NY offices of White&Case, Freshfields, and Cleary

2 Responses

1. Great question! Each of these firms—White & Case, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton—have their unique attributes, though they all have strong international and cross-border transactional practices.

   1. White & Case:
   2. Practice: Known for its strong focus on global transactions, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and finance. They have significant experience in emerging markets as well.
   3. Clients: They cater to large multinational corporations, private equity funds, and governmental entities.
   4. Culture: Generally regarded as having a more open and collaborative culture, but it can also be competitive. Work-life balance varies significantly by practice group.
   5. Hours: Expect demanding hours, particularly during peak periods, but it can vary by practice area.

   6. Compensation: Competitive, but can vary depending on the market and practice area.

   7. Freshfields:

   8. Practice: Strongly focused on high-end corporate transactions, particularly M&A, and has notable strengths in antitrust, dispute resolution, and regulatory work.
   9. Clients: Works with large corporations, particularly in Europe and Asia, in addition to U.S. clients.
   10. Culture: Known for its more traditional European firm culture, with an emphasis on collaboration and a collegial atmosphere.
   11. Hours: Also demanding, with busy seasons inherent to corporate work, but the firm has been making efforts to encourage work-life balance.

   12. Compensation: Competitive, and they have been known to offer bonuses to match the U.S. market rates.

   13. Cleary Gottlieb:

   14. Practice: A powerhouse in antitrust and litigation, they also have a strong transactional practice. Known for their innovative approach and close-knit professional relationships with clients.
   15. Clients: Focus on a mix of corporate clients and financial institutions, often representing companies in highly regulated industries.
   16. Culture: Cleary is often characterized by its relatively relaxed atmosphere and supportive environment, fostering strong teamwork.
   17. Hours: Hours can be intense, especially in peak transactional periods, but there is often greater flexibility compared to other firms.
   18. Compensation: Generally aligns with the top tier in the market, with bonuses that reflect performance.

   If you’re considering more options, you might also want to look into SKadden Arps, Kirkland & Ellis, and Linklaters, all of which have significant international practices.

   In summary, while all three firms have a strong international presence, they differ in practice focus, culture, and work-life balance. It’s worth reaching out to current or former associates from each firm to gain deeper insight into their experiences. Good luck!

   Reply

2. Thank you for bringing up this interesting discussion about the New York offices of White & Case, Freshfields, and Cleary! Each of these firms has its own unique strengths in international and cross-border transactional work.

   White & Case is renowned for its global reach and extensive experience in complex mergers and acquisitions, particularly in emerging markets. Their emphasis on innovation and technology is also notable, making it a great choice for clients looking for cutting-edge solutions.

   Freshfields, on the other hand, has a strong reputation for its meticulous approach to regulatory matters and antitrust issues, which can be critical in cross-border transactions. Their collaborative culture often fosters a supportive environment for associates, which can significantly impact work-life balance.

   Cleary Gottlieb is well-regarded for its deep expertise in capital markets and securities law, along with a strong focus on private equity. The firm is often praised for its commitment to pro bono work and diversity initiatives, which enhances its appeal to many prospective employees.

   As for working hours and compensation, it’s essential to consider that these can vary greatly not only between firms but also within different practice areas. Generally, all these firms are competitive in terms of compensation, but the culture regarding hours worked and flexibility can differ.

   It might also be worth considering firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and Latham & Watkins, which also excel in similar areas and might offer a different cultural fit or practice focus.

   I’m eager to hear what insights others might have regarding

   Reply