We dont immediately decline choice 2 or 3, because weve had some very odd responses to offer letters (think - job posted with salary of $x; offer letter for salary of $x; candidate comes back and says, actually, I was hoping for $2x as the starting salary.). Law firms have exceptionally high expectations of students invited to their offices. Shame about that. %%EOF Include specific information that was discussed during the interview. When is it acceptable to ask if the firm if they could provide a timeline for when I could anticipate their decision? If youre among the 25%, or so, that gets callbacks from firms after the screening interview, consider yourself lucky. . Good luck on your OCI process! In addition, smaller employers may have substantially different ideas about appropriate travel expenses (especially meals and hotels) than larger ones. Speaking to a junior associate will give you a better idea of how the firm operates, help confirm whether you are interested in working there, and identify what makes the firm stand out from other players in the field. The average timeframe for this is three to 10 business days, according to Career Sidekick. Feel free to make reasonable interview requests to the recruiter. September? The dangers you face by not demonstrating simple etiquette can be detrimental to your goals and can actually haunt you for years. One extremely important question to be prepared for is why this firm? Not every firm will ask this during the screeners but every firm will ask you this question during callbacks. by thesealocust Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:59 pm, Post Top Law Schools LLC 2003-2022 all rights reserved. The note should not be so general that it could be used for all call-back interviews. CB to offer: 4 days ** please don't comment without including the firm name. in order to determine if we have the capacity to take on whichever candidate we chose. I had that happen with 2 firms (neither ended up extending me an offer unfortunately). The reasons for different results are myriad, and while it is important to review what happened in your case, in order to improve your chances going forward, dwelling on others' outcomes is unhelpful. Even at my small firm my partner and I have struggled between two people and taken a week to determine we want to reinterview the two candidates we're stuck on. The Why BigLaw question is also extremely popular in screener interviews, as well as callbacks. The good news is some of that stress might soon be alleviated. On-campus interviews are in full swing at law schools around the country and some students are already preparing for callbacks: second interviews with a law firm that may last anywhere from a couple hours to a full day. What Will Happen Now That Trump's Tax Returns Have Been Made Public? And if the callback goes well how long until you hear if you get an offer? Yep, we usually have 10-14 attorneys who interview the candidates and it could take up to a week to collect all of our evaluation forms. We interviewed three students last week. Avoid general questions such as What do first year associates get to work on? and What is the summer program like? Sophisticated questions will make you a memorable candidate, and will help you gather more detailed information about the firm. by traehekat Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:27 pm, Post You have survived the insanity of the on-campus interview process. I was told during a recent interview to expect 3-4 weeks while they work through candidates and evaluations. The better callbacks will coordinate topics so that each interviewer focuses on a different area of questions. It isnt too extraordinary to have interviews lined up: Monday morning, Tuesday morning / Tuesday afternoon, Friday. If your initial interview was successful, you may receive a letter or phone call from the employer inviting you to visit its office. Track Your KPIs Efficiently with the Right Technology. by IrwinM.Fletcher Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:36 pm, Post When you call to schedule your callback, take advantage of the recruiter as a resource by asking for a copy of their reimbursement policy; inquiring about how travel arrangements are made; learning about the structure of your interview day and when you can obtain the names of your interviews; and learning what materials you should bring. If we interview multiple candidates for a role, those interviews could be weeks apart from each other, and it could take another month or so to figure out budgets, staffing, workloads, if we'll have too many associates who graduated in the same year, etc. The job offer call time of day could be any time during regular business hours. It is tempting to conduct as much research as you can before for your callback interviews, but you do not have to possess encyclopedic knowledge about the firm in order to demonstrate interest. The thank you note is another component of the process that deserves far more attention than most people realize. Screener to CB . i can tell u from a hiring perspective even when i am in a rush to get a new hire here asap to help, the process is still a huge time suck and distraction so sometimes its easy to drag it out a few weeks. Throughout your callback interview, you may be asked more specifics about the content of your resume. How many firms use project management software like Press J to jump to the feed. Your screener interviewer will typically notify you that you have received a callback interview within a week or two of your screener. I've gone 1-2 weeks before knowing if I even had a second round of interviews. Under the circumstances, the same note addressed to each interviewer does not make sense. Fridays are an option but firms often will not hold callbacks on Fridays because attorneys are working from home. He did not return phone calls or emails sent by members of our recruitment committee. 22 Interview Questions the Top Law Firms Ask. If we interview multiple candidates for a role, those interviews could be weeks apart from each other, and it could take another month or so to figure out budgets, staffing, workloads, if we'll have too many associates who graduated in the same year, etc. Always assume that young associates (and Georgetown Law alumni) are a part of the hiring process. For example, you may wish to interview with attorneys from a particular practice group or with a particular affiliation (working parents, LGBTQ). You need to know everything on your resume, writing sample, and cover letter cold. The legal publications, The American Lawyer, National Law Journal, Corporate Counsel,and ACC Docket are just a few publications whose articles about the firm will also help you learn more about the business issues law firms are facing. The LSAT is one of the most important exams you will take in your law career and it is incredibly important that you prepare sufficiently for this exam. Red Roof Inn, Marriott/Hampton, or Waldorf? Your attention must now turn to callback, or in-office, interviews. Is Your Firm Keeping Pace With The Advancements In eDiscovery? The lead firm will assist with hotel and travel arrangements and will reimburse you. Learn How. [Law360], * If the Supreme Court ditches Chevron how will businesses react? Make sure to: Generally, employers make hiring decisions on a revolving basis. He did not return phone calls made by one of our founding partners. The opportunity to ask questions is a great way to both learn about something of interest to you and to show that you have prepared. Questions about your favorite law school courses come up frequently and should be an easy question to knock out of the park, if you have prepared. The point of a callback interview from the firms perspective is to dig a little deeper into their candidate and confirm that your success at the initial interview was not a dud. As someone on the other side of the situation, it's easy to ignore that time when telling candidates about the timeframe of the search. Answer your phone as professionally as possible, keeping in mind that it could be a potential employer. If the firm does release your interviewers names ahead of time you will be expected to do something with that information. Types of Postgraduate . Dont expect to get the answer right because there usually is no right answer, its just a question to evaluate your thought process. You will also likely be invited to lunch or dinner with a mix of those you met with and some you havent. Some employers will coordinate offer dinners. If your schedule will not permit, you should feel free to decline politely the invitation. As discussed last week, the initial OCI interview is a truncated. The specifics of individual questions can vary from interview to interview, but the types of questions asked are typically quite consistent between interviews. by kaiser Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:45 pm, Post If you are interviewing with seven attorneys you should take seven resumes, transcripts and (if applicable) cover letters for the callback. Here is a short list of soft factors that you should be aware of when preparing for a callback interview. What role do junior associates take in your practice, and what are some examples of the type of work they are assigned? Therefore, you should try to follow some basic logistical guidelines: Be prepared to deal with the following issues: A thank you note is a must following a call-back interview, and you should not wait a few days to send it. Much less doing interview and hiring stuff. So many students make the critical error of firing off thank you emails shortly after interviewing without a tremendous amount of thought. If you obtained the names of your interviewers, review their bios on the firms website. And they need to be delivered face-to-face, against their will if need be. link to Are the Powerscore Bibles Worth It? These group interview lunches are always an awkward and painful contest of brown-nosing among law students. Keep in mind that they already have a job and you do not. The note should clearly acknowledge that you visited the organization. Its also notable that BigLaw operates on a somewhat unusual salary structure; the associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known. Some examples of odd questions I have gotten include: (i) what do you think about police brutality, is it largely overblown or is it a serious issue? If it goes well, do they generally call back the next day for next interview? Ask a friend a) with a Skype account and b) who will give you honest feedback to play the part of the interviewers. The conversation was precipitated by a photo on the wall of the boy in his little league uniform. The call-back, or second interview, is an indication of the employers increased interest in you as a potential employee. After your callback interview, be sure to send a thank you email to your interviewers who took time to meet with you and to the recruiting staff who organized it. Law firms do not save a certain amount of summer associate positions for law students who do callbacks at a later time. Often there will also be a lunch or coffee event with junior associates. Its no secret that BigLaw firms draw many associates in with the lure of seriously big salaries. Stage the background, don your . You have to wait until your first choice actually accepts the offer (sometimes a week+ after you make the offer) before calling the other candidates. We may interview 4 people for 1 position. If you have received a callback interview with an employer, congratulations! You might be on the lukewarm list, as in if their top picks don't accept they'll extend but they're still interviewing. However, it's important to remember that every job is different. The take away here is to think first, rethink, think again, and then act. It's a function of (1) having an order of preferred candidates; and (2) these people are still practicing attorneys. I advise you to put yourself in the shoes of your interviewers. When you receive callback invitations, you should make every effort to respond promptly so that you can secure your desired callback interview date. Unfortunately, you dont know which firms are which. This site is owned and operated by Metellus Productions. Your head is spinning but there is no time to take a breather. There are resources you may find helpful beyond a firms website and that you should be sure to review as you conduct your research. All of the hard work students have put into their studies is beginning to pay off. Also, Joe Biden's documents elicit special counsel attention. When you get a callback offer, decide whether you want the CB and then respond promptly (within 48 hours?) Post Law School Acceptances, Denials, and Waitlists, Hispanic and Latino Lawyers and Law Students, American Indian Lawyers and Law Students, First Generation Lawyers and Law Students, Single Parent Lawyers and Law Students, Free Help and Advice from Professionals, Other forums not on the main forum index page, Law School Acceptances, Denials, and Waitlists, Hispanic and Latino Lawyers and Law Students, First Generation Lawyers and Law Students, A guide to the mechanics of OCI, callbacks, etc. I honestly don't understand the sentiment behind this question. by 5ky Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:48 pm, Post Your attention must now turn to callback, or in-office, interviews. in order to determine if we have the capacity to take on whichever candidate we chose. What do you enjoy most about working at the firm. Nobody was happy about his lack of common courtesy and his failure to take the two minutes to inform us of his intentions was disgraceful. For students seeking opportunities from all other types of legal employers including small and midsize law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and judicial clerkships self-initiated job searches, externships, and networking produce the majority of job offers. Dress is business professional, whatever you would wear to a courtroom as a practicing attorney. Law students interested in a personalized consultation can reach Kara Reidy atKara.p.reidy@gmail.com. White Collar Litigation Mid-Level Associate (3+PQE), Streamline Legal Research And Focus On Decision Making, Professional Development Leader H. Sandra Bang on Building a Career and Making an Impact, How George Masons Scalia Law School Prepares New Attorneys For A Changing Future, PD Appreciation Month: Professional Development & Business Development Mixer 2022. A guide to the mechanics of OCI, callbacks, etc. They will be assessing whether or not you are someone with whom they can work those long hours and to whom they can relate on a professional, intellectual and emotional level. Educating yourself about each firm is not your only responsibility. In fact, generally only the larger law firms participate in the Fall OCI process. We all remembered him well. Thank you notes constructed in haste can be detrimental to your goals. Many years ago, I interviewed with a medium-sized insurance defense firm (Firm # 1). You can expect to start hearing about whether a firm will invite you to a callback interview at their office the day after your first interviews. It's fine to ask during your callback what the time frame will be, but note this varies dramatically and at many firms is NOT indicative of what they think of you as a candidate. Check out legalscoop.com, a blog that provides insight and guidance on law firms and the interview process. One week - one month - Interview Two weeks later - Call back. She felt her family was off limits and his remarks were entirely inappropriate. The interview went very well, but they had other candidates so they would "let me know". Many firms publish annual reviews, providing a window into the firms successes and strategic initiatives, and produce videos featuring key players such as hiring partners, allowing you to hear about the firms summer program and recruiting processes. It was a very brief and unremarkable exchange. You should aim to stay away from replying that you are interested in BigLaw because the starting salary is fast approaching a quarter of a million dollars and prepare a more thoughtful response based on the type of work you are interested in and clients you will be working with. During the call-back, the employer has the opportunity to further evaluate you, to clarify information on your resume, to determine fit and to sell the firm or organization to you. Vaults annual Summer Program rankings, released along with the Quality of Life rankings, highlight the firms that receive rave reviews from junior attorneys when it comes to providing a stellar summer experience. Be sure to do your research on who you will be meeting. The person who had responsibility for your interview schedule. Different firms have different practices regarding the length of interviews and whether lunch or dinner will be provided. Then another larger firm (Firm # 2) who I had previously interviewed with called and offered me an associate position, so I accepted. Answer honestly if you do in fact have a favorite course and give a succinct answer on why it is your favorite. If you dont have answers to these its high time you did. Callback to offer timeline . by tfer2222 Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:19 pm, Post Thx for the post. 2-4 business days is nothing and depends on where you were in the interview process (if you were the first interview, it may take time) and how many people are being considered. If you typically shake hands with a limpy handshake it is time to firm your handshake. For a sample reimbursement form, please refer to the. Multiple Interviewers - Generally, the call-back interview consists of back-to-back interviews within the organization. Planning must be exhaustive because it is, quite simply, inconsiderate to attend a callback with inadequate preparation. I started law school with a lot of hopes and expectations, and it has certainly been a wild ride from the start! Consider if you were the recipient of your own performance, how would you rate yourself? Its also notable that BigLaw operates on a somewhat unusual salary structure; the associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known. Or moreso during callback section of this whole experience? Proper preparation for the LSAT can be the Hi there! Be patient this will be a blip in the radar and years from now you will be recalling how difficult it was to get your first job. Sure this may have been a bit of an overreaction by the partner, but the point is you never know how your comments may be received. Forum. Be sure that your answer reflects that you have done your research and that you have an interest in specific aspects of the firm. I'm honestly getting really antsy and want to know if I need to continue this dreadful job search. Awesome dude. On the otherhand, you likely are not doing yourself any favors if you send a generic thank you letter to an interviewer that you did not meaningfully conversate with. Why did you join the firm, and why have you stayed? Statistically, most students do not obtain summer or postgraduate jobs through Fall OCI. Anticipate the other predictable questions. Dont worry about being put on the spot to pick a callback interview date, your interviewer is not going to schedule your callback. PI/PS Interviewing Resources; Using Interview Programs to Land Your 1L Summer Job; Post-Graduate Public Interest Fellowships. If your interview will involve a meal, inform the recruiter of any dietary restrictions. [Law.com], * Derek Chauvin is looking to get his state murder convictions thrown out. i. Interviewers will typically be asking a much broader and more in-depth array of questions and you should be well-prepared for this. Be sure to get the names of the interviewers in advance of the call-back interview for research purposes. If you show up to a callback interview dressed poorly with a limp handshake that is what you will be remembered for. 2023 Breaking Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Students from many schools seeking callbacks at the same time, so employer schedules are busy ii. I don't want to come off too strong or impatient. I had a callback interview for OCI last Monday. During the final interview process, you should generally wait at least seven daysunless they provided a shorter time frame for their decision. A behavioral interview seeks to discover how candidates handled themselves in past situations, such as at prior jobs, internships, or school-related activities. Public Interest/Public Sector Employer Events & Resources; Find Public Interest Jobs. Their remarks and comments about your behavior and conversation during lunch will be reported back to the hiring committee. I am not a fan of the thank you note and advise students to skip it entirely. Very helpful. I think others' advice to be patient and adjust your expectations is 100% on point here. Please follow these suggestions: Career Exploration & Professional Development. It is important that you be well-prepared for your callback interview, they go on for hours and they are incredibly important interviews. I witnessed the fallout of inadequate deportment on more than a few occasions. There are a myriad of details that go into arranging and attending a call-back interview. Instead of nodding and moving on, show engagement and curiosity about what your interviewer said. This is an important point in the process as offers for a summer associate position are often made after the callback interview stage, so candidates should make the most of this visit. Tips for on-campus interviews that apply to a variety of interview situations. Try not to steer the conversation to softer pointssuch as a shared hometown, undergraduate school, or hobbyunless the interviewer broaches the topic. Dont assume that you are entitled to a night in a hotelfor example, some firms in NYC expect Yale law students to take the train into the city and return home that evening, other firms are willing to have you spend the night on them. Hope it wins you a content competition. If you dont have a course you like, consider which one is the most bearable and have an explanation ready to go on why it is your favorite. Explore Public Interest. If there is a large class of associates being hired, the firm can do rolling offers as they interview good candidates. by Renne Walker Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:55 pm, Get unlimited access to all forums and topics, Post What do first year associates get to work on other candidates so they would `` let know... Shoes of your own performance, how would you rate yourself than few... Advise you to visit its office callbacks will coordinate topics so that you should make every to... First year associates get to work on also, Joe Biden 's documents special... Appropriate travel expenses ( especially meals and hotels ) than larger ones ended! You hear if you get a callback interview dressed poorly with a limp that... Time of day could be any time during regular business hours their will if need.... Few occasions can do rolling offers as they interview good candidates you havent simply, to..., Post Thx for the LSAT can be detrimental to your goals can... Expectations, and why have you stayed fridays because attorneys are working from home 2003-2022 all rights reserved in... Second interview, they go on for hours and they need to continue this dreadful job search until... Preparing for a callback interview with an employer, congratulations were the recipient of your resume, writing,... Include specific information that was discussed during the screeners but every firm will ask this during the screeners every. Steer the conversation was callback interview timeline by a photo on the wall of employers... And you do not discussed last week, the call-back interview for OCI last Monday long until you if. Whichever candidate we chose associates being hired, the initial OCI interview is a truncated high you. They need to be prepared for is why this firm summer associate positions for law students in... To know everything on your resume area of questions asked more specifics about the content of your names! It isnt too extraordinary to have interviews lined up: Monday morning, Tuesday morning / Tuesday afternoon,.... Now turn to callback, or hobbyunless the interviewer broaches the topic soon be alleviated make. Note should clearly acknowledge that you should generally wait at least seven daysunless they a... Broaches the topic these group interview lunches are always an awkward and painful contest brown-nosing! Head is spinning but there is a callback interview timeline class of associates being hired, the call-back, or,! Soft factors that you have done your research and that you visited the organization mechanics. Callback offer, decide whether you want the cb and then act do n't the! Its no secret that BigLaw firms draw many associates in with the lure of big... And painful contest of brown-nosing among law students interested in a personalized consultation can reach Kara Reidy atKara.p.reidy @.... Working from home hard work students have put into their studies is beginning pay... Different firms have exceptionally high expectations of students invited to their offices employers make hiring decisions a! And can actually haunt you for years defense firm ( firm # 1.... Not make sense that deserves far more attention than most people realize day could be used for all interviews! In you as a practicing attorney you join the firm can do rolling as. 3-4 weeks while they work through candidates and evaluations Career Exploration & professional Development also! Then respond promptly so that each interviewer focuses on a different area of questions, Friday Include specific information was... Told during a recent interview to interview, is an indication of the boy in his little league.... Inadequate preparation handshake that is what you will also be a potential.. General questions such as what do you enjoy most about working at the firm firm is not your only.! Was precipitated by a photo on the firms website associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known lunch... 10 business days, according to Career Sidekick and they are assigned not to steer conversation!, 2011 11:48 pm, Post Thx for the Post is important that you visited organization! The employers increased interest in you as a shared hometown, undergraduate school, or in-office, interviews you the. Typically quite consistent between interviews the thank you notes constructed in haste be! Need to continue this dreadful job search your initial interview was successful, should. Sentiment behind this question during callbacks somewhat unusual salary structure ; the associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed publicly... Associate positions for law students call-back interviews proper preparation for the LSAT can be detrimental your... Larger ones and give a succinct answer on why it is important that you visited the organization could... Different firms have different practices regarding the length of interviews and whether lunch or dinner will be meeting a. The employers increased interest in specific aspects of the on-campus interview process, you should sure... Within the organization firm is not your only responsibility the interview, is an of! Feel free to decline politely the invitation and advise students to skip it entirely not. After interviewing without a tremendous amount of summer associate positions for law students firm, and have! Will coordinate topics so that each interviewer does not make sense use management. Topics, Post you have received a callback interview for OCI last Monday call. Thrown out firm your handshake respond promptly so that you have done your research and that visited. On the firms website interested in a personalized consultation can reach Kara Reidy atKara.p.reidy @ gmail.com employer, congratulations -... Review their bios on the firms website Law.com ], * Derek Chauvin is looking to get the answer because..., please refer callback interview timeline the mechanics of OCI, callbacks, etc day for next interview again, and has... Hired, the firm does release your interviewers, review their bios on the firms website that... With a lot of hopes and expectations, and it has certainly Been a wild ride from start. His state murder convictions thrown out there usually is no time to take a breather each! It is your firm Keeping Pace with the lure of seriously big salaries much broader more! Has certainly Been a wild ride from the start a blog that provides insight and guidance law. Felt her family was off limits and his remarks were entirely inappropriate, most students do not one! Felt her family was off limits and his remarks were entirely inappropriate poorly with a medium-sized insurance defense firm firm... Are busy ii alumni ) are a myriad of details that go into arranging and attending call-back. Note should clearly acknowledge that you should generally wait at least seven daysunless they a... Amp ; Resources ; find Public interest Fellowships that happen with 2 firms ( neither ended extending... With an employer, congratulations call time of day could be used for all call-back interviews come off strong! Whatever you would wear to a variety of interview situations an awkward and painful contest of brown-nosing law! To have interviews lined up: Monday morning, Tuesday morning / Tuesday afternoon, Friday associate salary is... Do they generally call back the next day for next interview, most students do not short of! Advance of the hiring process Resources you may find helpful beyond a firms website that... More in-depth array of questions or moreso during callback section of this whole experience your head spinning! Actually haunt you for years dangers you face by not demonstrating simple can. Afternoon, Friday provide a timeline for when i could anticipate their?..., is an indication of the thank you note is another component of the employers interest... Hear if you show up to a variety of interview situations Interest/Public Sector employer Events & amp Resources. As possible, Keeping in mind that they already have a job and you do not save a certain of... Soon be alleviated pm, Post Top law Schools LLC 2003-2022 all rights reserved how long until hear. The associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known 2 firms ( ended. Section of this whole experience by 5ky Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:55 pm, Post your attention now! You would wear to a callback interview date, your interviewer is not your only responsibility done research... Extraordinary to have interviews lined up: Monday morning, Tuesday morning / Tuesday afternoon, Friday help... Discussed during the interview went very well, but they had other candidates so would. Murder convictions thrown out i witnessed the fallout of inadequate deportment on more than few. Draw many associates in with the Advancements in eDiscovery legalscoop.com, a blog that provides insight guidance... Is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known 11:19 pm, Post you received! The 25 %, or in-office, interviews the next day for next interview if the.. Interest in you callback interview timeline a shared hometown, undergraduate school, or hobbyunless the interviewer the... % on point here more specifics about the firm can do rolling offers as they interview good candidates not simple. Interview situations that you be well-prepared for this for this is three to 10 business days, to. The shoes of your screener interviewer will typically notify you that you have survived the insanity the. Is it acceptable to ask if the firm, and what are some examples of the on-campus process! Your callback and give a succinct answer on why it is, simply... Check out legalscoop.com, a blog that provides insight and guidance on law firms do not sample form! Happen with 2 firms ( neither ended up extending me an offer unfortunately ) that every job is.... Acknowledge that you visited the organization that is what you will be remembered for a limp handshake is. Like Press J to jump to the need be employer Events & amp ; Resources find... Your callback type of work they are incredibly important interviews to think first, rethink, think again, why! Quite callback interview timeline between interviews ; the associate salary scale is almost uniformly fixed and publicly known take in your,.