The S&C Bonsai Tree: Ready for Its Close-Up
At right: a photograph of one of the bonsai trees that Sullivan & Cromwell has been sending its offerees.
Some description, from our tipster:
I took a camera phone pic of this S&C bush when it first came, to text to a non-law school friend who could not believe that law firms send plants.It's not wrapped anymore [in the picture]. That tiny thing in front of the elaborate packaging is the plant. Originally, the five-inch plant arrived in a giant box stuffed with styrofoam. The plant was then wrapped inside green and black tissue paper, adorned with gold "Sullivan and Cromwell" ribbon and a small gift card, and then placed in a clear cellophane wrapping, before it was then graced with a gold embossed "S&C" sticker.
None of that, however, prevented the dirt from exploding all over my kitchen as I opened the giant box.
We realize that this photo, taken with a camera phone, isn't the greatest pic. If you're the proud owner of an S&C bonsai, feel free to photograph it and then email us. Maybe we'll hold a contest for best picture of an S&C bonsai tree, or create a special photo gallery. Thanks!
Comments
First!
Posted by: Kevin Lomax | October 10, 2007 11:53 AM
S&C to free bush!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 11:54 AM
you can get bonsai trees for $10 at Penn Station, and a ton of other booths accross Manhattan.
Posted by: anon | October 10, 2007 11:56 AM
11:56:
Duly noted. Thank you.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 12:02 PM
How soon after the offer did the Bonsai tree arrive?
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 12:03 PM
No bush! It's just better that way.
It's not the size of the tree that counts...
Posted by: Anon | October 10, 2007 12:11 PM
god i want one of those SO bad
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 12:16 PM
"Free bush" made me laugh. Thanks.
Posted by: anon | October 10, 2007 12:24 PM
S&C
Gave out of the free tree
But they can't erase
What happened to Charney
They gots to change
They evil ways
Or at least give us
Anutha phat raise
C'mon. C'mon. C'mon.
S&C to 190.
S&C to 190.
Uh-huh yeah.
Posted by: The Rappin' Lawyer | October 10, 2007 12:43 PM
I wish law firms gave out a different kind of "trees."
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 01:10 PM
Glad they wasted all that packaging to send a tiny tree.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 01:48 PM
Kudos, Rappin' Lawyer - thanks for a good laugh.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 01:56 PM
Kudos, Rappin' Lawyer - thanks for a good laugh.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 02:02 PM
Rappin' Lawyer / 12:43, excellent work.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 02:18 PM
Does anyone else find this similar to the episode of the Office last week? In the episode, Michael and Dwight get it in their head that they can persuade recently lost customers to come back using traditional business practices (rather than fancy-shmancey websites) and so drive around to old clients and hand out gift baskets.
Maybe S&C are taking a que from Michael and Dwight and returning to the old ways of business -- showing your appreciation with delivered gifts?
Posted by: NBC addict | October 10, 2007 02:25 PM
Doesn't ANYONE respect the sanctity of giving the Bonsai tree anymore?
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 02:32 PM
But you can't eat or smoke the Bonsai Tree, unlike the contents of the gift baskets. Also, you don't need to water or prune gift baskets.
Posted by: @2:25 | October 10, 2007 02:33 PM
I still think a bonsai tree is a unique and classy gift. However, given the loads of packaging, styrafoam, cellophane and gold S&C stickers, it is not quite as green or un-corporatey as I originally thought.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 02:35 PM
To 2:25/2:33:
Mmmmmmm... smoked gift baskets...
Posted by: Homer | October 10, 2007 02:42 PM
When I opened mine rocks went all over the floor. I'm still not even sure what kind of juniper bonsai it is. Mine had a card that said "Congrats on your offer from Sullivan and Cromwell." It looked like it was from their flower supplier and not the firm! I'm still confused!
It came in a large unmarked box, so my dad thought it was a bomb.
Posted by: A recipient | October 10, 2007 02:55 PM
"I pruned this tree while taking a shit. I think there's still some on there for you."
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 03:36 PM
I cannot believe 2:55 got rocks also! Mine had no rocks! Not one!!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 03:45 PM
Bonsai trees?? All I got was a fresh batch of poison ivy with instructions promising that it would "make my skin shine" if applied liberally and frequently. It didn't. I'm not accepting the offer.
Posted by: in demand | October 10, 2007 04:10 PM
It is a nice gesture.
Posted by: happy anon | October 10, 2007 04:12 PM
I got one and it was wrapped pretty well. No dirt fell on the floor though one of the rocks did when I pulled the last bit of tape off. It's a wacky gift but it is cool.
Posted by: happy 2L | October 10, 2007 07:00 PM
bonsais are beautiful, but i think they require a lot of maintenance--as in regular soakings. have they hired an extra plant waterer?
Posted by: frankster | October 10, 2007 11:11 PM
"Free Bush" is the ultimate recruiting slogan ;-)
Posted by: Anonymous | October 11, 2007 10:04 AM
huh. The only things I get from S&C are motions to compel. Bastards.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 11, 2007 09:06 PM
Mayer Brown D.C. gave bonsai trees to their summers in 2006
Posted by: Anonymous | October 12, 2007 09:47 PM