Recently, I referred a friend who had a B average from Columbia Law School, and the firm would not interview him, in large part, because of his grades. The hiring partners prefer an unusual, diversified resume as opposed to plain old high marks on the law school transcript. Another insider warns limp candidates that personality does matter. Personality factors heavily into whether a person gets an offer. One associate notes that the firm increasingly is tapping the Canadian and Australian markets.
Sources say the atmosphere is extremely professional and demanding, but collegial.
Says an insider, It s a very adult and mature culture, and of course, very hard working. Concludes an associate, We have offices everywhere, and we re business-oriented. At Shearman, we re more practical. The firm s corporate department is described as big and impersonal, while the litigation department is said to be friendly and supportive. The property department s culture is described as cliquish.