Vinson & Elkins – “A no brainer if you want to be in Texas”

Pros

Local stand-out
Great energy in-house options
Great compensation on a cost-of-living basis
Faily-oriented as law firms go
Commitment to staying nationally relevant
Making partner not impossible

Cons

Hours, like anywhere else
Some weird partners
Salary compression
Probably not the best place to be single
The Enron taint

Advice to Senior Management

Be clear about your intentions. If you want to be a top national firm, unequivocally commit to NYC-level compensation. Lose the murky bonus system.