Pros
- Hudson river view from the office is amazing - Modern sleek interior (like Virgin Airlines lounge) with various different working spaces (although none are private) - Interesting variety of clients, especially in the emerging technologies - as far as NYC options go, this is among the most casual environment without stuffy formalities (e.g. dress) - if you manage to find a good group of people in a high powered practice area and just work with them ALL THE TIME, you'll probably enjoy it - firm treats summer associates really really well (but don't expect it to carry over to being an associate) - is an early adapter for rolling out tech in various areas
Cons
- there is a TON of BS, hypocrisy and lip service from management to attorneys on things like DEI, hiring & retention, culture, transparency, etc. - firm can be vicious with stealth layoffs while gaslighting you to believe it's "unsatisfactory performance" - politics over performance: who (specifically, big partner) knows you / likes you matters more than your skills/performance when it comes to it - (promotions, layoffs, etc.) - Only partners get offices; others are in cubicles in an open space pit with no privacy or noise protection - regardless of what the firm touts about "Cooley culture," it's just another cold cutthroat BigLaw player trying to claw higher up AmLaw 100, not afraid of churn & burn through associates and less profitable partners alike - three words: white boys club.
