Vinson & Elkins – “Good place to work, if you know what you're getting into.”

Pros

V&E New York is a a good place to work if you're looking for a New York lifestyle without New York Biglaw firm attitudes. Because the firm is based in Houston, TX, the New York office has a bit more of a congenial attitude when compared to other New York firms. Most of the partners and almost all senior associates are willing to teach to younger associates and are interested in their development. The New York office is growing quickly, and V&E is putting emphasis on having a wider presence in New York. The office is smaller, so you get to know your coworkers.

Cons

As with any big law firm, the hours can be a beast. Your personal plans have absolutely no impact on when you'll be working. People were told to reschedule their already planned (and paid for) vacations in order to work on various client projects. There is not a whole lot of feedback, so you can be unsure as how you're doing in the office. The drawbacks to working in the New York office of Vinson & Elkins are similar to working at any other large law firm - hours are long and the work can be a bit mind numbing.

Advice to Senior Management

Put in place feedback channels that do not deal only with reviews.