Insiders speculate that Stanford students may also have an edge, especially because the firm s former hiring partner, Mark Cunha, is a Cardinal alumnus, and Dick Beattie, chair of the firm s executive committee, is active in Stanford fundraising. An enthusiastic, friendly personality at this very nice firm is also a decided plus. In fact, say associates, There are people at the top of their class who didn t get hired because people thought they were arrogant. Simpson places a high premium on hiring nice people in all positions, not just associates. Interview process First round interviews on campus are short and sweet and conducted by either senior associates or partners.
Callbacks involve four interviews, give or take one or two.
In general, they are split up evenly between partners and associates. In fact, the second round is, in a way, an opportunity for the firm to sell itself to the candidate, according to insiders. Successful candidates get the good news via phone call and letter a week to 10 days after the callback round. Simpson Thacher is not oblivious to its reputation and will not take lateral hires from just any other firm. The proportion of lateral candidates hired is much lower than that of associates hired directly out of law school or clerkships.