Taking the L Forum

[Anonymous User]

If I'm acquaintances with an associate at a firm that's rejected me, do I have to be all PC and say I understand the decision or can I be transparent and mention Im dissapointed

[rpupkin]

What?

[UVA2B]

Not exactly sure what you mean, but are you asking how you should deal with acquaintances at a firm that didn't hire you? Were they involved in the hiring decisions?

A big part of networking is dealing with rejections, to include people you've met/know at that firm who rejected you. You shouldn't be childish and try to tell people who probably had nothing to do with hiring decisions why you're disappointed.

So yes, you should take the L while maintaining those relationships. It might be a positive in the future.

[Anonymous User]

The normal response is something like "[Firm] is great, but unfortunately it didn't work out. I really appreciate the tip---thank you again for thinking of me!"

In other words, you can demonstrate that you are mildly disappointed about not getting the job, but you can't blame them in any way.

[BottomOfTotem]

I agree with the above. This isn't a law-exclusive situation. We all face rejection, and no matter how bad it sucks, it never helps to make a snark comment to a possible future network point. Just take the L and move on. In fact, you will probably gain a decent amount of social capital by being respectful and thanking them for any help they may have extended (regardless of whether they did or not).

[Anonymous User]

Can I mention "I hope your firm reconsiders me next year"

[Anonymous User]

Can I mention "I hope your firm reconsiders me next year"

No. You seem to be struggling not to show that you're bitter. So I would keep it very polite, very short, and focused on thanking them.

[RaceJudicata]

Why do you need to interact w/ this person?

[Pokemon]

I do not agree with most of the advice here. Lawyers are supposed to vigoriously defend their clients interest and am not sure I would trust a lawyer that he takes the l so easy. The more persistency op shows the more attractive he becomes

[A. Nony Mouse]

I think people also are relieved to meet a lawyer who can separate the need to advocate zealously for their client from actual real life, though.

[cavalier1138]

I'm so confused. How does your friend fit in to this? I know people who work at the DOJ; should I send them an aggressive letter if I don't get a job there?

[JusticeJackson]

.

[BlendedUnicorn]

I mean it really depends on the context of your friendship but you should be able to swing saying something like "yeah, I'm really disappointed that it didn't work out at your firm" without sounding bitter about it. Just make sure you're not blaming your friend, even if you do actually blame them. That's one card you want to keep close to your chest.

[Anonymous User]

I wouldn't leave a bad taste in their mouth. It's not about being "PC."

I got rejected recently and said this:

Hi ___,

Thank you for the opportunity and getting back to me directly. I understand the firm's decision and hope that you find the right candidate.

All the best,