The so called boutique firms are not necessarily easier to get into, but often time, they respond much faster to applicants, if there is an opening, and they appreciate more any attention from prospective candidates.  

1. Bracebridge Capital, LLC

2.  Bridgewater Associates

3. Chopper Trading

4. DC Energy

5.  Dean Ventures

6.  Ellington Management Group, LLC

7. IMC Chicago

8.  Jump Trading

9.  MDT Advisers

10.  Putnam Investments

11. Spot Trading

12. Centerview Partners

13. Foros Group

14. Lincoln International

15. Millstein & Co.

16. Peter J. Solomon Company

17. Sanford C. Bernstein

18. Tower Research Capital LLC

19. TripleTree, LLC

20. William Blair & Company