Wachtell (NYC) vs Munger (LA) vs Covington (DC) vs WilmerHale (DC) Forum

[Bshot]

Need help choosing between 2L offers. Likely interested in litigation but really no strong preference beyond that. No geographical ties to any of the locations with slight preference against NYC. Which would open the most doors in the future? My current debate is between $$$ (wachtell) and WLB / pro-bono (Wilmer / Munger) and DC prestige (Covington). Curious how others would think through these firms

[gingermilkman]

If you are otherwise agnostic but want the most prestige and money: Wachtell. If you are otherwise agnostic but care about work life balance: Munger. If you really want to live in DC or work in Gov/main justice/etc: Covington for Regulatory, Wilmer for Appellate, probably equal for general lit.

I think I would probably choose Munger in your position because I think their cases are generally more interesting. Wachtell's focus is a little to Del/M&A/Shareholder derivative heavy for me. But Wachtell is more prestigious and you will make more money.

[nyulawbaby]

You have to do wachtell.

[Anonymous User]

I think the way you laid out the differences between the firms is about right, you seem to basically have a sense of what you're choosing between. You're also talking about three different cities here, which do you actually want to live in?

You don't seem to have any passion or overriding interest in going to the feds or DOJ (I assume you would have mentioned it if so). That would really be the reason to go to Cov or Wilmer, so I would cross those out unless my assumption was wrong.

I think Munger is your best option. Sure, Wachtell is the most money and prestige, and that's what the law school hive mind will tell you to do, but you said you have a slight preference against NYC. If you go to Wachtell, you're signing up for working truly bananas hours in NYC on Delaware shareholder lit. Your life will probably be better at Munger, and it's not like some major compromise on prestige - that is still an incredibly prestigious firm that regularly hires SCOTUS clerks.

[Anonymous User]

Probably Munger but deciding city agnostic is bananas. LA (sprawl, traffic, entertainment), DC (suburban, government) and NY (super dense, super expensive, finance) are very different places to live—assuming you actually have this choice, figure out which you like, and fast.

[The Lsat Airbender]

Probably Munger but deciding city agnostic is bananas. LA (sprawl, traffic, entertainment), DC (suburban, government) and NY (super dense, super expensive, finance) are very different places to live—assuming you actually have this choice, figure out which you like, and fast.

This. Absolutely ludicrous to be indifferent among NYC, DC and LA.

[Anonymous User]

1. One point about the DC scene I don't see mentioned. While Covington is a very prestigious DC firm, and is the dream firm of many who want to do the revolving door, Wachtell people regularly go into regulatory/government work. And this is AFTER bagging the extra compensation.

2. I think Wachtell is probably the most "elite" overall but Munger has to be close, within the lit world, right?

3. Munger will be better for getting trial experience, right? So you have to decide if you're a trial junkie.

4. I don't see a problem with being location agnostic. If you're working a ton in a big city, you're going to live close to work and that is it. Yes, CA is not as walkable.

Summary:


If you aren't a trial junkie, and you are willing to work like crazy, Wachtell will open the most general doors