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I’m not being rude, but I don’t think Goodwin gives the type of resume boost like a Kirkland/Latham would. If I were you, I’d hold out for a better firm if you want the real resume boost.
Depends. If you want to go to a startup or VC shop Goodwin is better.
I’d avoid. I did something similar & moved to K&E from a sleepier shop. You’re instantly back to re-establishing yourself, learning where the hidden traps are, and also working way more in the process. The resume bump is real, yes. But it’s a PITA. A ton of people jumping somewhere more intense/lay-off happy end up regretting the year they spent before joining the unemployment line. A lot of people end up boomeranging back to their initial firms! There’s a very finite value to touching the hot stove if you’re already warm.
leaving Kirkland ASAP. On a team with (internally) well-known “culture issues” that long predate me. Got unlucky, now looking to go in-house.
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Also consider whether you would get good recommendations from Goodwin. The brand name resume boost may not be worth it if no one is willing to support you when you try to leave.
Been at Goodwin since my summer and now a 5th year in PE M&A. May be biased but most of the people at the firm are collegial and not toxic like a lot of big law shops. What you’ve heard on this bowl is not reflective of the way things actually are. Feel free to DM if you have specific questions.
Also would agree with the thorough assessment mentioned above. Overall I think all things considered it’s a pretty solid group, you’ll have work and can dwell into some pretty interesting specialties within debt.
I would join badlose. Its still a brand name and there’s no guarantee that you will get to join a better biglaw firm in this market.
Personal choice — while I agree Goodwin might be a rung down in the big law prestige ladder — it is still very much big law and I think you’ll see a resume boost as a result of that. Your market also matters a lot — if we are talking Boston you’d be better off at a Goodwin than anywhere outside of Ropes.
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Ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. Go there and start networking immediately — and if you get an offer from a Biglaw firm, take it. Then, start trying to lateral hard, actively trying to leave to another firm, after six months, before they have a chance to fire you. However, ensure you can go to another midlaw firm if they fire you within six months because they will certainly do that.
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Are you absolutely confident that you can hit the ground running and perform at or above your class level? Are you also ready for the change in lifestyle, especially as you try to establish yourself? If the answer to either of these questions is not a resounding yes, I would be very wary. Being there two years but not actually doing substantive work because you were written off does not sound like much of a fruitful use of time to me.
Goodwin is ass 😂
Depends on the group you’re joining - tech yes. Everything else no.
I would take it. Getting a lower-Big Law position was enough of a resume boost that I was able to go in-house very quickly after my one year and had consistent recruiter outreach for other Big Law positions the entire time.