Rejecting/withdrawing from a Job Offer for Law School Forum

[starrydreamz3]

For the summer, I'm interning at a the investment bank. =D

The firm is known for hiring the vast majority of its intern class, and my bosses have given me tons of positive feedback. I would really love to work here another year or two, and would only turn it down if I got into my top school.

That being said, offers usually come out in September, with only about a month to respond. Hypothetically, lets say all goes according to plan and they offer me the job. Do I accept it? If I accept and then get into my top school, can I just call them up in March and withdraw? How much of a bitch does that make me? I really don't want to sever all ties, as I can see myself coming back and working in house in 10 years and would like to maintain a good relationship with the firm.

Of course, another alternative is deferring for a year. Is a year of work a good enough excuse? (For reference, my top school is Columbia, which I may be Early Decisioning. Anyone know if they allow time off for ED acceptees?)

Thanks!

[starrydreamz3]

I was in a similar situation, but at the consulting firm. However, I really didn't enjoy the work I did, so I turned down the offer since I got into one of my top choices for law school. FWIW, I have definitely had some regrets, but not that bad. Ask me after OCI, though.

Yeah, if I didn't like it so much, it would be an easier decision to take the risk and apply to law school. I can't believe
I'm complaining that I like my job. lol.


Thanks for the response though! Good to know it works out in the end. (For some at least!)

[godofcoffee]

I had a summer internship offer from an investment bank (maybe yours? GS) and strung them along for a couple weeks before turning them down. Not telling them I'd take it and then changing my mind, but telling them I thought I would. They freaked out. I had another friend who pulled a similar schtick at BoA or some crap, and they legit severed all ties, and told him that if he pulled anything like this shenanigans again he'd never be hired on the street.

So I don't think withdrawing from a full-time position without a really good reason will go over that well (yeah, bankers are spazzes, but they take this shit pretty serious, from what I can tell). I don't suppose that you could lie?

[kalvano]

It's all in how you leave. If you give them plenty of notice, explain the situation, and do the best you can, most places won't want to completely sever ties with someone they though enough of to offer employment to.

Of course, if you resign by running into the manager's office and yelling "LATER BITCHES, I'M OUTTA HERE!", that might prove to be a problem.

[toaster2]

.

[starrydreamz3]

Yes, and that's disheartening news, god.

Anyone know about deferring then? I'd feel better leaving after a year to go back to school if it meant that all of Wall Street didn't hate me.

And I've already taken the LSAT, with a 170. Retaking in October (which is probably stupid in retrospect. I think I'll drop a class to get this all done.)

[godofcoffee]

Yeah, I was definitely referring to the first option of accepting and then potentially later changing his mind.

As far as deferring goes, I think it's a good option, but I only know people who got in regular (but I know several of them deferring for a year or two, no probs).

[godofcoffee]

Yes, and that's disheartening news, god.

Anyone know about deferring then? I'd feel better leaving after a year to go back to school if it meant that all of Wall Street didn't hate me.

And I've already taken the LSAT, with a 170. Retaking in October (which is probably stupid in retrospect. I think I'll drop a class to get this all done.)

Ah, also, curious to know what division you're in. 100% hiring last year seems high.

[starrydreamz3]

Well I have a feeling then that if I get a job offer, I won't apply early decision. I mean, if columbia doesn't accept me, then that makes my decision easier. I can always reapply in a year or two with ED.

I'm sure I'll keep you all updated on my decision in September.

(And I'll PM you the division info, as compliance may be watching. >.>)

[SplitterPride]

Keep your date with Goldman. Its the best decision you will ever make.

[starrydreamz3]

For posterity sake, I got the job, and accepted. Still applying this cycle. I'll make a decision when I get some offers.