Apologies if this has been discussed (actually, I’m sure it probably has at some point). I’m on my phone and doing a search is a hassle. Given that Cravath attorneys work considerably more than those at other V10s (Wachtell excepted) and compensation is the same, what draws people to work at CSM over, say, DPW, SullCrom, or Skadden?
Hahaha! Because a lot of people will take any biglaw job that they can get, even if you have to work more than other “comparable” firms. People don’t exactly have the option to work for all of the employers you listed.
What draws people to work in NYC over, say, Chicago, LA, or San Francisco?
Yeah, Cravath is just the fallback option, the last resort for potential biglawyers. Excellent contribution as always.
Presftige
Assuming one has the grades/pedigree for CSM, wouldn’t that person likely be able to garner other offers unless he/she totally screwed up the other interviews? The question is why would one take Cravath over another stable lockstep firm? I really don’t get the feel it’s a consolation prize for those who strike out at other biglaw firms.
Thank God this is anonymous.
same reason why people want to join the Marine Corps and not the Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard
I dunno… They like the city? No ties to other markets? Bigger classes/lower selectivity in NY? What does this have to do with anything?
I would guess it’s a combination of prestige and long term goals. Think about it, while Cravath requires brutal hours, having Cravath on your resume provides some benefits. I would guess Cravath offers better opportunity to lateral and better exit options than other firms. Also, some people really do like to prestige whore.
New York is essentially the capital of the world and the place to be if you want a chance to be working on the most interesting cases with the biggest clients…aka prestige. There is a reason why people flock to NYC to work even though the ColL is atrocious. And it’s not just because NYC doesn’t require ties.
Amazing.
NYC also has the most jobs by far. If those jobs were located in North Dakota, people would flock there.
I love New York, I think it is the best place to live. It is hard to justify financially if you have a great biglaw option near where you live. Most people don’t have those choices.
Isn’t Cravath one of the most unique firms in the V10…? For example, their rotation system sounds very interesting.
There are other factors than MONEY and AVERAGE HOURS
If you really like the rotation system, I think Cravath is the right choice. Also if you want patent litigation in NY. I don’t think there are a lot of other good reasons to take Cravath. I think between CSM/S&C/DPW/STB, your hours and exit options are going to be based on practice group selection rather than firm selection. If you want public company M&A, S&C is the way to go. If you want private equity M&A, then STB. If you want capital markets, then DPW.
I personally accepted my DPW offer in the cab on the way from my Cravath callback. I strongly disliked the decor of the office (dark carpet, lots of wood paneling) and the muted tone of the people. DPW has light carpet, light maple wood paneling, and the people are peppier. Honestly, I think it’s as good a reason as any to pick between these firms.
Do you honestly think Cravath has much worse hours than places like Davis Polk/Skadden/STB? All of these places are sweatshops. I don’t know how much further the Cravath name gets you than Davis Polk, but it is as well-rounded a firm as you have. As for working in NYC, I guess the fact that it is pretty much the financial center of the universe would be a good reason to work there if you want to do corporate. Aside from the fact that its New York City and has anything and everything you could ever want to do, eat, drink, etc.
No.
NYC is the finance capital of the world and if your interested in finance then its the place to be. But for lawyers, its probably the worst place to be. You spend your entire career being defined as a servant to the bankers. Washington DC is the place you want to be as a lawyer. There is a reason its the hardest market to break into as well as the market with the highest quality lawyers in the country.
What is the lowest GPA Cravath or similar firms would accept? I am little over median, and wondering whether I have a shot - even if its close to remote.
You have a shot at Cravath (or S&C, which is basically equivalent to Cravath in this respect) from HYS if you’re at median, but not from anywhere else. If you’re like top 40% at CCN you might have a fighting chance at another one of the V5/V10 NYC firms but you’re probably going to want to set your sights lower if your grades are worse or you’re at a lower-ranked school.
Can somebody verify this?