The proportion of lateral candidates hired is much lower than that of associates hired directly out of law school or clerkships. Both the recruiting coordinator and two partners conduct the first-round interviews with laterals, and the firm has home field advantage. The mechanics of the second round are fairly similar, involving three to four more meetings with a mix of partners and associates. Since the firm prefers to train its own lawyers, lateral interviews are more rigorous, and those making it to the second round are by no means guaranteed a position. No one doubts that Simpson Thacher deserves its reputation as a civil, white shoe and gracious workplace for the time being, anyway.
Partners generally treat associates with a high level of respect, reports one contact.
There s no yelling going on here. There is an emphasis on teamwork, adds another insider. The people are very supportive, smart, cool, and nice. Camaraderie is encouraged by the office assignment system. Cultural mellowness extends to treatment of the opposing side as well the firm insists that attorneys treat opposing counsel respectfully.