a little, but NYC is not the appellate place. If it is just general lit you want, DPW and CSM are good although as far as summer goes, they will all be identical, with the exception being that CSM makes their summers work more.

[nmldelta99]

If you want appellate I really don't think NYC is a good place to summer. I think Gibson Dunn has a little, but NYC is not the appellate place. If it is just general lit you want, DPW and CSM are good although as far as summer goes, they will all be identical, with the exception being that CSM makes their summers work more.

OP here — definitely aware NYC is not the place for it, happen to be limited to the NYC market for a variety of reasons. My sense is that these places are pretty fungible, but I'm trying to key in on any differences that might makes the experiences at all materially different for what I'm interested in. Appreciate the insights thus far

[Anonymous User]

Just curious but why aren't we talking about Kaplan's new firm instead of Hecker Fink, which is just another good litigation boutique? The whole point of going there was to work with Roberta Kaplan (have fun)

Hecker Fink has like 8 Chambers-ranked partners, including Sean Hecker, who is a top top white-collar lawyer, Kaplan Martin has 1, who is so difficult that her own firm forced her out.

[Anonymous User]

Fungible but I would put the other three above Skadden for general lit.