Cultures at Cleary vs. Davis Polk (NY) Forum

[haatis.17]

Have offers at both firms for next summer. Interested more in corporate work, with a particular focus on M&A and Cap Markets (which has me thinking Davis Polk). Curious of people's thoughts about the culture, exit opps, and general reputation for both firms. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

For purposes of being a summer associate, both are the same along virtually every substantive metric. If you picked one over the other based on a preference for the neighborhood the office is in, that would not be an irrational way to make this decision.

[Anonymous User]

Both excellent and both at the top end of the prestige rankings in New York. Lean DPW for capital markets, lean Cleary for international work.

[Anonymous User]

DPW takes the edge here for both M&A and cap markets. Good culture, too. Cleary has really good culture but is not as strong in those practice groups. This being said, if you prefer a more generalist structure where you can do all kinds of corp work because you’re in a general pool for transactional work, then go with Cleary.