Would someone working in an office like Skadden Houston, tiny office of a huge firm, have the possibility of making partner? The salary is amazing compared to other TX based firms but it wouldn't really be worth it if you could never make partner.

My analysis would be no, because chances are Skadden would bill clients at a NY rate from their Houston office whereas Baker Botts or V&E would bill at a TX rate. Thus, how would an attorney in TX sell his services to local clients. "Please use me, I cost more an have fewer boots on the ground." Thus, you ability to build a book would be severely limited along with your partnership prospects.

Thoughts?

As a young associate, don't worry about it. Many associates think they are signing up with the firm for life when accepting a summer associate. The changes are less than 10% that you'll be there when you make partner and probably less than 5% that you'll end your career there. Going to a small Skadden office in TX is not a bad thing b/c you'll get a big-name firm on your resume and exposure to large national projects that you may not be involved in with a more regional firm.

If you are a fifth year or beyond, your analysis is correct. You would likely be better off at a bigger office of a smaller firm.

I second what is said by the second "Anonymous" above. This has been my personal experience too working at an outpost office of a biglaw firm.

A little late on the reply, but as an older Skadden associte there told me once during an interview lunch, Skaddne Houston has made a lot of partners, at Skadden, and Greenburg, and Andrews Kurth, and other big Texas firms - after a few years at Skadden, they leave to partnerships at othr firms - and in the meantime, make way more $$$ on the way.