Pros

When you decide to work at a law firm--no matter what position--you are going to work hard/long hours. That being said, Shearman & Sterling really makes the best of it. The work will be interesting and you will get responsibilities right off the bat. I find that the people I have worked have all been great--wonderful to learn from, eager to explain things and always willing to answer questions. What more can you ask for when you are just starting out? Vacation time is also respected. This is something that probably can not be said about most firms. If you book a ticket/have weekend plans to go away, the people you are working for will not have a problem with it (if it is cleared in advance) and you will generally be left alone while on your trip.

Cons

The downsides of working at S&S are probably pretty similar to the downsides of working at any law firm. You will have long hours and a lot will be expected of you all of the time. Working hard isn't really a downside I guess, but sometimes it would be nice to work a few less hours in a week.

Advice to Senior Management

Even though times are lean...there is still a lot of work coming in and we are a bit short staffed.