MoFo (SF) v. Fenwick (SV) Forum

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:38 pm

So I've been thinking about this for a while and am curious to know some other opinions. I want to do IP or tech transactions (though not patent prosecution). I'd also like to try out some corporate work, especially in the field of venture capital. My background is in life sciences, but I'm more interested in the high-tech sector than pharma or biotech. I really liked the people at Fenwick, and loved what I saw of Mountain View. MoFo didn't present as coherent of a personality, so it was harder for me to tell what it was like there. I've never lived in a big city before, so I'm more comfortable with Silicon Valley than San Francisco, but it could also be a good experience to try city living. Both firms have offices elsewhere that I'd be interested in working at in the long run (won't identify them, b/c they're pretty particular and would worry about outing myself), but if I'm not working in a law firm, I'd want to go in-house at a tech company.

Given that, any thoughts?
Thanks for your input!

thompson · Post by **thompson** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:46 pm

Well, on the one hand, MoFo just announced salary cuts to $145k (see top post at ATL). On the other hand, Fenwick did some shady stuff with its 2009 SA's (ATL (LinkRemoved)).

I think MoFo is the better choice as far as exit-options, but only by a hair for the practice groups you've mentioned. Stability-wise, I think MoFo wins this one by a hefty margin, even with the salary cut.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:20 pm

thompson wrote:Well, on the one hand, MoFo just announced salary cuts to $145k (see top post at ATL). On the other hand, Fenwick did some shady stuff with its 2009 SA's (ATL (LinkRemoved)).

I think MoFo is the better choice as far as exit-options, but only by a hair for the practice groups you've mentioned. Stability-wise, I think MoFo wins this one by a hefty margin, even with the salary cut.

Well, I picked a ridiculous time to post, and a ridiculous time to swear off ATL (no joke, I was like "this prestige whore site is going to make me crazy" this past weekend). I still at least have the chance with Fenwick to have 160k, though they haven't given us formal salaries yet, and SV is significantly cheaper to live in, even though it's still Bay Area. Though they keep saying they're going to be a market follower, and if MoFo cuts, they might too...
I'm not worried about Fenwick's offer rate this upcoming summer. They're really downsizing their summer class, and they've learned from last summer. I just really don't want to be cut to 145k, since once I'm at that point, I might as well be in some secondary market with lower CoL that I like just as much.

thompson · Post by **thompson** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:36 pm

Anonymous User wrote:I just really don't want to be cut to 145k, since once I'm at that point, I might as well be in some secondary market with lower CoL that I like just as much.

I don't disagree with the intent behind that, but at the same time, I think you're going to see a lot more salary cuts, even in secondary markets with better CoL. I wouldn't be surprised if Fenwick cuts to $145k either.

With that said and if you want to take the risk on offers, I think Fenwick is a great place. I interviewed with them and really loved the vibe of it. My deciding factor was mostly that I didn't want to commute to SV.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:50 am

Has anyone heard anything substantial about what other bay area firms are going to do in re: pay? Will Wilson/Fenwick/Cooley all just follow MoFo?

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:59 am

This is opening anonymous: My guess is Fenwick will follow, too. Still, I'm comforted by the fact that they at least haven't followed *yet*. They definitely left an opening for themselves to cut pay, but I think they'll wait until recruiting is over.

nahgems · Post by **nahgems** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:09 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
thompson wrote:Well, on the one hand, MoFo just announced salary cuts to $145k (see top post at ATL). On the other hand, Fenwick did some shady stuff with its 2009 SA's (ATL (LinkRemoved)).

I think MoFo is the better choice as far as exit-options, but only by a hair for the practice groups you've mentioned. Stability-wise, I think MoFo wins this one by a hefty margin, even with the salary cut.
Well, I picked a ridiculous time to post, and a ridiculous time to swear off ATL (no joke, I was like "this prestige whore site is going to make me crazy" this past weekend). I still at least have the chance with Fenwick to have 160k, though they haven't given us formal salaries yet, and SV is significantly cheaper to live in, even though it's still Bay Area. Though they keep saying they're going to be a market follower, and if MoFo cuts, they might too...
I'm not worried about Fenwick's offer rate this upcoming summer. They're really downsizing their summer class, and they've learned from last summer. I just really don't want to be cut to 145k, since once I'm at that point, I might as well be in some secondary market with lower CoL that I like just as much.

This depends a lot on *where* in SV you want to live. Something decent in Palo Alto is going to cost the same (or more) as something decent in the city. If you don't mind Sunnyvale, then it is a lot cheaper. If you want to live in a "classy" suburb, SV is going to be as expensive as the city.

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