Latham (DC) vs Sidley (DC/Chicago) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey everyone, currently deciding between Latham (DC) and Sidley (DC/Chicago). I am not geographically attached to DC, but I would like to practice litigation and get some appellate work mixed in, too.

For context, I'll be coming in with a 2/9/DC clerkship and possibly a DDC/SDNY clerkship as well. My priorities are (1) rigor/reputation of practices; (2) opportunity to do substantive work early on; and (3) work/life balance & social culture. I'm also conservative leaning and would appreciate an environment that is moderate and has a good mix of different viewpoints (although I understand that most BigLaw firms already fit into this category.) I might be interested in exiting to be an AUSA down the road.

Is one firm clearly better than the other for my goals? If Sidley is better, is either office preferable to the other? Anecdotally, does anyone have experience at either firm/office and can comment on how pleasant it is to work there?

[Anonymous User]

Location is a personal decision but if you're looking for elite lit outcomes DC is probably better career wise.

If DC, Latham over Sidley. If Chi, Sidley over Latham.