Lex 100 - Dorsey & Whitney LLP

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Dorsey & Whitney LLP

21 Wilson Street London EC2M 2TD

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Good reputation for corporate and commercial litigation'; 'good financial package'; 'small office with international work'; 'excellent litigation department'; 'dual UK/US capability'; 'reputation'; 'the individuals who work here'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Less competition for seats'; 'fewer social events'; 'less formal training'; 'better hours'; 'less responsibility'; 'no hand-holding but at the same time you know the support is there'; 'very much hands-on learning'; 'more client contact'; 'more direct partner contact'; 'better quality of work'

Best thing about the firm? 'Impressive client base'; 'good client contact'; 'no interference from HR'; 'quality work'; 'direct contact with partners'; 'open-door policy'; 'friendly with little hierarchy'; 'friendly and supportive working atmosphere'

Worst thing about the firm? 'No canteen or staff room'; 'can rapidly get very busy'; 'firm politics can sometimes be an issue'; 'lack of unity across departments'; 'facilities and resources available in the office could be better'

Best moment? 'Attending a high-value mediation with one of the US partners'; 'working on a £100m public to private scheme of arrangement takeover'; 'seeing the closure of a large international deal'; 'attending hearings and meetings with counsel and clients'; 'having an article published'

Worst moment? 'The all-nighters'; 'no worst moment to date'; 'aside from the odd late night it's all been pretty good, though perhaps a little quiet at times'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

One of the big firms in the US for M&A, Dorsey & Whitney is highly rated for its cross-border practice, counting numerous technology, life sciences and entrepreneurial companies as clients. In London, it enjoys a good reputation for advising on a number of UK-only deals in the sub-£50m bracket. The firm undertakes larger transactions for US clients, and advises on capital markets, tax and litigation, with particular expertise in fraud and group litigation orders (GLOs). Clients say the firm is 'very responsive, reliable and conscientious'.

The star performers

Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Corporate tax; Emerging markets; Fraud; IT and IP; Venture capital.

The deals

Advised Osteotech in the sale of its European subsidiaries, valued at over £100m; acting for 24 multinationals in a challenge to the UK's CFC and dividend taxation rules; acted for 3M Company in its defence of a claim brought in the Commercial Court for revenues due under an earn-out provision in a share purchase agreement.

The clients

Cambridge Consultants; Chrysalis VCT; Marks & Spencer; Microsaic Systems; Pirelli; Siemens.

The Verdict

Despite having a smaller presence in London than some of its US counterparts, Dorsey & Whitney is well regarded for its corporate and commercial litigation practices and offers its trainees a significant amount of international work. With its size comes major advantages ('less competition for seats') and also disadvantages ('fewer social events' and 'less formal training') but on the whole trainees enjoy the fact that they get to experience a more hands-on learning experience and the firm scores well for client contact. 'Working on a £100m public to private scheme of arrangement takeover' and 'attending day-long settlement negotiations' are just two examples of the type of experiences available and the open-door policy means that partners are always available to give advice and support. Be aware training is 'less formal' than in other firms and the politics in a small office can be a bit frustrating for some current trainees. There are also calls for the addition of a canteen, which would no doubt help to improve social life within the firm. On the whole though, trainees enjoy working in this 'relaxed and friendly' office and the fact that they get to work with experts in their field is seen as a big bonus. Dorsey & Whitney is definitely one to consider for those seeking a US firm with a difference.