Moelis LA vs. PWP LA

Which offer would be the best to take? I heard Moelis is sweaty but I also know for a fact PWP LA is a super sweaty office too. Is this more based on personal fit or is moelis still considered the King of LA.

3 Comments
 

moelis better opps for PE - PWP is open to PE recruiting but heard it got pretty sweaty once laz came over

also preference of industrials vs moelis groups and people

 

Based on the highest ranked content on WSO, the decision between Moelis LA and PWP LA seems to hinge on a few key factors, including office culture, deal flow, and personal fit. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:

  1. Office Culture and Work Intensity: Both Moelis LA and PWP LA are known for their intense work environments, often referred to colloquially as "sweaty." This suggests that at both firms, you can expect long hours and a demanding workload. The culture at Moelis LA has been described as less collegial compared to PWP LA, which might be a consideration depending on your personal preferences for a workplace environment.

  2. Reputation and Deal Flow: Moelis has a strong reputation in the LA market, particularly in media & entertainment and tech, with a growing presence in consumer & retail. PWP LA, on the other hand, is highlighted for its strength in industrials. Moelis is often considered to have a dominant position in the region, but PWP is not far behind and has its own areas of expertise.

  3. Personal Fit and Career Goals: Ultimately, the best choice may come down to where you feel you'd fit best based on your career goals, the people you met during the interview process, and your personal preferences regarding firm culture. If you have a specific industry focus or value a particular type of work environment, this could significantly influence your decision.

  4. Expansion and Mobility: It's worth noting that both firms are in periods of growth and expansion, which could affect opportunities for upward mobility. Moelis LA's broad deal exposure and PWP LA's rapid growth and friendly culture towards career development might offer different but valuable paths for career progression.

In conclusion, while Moelis is often referred to as the "King of LA" due to its strong presence and deal flow, the choice between Moelis LA and PWP LA should also consider personal fit, specific office culture, and your long-term career objectives. Both firms offer robust opportunities, but aligning your choice with your personal and professional priorities will be key to making the best decision for your future.

Sources: [SA 2024] CVP SF vs PWP LA vs Moelis SF, (urgent) if you had to choose 1 for NY office: LAZ, PWP, or MOE?, PWP LA, Lazard LA, and Houlihan LA (RX), Moelis vs PWP

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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