Time Between Screener and Callback Request Forum

[Anonymous User]

I had a screener phone interview with a partner at a large firm and in the practice area I'm interested in on Thursday 9/20. I thought it went well, and I (possibly biasedly) consider myself particularly qualified for this entry-level position because I'm clerking at the state Supreme Court that this office is located in, and have passed the bar in both states they typically practice in. When setting up the screener, the HR rep stated that they had in mind 3L's for the position but my application was geared toward their practice area and that drew their interest, so I'm seemingly competing with 3L's who have passed no state's bar exam yet, nor have they clerked in this state.

I haven't heard back yet regarding a callback. Should I just move on at this point or am I jumping the gun after a week? Any input from either interviewees who have been in this position or interviewers who can discuss the firm's process and their timeline would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous User]

You're already in the late hiring period so the normal hiring patterns wouldn't necessarily apply as strictly. They took your screener knowing you were a 2L, and while a week is indeed a decent chunk of time, I think it's certainly possible they give you a callback in the next few days, or beyond that even. It really depends on their hiring, whether somebody said no, whether other 3L's took different offers, or they are still working through those options, etc.

I would say, assume it's a no and go after other offers/interviews heavily. If they get back to you all the better and you can deal with it then.

In summary, there's certainly still a chance but no reason to slow down your search elsewhere.

[Anonymous User]

I’ve been interviewing a lot for lateral roles, and usually I know within a day if the firm is at least interested in moving forward. But this info is relayed to me by my recruiters.

[Anonymous User]

You're already in the late hiring period so the normal hiring patterns wouldn't necessarily apply as strictly. They took your screener knowing you were a 2L, and while a week is indeed a decent chunk of time, I think it's certainly possible they give you a callback in the next few days, or beyond that even. It really depends on their hiring, whether somebody said no, whether other 3L's took different offers, or they are still working through those options, etc.

I would say, assume it's a no and go after other offers/interviews heavily. If they get back to you all the better and you can deal with it then.

In summary, there's certainly still a chance but no reason to slow down your search elsewhere.

Did you read the original post? OP is not a 2L or a 3L. OP is a barred attorney in two jurisdictions.

[Anonymous User]

I’ve been interviewing a lot for lateral roles, and usually I know within a day if the firm is at least interested in moving forward. But this info is relayed to me by my recruiters.

OP here, thanks for the feedback. It took two weeks after my application to receive the screener interview so I'm wondering if taking their time is just how the firm operates. If not, I'll never understand preferring a 3L who has no clerkship experience and who hasn't passed the bar exam, over another candidate who has done both. *shrugs*