Cravath Swaine Reviews

Pros

The reputation of Cravath as well as the excellent lawyers that surround you will be a great resume builder, and the firm truly gives young attorneys the chance to do substantive work earlier than other firms.

Cons

The partnership prospects are very dim and depending on the group, work life balance can be a very big challenge.

Advice to Senior Management

I really have no advice for management, as I think they are very up front in the way they operate. I wish partnership discussions were more open, but it is what it is.

Pros

Colleagues and staff are top notch and there a very few weak links in the chain. You may not get this kind of consistent quality anywhere else.

Cons

Either you are a partner or you are not. You will be reminded of your status every day. The culture can be stifling.

Advice to Senior Management

You are becoming slaves to your comp and Am Law ranks. It's time to re-think the tired business model and treat your talented people more fairly.

Pros

On hands experience early on as a junior associate.

Rotation system permits growth as a well rounded lawyer (especially corporate).

Cons

Very bad partnership prospects.

Virtually non-existent racial diversity within the partnership.

Job security questionable during difficult economic times, about which management not is completely transparent.

Advice to Senior Management

Be careful about how many new associates you hire during good times, or even bad times (especially 2008), as current associates will be forced out for new, cheaper associates.

Pros

Good salary for people right out of school

Cons

Poor working conditions and work/life balance

Advice to Senior Management

Please strive to offer work/life balance to employees.