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LAWCROSSING FEATURED EMPLOYER OF THE WEEK
Debevoise & Plimpton [Marty Schultz-Ackerson] Since its inception in 1931 in New York, Debevoise & Plimpton has enjoyed a long and fruitful history that has led to its reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Top-notch corporate and litigation departments, a stellar pro bono practice, and a pleasant firm culture all help to distinguish Debevoise from its competition.
Debevoise founders also boast historical per-
Debevoise has established a stronghold in
tion with Mexican nationals on death row in
tinence outside of the legal world. Harvard
the areas of corporate law and litigation both
the United States. It also provided an amicus
alumnus Eli Whitney Debevoise, a descen-
in the United States and abroad. Its M&A
brief on behalf of gay-rights groups in the
dent of the cotton gin inventor, and Oxford-
work is particularly noteworthy, with recent
campaign against Texas’ sodomy laws, which
trained William Stevenson, an Olympic gold
highlights including Chrysler’s $38 billion
culminated in the landmark Supreme Court
medallist in the 1924 Paris games, formed
merger with Daimler-Benz and Goldman
ruling in Lawrence vs. Texas.
the initial partnership. They were eventually
Sachs’ $72-billion sale of an AT&T subsidiary
joined by Francis Plimpton, now best known
to Comcast. The firm’s excellence in litiga-
As expected for such a high-caliber firm,
as the father of humorist-writer George
tion shines forth in Mary Jo White, the head
getting hired at Debevoise is not easy. In ad-
Plimpton, and another Harvard graduate,
of the department, who returned to the firm
dition to stellar grades from top law schools,
Robert Page.
after an eight-year stint as U.S. Attorney for
successful candidates will also demonstrate
the Southern District of New York. Under her
a well-rounded background and the ability to
The firm demonstrated its powerhouse
leadership, Debevoise frequently steps up
effectively handle a sophisticated caseload.
potential early on by assuming a frontline
to the plate in high-stakes cases. Currently,
Those who make it through the selection
role in the bankruptcy case of “Swedish
the firm is representing Tyco’s former CEO
process will not only have the opportunity
Match King” Ivan Kreuger in 1934. Kreuger
Dennis Koslowski in his white-collar defense
to participate in comprehensive training in
had achieved a worldwide dominance of the
case and a chemical manufacturer of the
their field of choice, even overseas, but also
match industry and was one of wealthiest
Agent Orange defoliant, used by the US mili-
to work in a rare firm culture, often hailed
men in the world before the NYSE crash led
tary during the Vietnam War, in a toxic tort
as one of the most collegial in the country,
to his demise. The firm still represents the
class action brought by Vietnamese citizens.
which cherishes the relations between as-
North American division of Swedish Match,
sociates and partners.
which emerged from Kreuger’s empire, as
Approximately half of Debevoise’s work has
well as such long-time clients as American
an international focus, either by subject
Airlines, DaimlerChrysler, and Goldman
matter or by client, and the firm possesses
Sachs.
an expertise in cross-border transactions, capital markets, private equity funds, and
Debevoise’s history has been marked by
large-scale restructurings. As an example of
a slow but steady expansion, as well as
Debevoise’s international stature, more than
perseverance through tough times. During
half of the lawyers in the London offices hold
World War II, many of the firm’s lawyers
UK qualifications.
were recruited to government or military posts. Defying the pressure to downsize,
Perhaps one of the most attractive features
Debevoise arranged a merger that allowed it
of Debevoise is its pro bono practice, to
to stay abreast of the market. Always ready
which the firm reportedly devotes a tremen-
to capitalize on new opportunities, Debevoise
dous five percent of all billable hours. In the
enlisted the help of several of American
Vault Guide to the Top 100 Law Firms, the
Airlines’ past lawyers when it became the
firm once again ranked second in the “Pro
company’s lead counsel in 1948.
Bono” category. Recently, the firm represented the Mexican Government in connec-
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