Interviewing with same firm, multiple markets Forum

[enygma]

ut, as an example, what compelling reason would you give for applying to the DC and NYC offices of Arnold & Porter? The cities couldn't be more different, the practices couldn't be more different, and the clients are largely different.

You're kidding, right? Suppose A&P is really strong in environmental work in DC, and really strong in corporate work in NYC. Suppose you have a strong interest in both. Then, you'd have a good reason for wanting to work in either office...

It's really not that hard. People have diverse interests these days, you know? I hope law school didn't dull you that much.

I would find that a hard sell, personally. You really think your average about-to-be 2L can sell the line that they either want to do enviro work in DC or corporate work in NYC, and that either and both of those are exactly the kind of opportunity they're looking for?

I think "pick your story and stick with it" is better advice.

i mean, to be honest, how much experience will a rising 2L have with either type of practice? there really aren't many opportunities to get exposure to that work, and certainly not an opportunity to get enough exposure to both to discount one.

[Renzo]

ut, as an example, what compelling reason would you give for applying to the DC and NYC offices of Arnold & Porter? The cities couldn't be more different, the practices couldn't be more different, and the clients are largely different.

You're kidding, right? Suppose A&P is really strong in environmental work in DC, and really strong in corporate work in NYC. Suppose you have a strong interest in both. Then, you'd have a good reason for wanting to work in either office...

It's really not that hard. People have diverse interests these days, you know? I hope law school didn't dull you that much.

I would find that a hard sell, personally. You really think your average about-to-be 2L can sell the line that they either want to do enviro work in DC or corporate work in NYC, and that either and both of those are exactly the kind of opportunity they're looking for?

I think "pick your story and stick with it" is better advice.

i mean, to be honest, how much experience will a rising 2L have with either type of practice? there really aren't many opportunities to get exposure to that work, and certainly not an opportunity to get enough exposure to both to discount one.

True. And I think "I want to work at a larger firm so that I can figure out what I want to do" is a legit thing to say. But, again, saying you don't know where you want to work, and don't know what you want to do is a lot of ambivalence for a job interview.

[jdhonest]

Renzo


How about this: I grew up in DC and loved it, but moved to New York later in life. I have family in both places, and could see myself making a home in either. As important as city is, firm culture is equally important to my immediate and long term future, so I'm interviewing with multiple offices.

Also, every firm with offices in different cities won't necessarily be the extremes of DC and NY. What about places like Dallas and Houston, or San Fran and LA? Is someone really not a leader because they really didn't care which Texas or Cali city they lived in?

Long story short, I think everyone who's read any of your posts (including the posts about this topics) prays that you will NEVER be in a position to hire anyone for anything.

[NYAssociate]

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[Renzo]

I would find that a hard sell, personally. You really think your average about-to-be 2L can sell the line that they either want to do enviro work in DC or corporate work in NYC, and that either and both of those are exactly the kind of opportunity they're looking for?

Not only can they "sell the line," they're expected to if they want a callback and eventually an offer. ITE, what set candidates apart was not just their grades and their personality, but also their wishywashiness with respect to why they want to work at the firm. Candidates with well reasoned and formulated, mature reasons for wanting to do what they want to do definitely had an edge.

If you don't have a couple "speeches" prepped on why "firm x," and "why practice group x," I'd suggest devoting a couple days to thinking up stuff and rehearsing.

I absolutely agree with everything in this post. I am saying that it is easier for most people to speak convincingly about one office than about an either/or. Are there situations where it makes sense to express interest in two offices? Sure. Are there people with the interviewing skills to pull it off? No doubt. But as general advice, I would advise people to tread carefully in doing so, lest they appear insincere or indifferent.

[vanwinkle]

Renzo


How about this: I grew up in DC and loved it, but moved to New York later in life. I have family in both places, and could see myself making a home in either. As important as city is, firm culture is equally important to my immediate and long term future, so I'm interviewing with multiple offices.

Also, every firm with offices in different cities won't necessarily be the extremes of DC and NY. What about places like Dallas and Houston, or San Fran and LA? Is someone really not a leader because they really didn't care which Texas or Cali city they lived in?

Long story short, I think everyone who's read any of your posts (including the posts about this topics) prays that you will NEVER be in a position to hire anyone for anything.

This was anonymous, but since it was apparently said for the purpose of attacking another poster, I de-anonymized it.

[Dman]

What about certain locales like the Bay Area? For example, some firms have offices in Palo Alto and San Francisco (about 30 minutes apart) and they both do essentially the same things. Other places I can think of similar to this are in Southern California where some firms have offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Century City as well as San Diego farther south. Would it be looked down upon to apply to both Bay Area offices?

I did not see any responses to this type of multiple office bid. I am looking at two specific regions of California that both do very similar work but support slightly different industry clients (the reason for havinig two centrally located offices). I have specific long term goals which would match either office. Would interviewing back to back with different offices be seen negatively getting dinged at both, or (if there is interest in my application)would there would possibly be conversation between the two office hiring managers on which would proceed with my application?

[Renzo]

What about certain locales like the Bay Area? For example, some firms have offices in Palo Alto and San Francisco (about 30 minutes apart) and they both do essentially the same things. Other places I can think of similar to this are in Southern California where some firms have offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Century City as well as San Diego farther south. Would it be looked down upon to apply to both Bay Area offices?

I did not see any responses to this type of multiple office bid. I am looking at two specific regions of California that both do very similar work but support slightly different industry clients (the reason for havinig two centrally located offices). I have specific long term goals which would match either office. Would interviewing back to back with different offices be seen negatively getting dinged at both, or (if there is interest in my application)would there would possibly be conversation between the two office hiring managers on which would proceed with my application?

This type of multi-office bid I wouldn't worry about. I would assume that all information is being shared, so don't tell two wildly different stories, but otherwise I see little harm.