V15 Partner/OCI Interviewer Answering Questions... Forum

[itbdvorm]

DPW v. Simpson for NY corporate? Seems like I should just flip a coin at this point because I get great vibes from both firms. Any substantive reason to pick one over the other besides fit?

Both obviously great firms

Their practice areas do have differences - reasonably meaningful ones at that. DPW has little to no PE presence, while Simpson is obviously a leader in that field. On the other hand, DPW does lots of work for the big investment banks (I think there's a story about Morgan Stanley being formed on John Davis' summer home front porch or something to that effect).

Try to go back and meet some more folks, ask what they do as junior associates, etc. Good luck.

[itbdvorm]

Hi OP, thanks so much for doing this. I am a 1st year v25 corp associate, recently got an email from a recruiter saying there's an unlisted position at a v10 firm in the same market (with a much stronger office), and this firm is looking for candidates with exactly the same experience that I have (same practice area, within the targeted class range). My question is how hard would it be to move up the "ladder"? I don't think my grades are good enough for say getting a SA offer at this v10, but would it still matter after 1 year? In addition, should I ask my friends at this firm to probe around and perhaps do an internal referral? Would that be more effective than using a recruiter? Thank you very much.

I would definitely ask a friend - you are always more attractive if they don't have to pay a recruiter fee

If they are looking they may be looking and willing. Ask around quietly

[Anonymous User]

Just finished a callback where two partners didn't ask me a single question. They just asked, what can I tell you about the firm? Why do people do this? What's the point?

[iliketurtles123]

Just finished a callback where two partners didn't ask me a single question. They just asked, what can I tell you about the firm? Why do people do this? What's the point?

From my experience, this is signals a rejection.

It's possible they're throwing a curveball but I've had a ton of interviews and I could always tell this question lead to a rejection. It was always asked when my previous interviews with the other associates/partners did not go well.

Would love to hear what OP has to say though. Maybe I just couldn't handle the curveball...

[rpupkin]

Just finished a callback where two partners didn't ask me a single question. They just asked, what can I tell you about the firm? Why do people do this? What's the point?

From my experience, this is signals a rejection.

I don't think it signals anything more than that the partners didn't have time to review your resume and/or they don't have time for a 30-minute interview. It doesn't suggest anything about your chances. Based on my recollection of callbacks, it seems like every firm had at least one partner who would approach the "interview" by just asking if I had any questions. I got offers at all of those firms.

[iliketurtles123]

Just finished a callback where two partners didn't ask me a single question. They just asked, what can I tell you about the firm? Why do people do this? What's the point?

From my experience, this is signals a rejection.

I don't think it signals anything more than that the partners didn't have time to review your resume and/or they don't have time for a 30-minute interview. It doesn't suggest anything about your chances. Based on my recollection of callbacks, it seems like every firm had at least one partner who would approach the "interview" by just asking if I had any questions. I got offers at all of those firms.

Well there you go. I guess it was just coincidence for me and I was just asking poor questions

[Anonymous User]

I'm in a government honors program with a regulator in a practice area that is largely occupied by big firms. I've been thinking about making a move to private practice. I plan on reaching out to some contacts and seeing if they have any leads, but also plan on sending some tailored applications to firms' recruiting contacts. do you think those type of "cold" applications will lead anywhere? do they even get looked at? thanks in advance

[rpupkin]

I'm in a government honors program with a regulator in a practice area that is largely occupied by big firms. I've been thinking about making a move to private practice. I plan on reaching out to some contacts and seeing if they have any leads, but also plan on sending some tailored applications to firms' recruiting contacts. do you think those type of "cold" applications will lead anywhere? do they even get looked at? thanks in advance

Yes, your application will get looked at and, depending on the firm's hiring needs, your application could result in an interview.

As you seem to realize, it's better if you can reach out to folks you know in firms. But if you don't have any contacts at a particular firm, it's definitely worth applying if you're interested in working there.

[itbdvorm]

Just finished a callback where two partners didn't ask me a single question. They just asked, what can I tell you about the firm? Why do people do this? What's the point?

From my experience, this is signals a rejection.

I don't think it signals anything more than that the partners didn't have time to review your resume and/or they don't have time for a 30-minute interview. It doesn't suggest anything about your chances. Based on my recollection of callbacks, it seems like every firm had at least one partner who would approach the "interview" by just asking if I had any questions. I got offers at all of those firms.

Well there you go. I guess it was just coincidence for me and I was just asking poor questions

Could go lots of different ways. Be prepared to ask questions - lots of them - about everyone you meet with. People interview in a ton of different ways. Sometimes I want to see how you'll do in a tough situation. Other times I want to press you on things in your resume / articles you've written / experiences / etc.

Maybe they wanted to see if you'd be dumb enough to say "tell me about pro bono opportunities"

[itbdvorm]

I'm in a government honors program with a regulator in a practice area that is largely occupied by big firms. I've been thinking about making a move to private practice. I plan on reaching out to some contacts and seeing if they have any leads, but also plan on sending some tailored applications to firms' recruiting contacts. do you think those type of "cold" applications will lead anywhere? do they even get looked at? thanks in advance

Yes, your application will get looked at and, depending on the firm's hiring needs, your application could result in an interview.

As you seem to realize, it's better if you can reach out to folks you know in firms. But if you don't have any contacts at a particular firm, it's definitely worth applying if you're interested in working there.

Agreed.

[Anonymous User]

What equipment would you recommend for a home office? Dual monitors or is one ultrawide screen recommended, and thoughts on a simple printer/scanner hybrid versus higher-end scanners for larger feeds and shorter scan times?

Anything you couldn't go back to not having now in terms of a home office?

[Anonymous User]

Sorry to take this in another direction...

Could I get your thoughts on Cahill/Pillsbury/Hogan/Dechert?

[Anonymous User]

I interviewed with my preferred firm and sent a follow up email after waiting 3 weeks. I received a follow up call a week after that and the managing partner told me over the phone that he appreciated my follow up email and that they are still interviewing but finishing up soon. However, the partner wanted to know why I had left my previous firm and whether my former boss knows I am applying. I said yes and that we are on good terms and a very good reason on why I left the firm. I was then asked if I would be available for a follow up interview later in the week and I said yes. No more calls that week.

It's been 1.5 weeks. Should I email again to follow up about the callback interview? I know the managing partner is probably swamped with both work, OCI, and interviews but I don't want to get lost in the cracks.

[Anonymous User]

Could go lots of different ways. Be prepared to ask questions - lots of them - about everyone you meet with. People interview in a ton of different ways. Sometimes I want to see how you'll do in a tough situation. Other times I want to press you on things in your resume / articles you've written / experiences / etc.

Maybe they wanted to see if you'd be dumb enough to say "tell me about pro bono opportunities"

Why is this a dumb question? Aren't pro bonos good for the firm, the associates, and the potential clients? There's recommendations from the ABA asking every lawyer to do it. I just asked this question in my recent interview and the partner told me they don't do pro bono but won't discourage associates from doing them. Why would this hurt an applicant's chances? Because they will spend time other than make money for the firm? I think it's quite shortsighted. I have seen firms get great publicity and business after a successful pro bono work.

[Eldon Tyrell]

Could go lots of different ways. Be prepared to ask questions - lots of them - about everyone you meet with. People interview in a ton of different ways. Sometimes I want to see how you'll do in a tough situation. Other times I want to press you on things in your resume / articles you've written / experiences / etc.

Maybe they wanted to see if you'd be dumb enough to say "tell me about pro bono opportunities"

Why is this a dumb question? Aren't pro bonos good for the firm, the associates, and the potential clients? There's recommendations from the ABA asking every lawyer to do it. I just asked this question in my recent interview and the partner told me they don't do pro bono but won't discourage associates from doing them. Why would this hurt an applicant's chances? Because they will spend time other than make money for the firm? I think it's quite shortsighted. I have seen firms get great publicity and business after a successful pro bono work.

Oh god.

[YourCaptain]

Could go lots of different ways. Be prepared to ask questions - lots of them - about everyone you meet with. People interview in a ton of different ways. Sometimes I want to see how you'll do in a tough situation. Other times I want to press you on things in your resume / articles you've written / experiences / etc.

Maybe they wanted to see if you'd be dumb enough to say "tell me about pro bono opportunities"

Why is this a dumb question? Aren't pro bonos good for the firm, the associates, and the potential clients? There's recommendations from the ABA asking every lawyer to do it. I just asked this question in my recent interview and the partner told me they don't do pro bono but won't discourage associates from doing them. Why would this hurt an applicant's chances? Because they will spend time other than make money for the firm? I think it's quite shortsighted. I have seen firms get great publicity and business after a successful pro bono work.

Stop.

[Anonymous User]

why the hate on pro bono work? im not saying this has to take up a majority of an associate's time, but why discourage doing them at all? i am a junior and still not jaded so please explain to me.

[Sideshow Raheem]

No one's hating on pro bono work, it's just not something a 2L should bring up, unprompted, in an interview (with very few exceptions, like Jenner & Block or one of the small handful of other firms who genuinely push pro bono work for junior associates).

[Anonymous User]

@ pro bono guy, you wouldn't happen to be an 0L or a fresh new 1L would you? Maybe you should just listen to the V15 partner when he implies that asking about pro bono opportunities is a really, really bad idea at a callback.

You can think that sucks all you want and bitch about the big firms operate, but don't question the fuckin partner's assertion that it's an awful question.

[Anonymous User]

@ pro bono guy, you wouldn't happen to be an 0L or a fresh new 1L would you? Maybe you should just listen to the V15 partner when he implies that asking about pro bono opportunities is a really, really bad idea at a callback.

You can think that sucks all you want and bitch about the big firms operate, but don't question the fuckin partner's assertion that it's an awful question.

lol. i think everyone understands what the partner said. the question is why is it bad, which you seem to be unable to comprehend.

and y u mad tho? lawlz

[stoopkid13]

It is ok to ask about pro bono at a second visit or offer dinner though right? (Also questions about work life balance, hours, and stuff like that?)

[itbdvorm]

What equipment would you recommend for a home office? Dual monitors or is one ultrawide screen recommended, and thoughts on a simple printer/scanner hybrid versus higher-end scanners for larger feeds and shorter scan times?

Anything you couldn't go back to not having now in terms of a home office?

I'm personally a big fan of the dual screen. I frankly rarely print/scan (sufficiently modern to mark up on screen I guess). But if that's your style, that's your style.

[itbdvorm]

Sorry to take this in another direction...

Could I get your thoughts on Cahill/Pillsbury/Hogan/Dechert?

Assuming NY, all?

Cahill feels like the best corporate brand of these, though limited niche (really high quality acquisition finance team). Hogan I always think of as more of a DC firm but obviously has been expanding/merging.

Honestly don't see the other two all that often (though if I recall Dechert has a funds practice that's pretty high quality)

Chambers will be your friend here; consider what you may want to do

[itbdvorm]

I interviewed with my preferred firm and sent a follow up email after waiting 3 weeks. I received a follow up call a week after that and the managing partner told me over the phone that he appreciated my follow up email and that they are still interviewing but finishing up soon. However, the partner wanted to know why I had left my previous firm and whether my former boss knows I am applying. I said yes and that we are on good terms and a very good reason on why I left the firm. I was then asked if I would be available for a follow up interview later in the week and I said yes. No more calls that week.

It's been 1.5 weeks. Should I email again to follow up about the callback interview? I know the managing partner is probably swamped with both work, OCI, and interviews but I don't want to get lost in the cracks.

Sure...? Maybe not with the managing partner directly though.

[Yeezus Wept]

@ pro bono guy, you wouldn't happen to be an 0L or a fresh new 1L would you? Maybe you should just listen to the V15 partner when he implies that asking about pro bono opportunities is a really, really bad idea at a callback.

You can think that sucks all you want and bitch about the big firms operate, but don't question the fuckin partner's assertion that it's an awful question.

lol. i think everyone understands what the partner said. the question is why is it bad, which you seem to be unable to comprehend.

and y u mad tho? lawlz

Listen dude, you clearly aren't getting it. If a V15 partner/OCI interviewer thinks it's a bad question, that is more than reason enough to make it a bad question. I'll spell it out for you. The point of the callback is to get an offer. Asking questions that your interviewer considers bad make it less likely that you will get an offer. At least one OCI interviewer considers asking about pro bono opportunities a bad question. Therefore, as there are dozens of questions that are innocuous to the point that they could not illicit a negative response from any interviewer, asking about the firm's pro bono opportunities is a bad question.

We can come to this conclusion even without assuming that 1) many other interviewers would share OP's negative response to this question and 2) the way that OP used asking about pro bono opportunities as an example of a question you shouldn't ask at a callback implies that he not only considers it a bad question, but a terrible one. Both of these are assumptions are pretty obvious.

Now, I think what you mean to ask is why asking about pro bono opportunities would illicit negative responses from OP. My guess would be that many interviewers are well aware that many law students use their law firms as a way to jump start their careers/pay off loans before jumping to public interest or government work. Asking about pro bono opportunities could be construed as a sign that the interviewee is just such an individual, and is thus a huge flight risk. Because being a huge flight risk is not a good thing from an interviewers perspective, this would be my explanation as to why asking about pro bono opportunities is considered a bad question by the OP.

But we don't even need to get to this speculation on my part. If an experienced OCI recruiter is using a question about pro bono opportunities as an example of a question that you shouldn't ask at a callback interview, then it isn't a good question. If you had problems following my reasoning, i'd be more then happy to draw a picture to help you understand where i'm coming from.