Columbia EIP 2014 Forum

[Anonymous User]

Figured I should post my own experience.

Mid-3.6s, LR, mass-mailed about 30-35 firms. Majority of emails were to firms/firm offices I didn't bid on, which came out to 75%+ outside New York. I did all my mass-mailing before bid lists were due. I don't know how much timing matters with this, but it probably helps to have done it earlier, especially with EIP in ~3 more weeks (at least if the firm's coming to that, too).

New York: two CBs (V15), three screeners.
DC: one CB scheduled after EIP, one screener.
Silicon Valley: three CBs, plus one that will give me a screener whenever I happen to be in the area.
Also, Quinn offer.

It went very well and I would suggest doing this for anyone who happens to read this before applying next year. That said, I want to note that almost all of these weren't blind emails to the firm with a resume + transcript. I tried to make long-term contacts throughout the year/summer, which proved invaluable in terms of making sure my resume got seen... I don't know if that's possible to build as late as mid-July. I had at least 15 attorneys offering advice or being interested in my career by the end of June, before hearing about LR.

The two blind emails that did convert to a CB/screener were for secondary markets rather than New York.

One quick edit - if you talk to people, even if you don't get a CB/screener, one common response I've gotten is that if I don't get a screener through bidding to email them and they'll help me get an interview. Basically what you'd be attempting to do in the hospitality suites, but with less left to chance.

Would it be possible to share which Silicon Valley firms offered CBs/screeners?

[Anonymous User]

Would it be possible to share which Silicon Valley firms offered CBs/screeners?

Sorry, I'd rather not say exactly which ones. Three were branch offices of New York firms. I'm trying for the rest at EIP.

[Anonymous User]

EIP is so soon. Who's excited? A little anxious but can't wait for all this to be over.

[Anonymous User]

Me!

I wanted to ask you all a clothes question. Are any of you buying new suits for this? I have two, which has always proven more than enough, but I realize this is a four-day thing with maybe CBs starting right after, so there probably isn't time to dry clean a lot of things.

Do you just shell out for same day dry cleaning, early in the morning before EIP starts, so that you can alternate between two suits without worrying about them smelling terrible and being wrinkled and all that?

I normally wouldn't worry too much but this is the one time I want to make sure my best foot's put forward, for each of the four days.

[Anonymous User]

Me!

I wanted to ask you all a clothes question. Are any of you buying new suits for this? I have two, which has always proven more than enough, but I realize this is a four-day thing with maybe CBs starting right after, so there probably isn't time to dry clean a lot of things.

Do you just shell out for same day dry cleaning, early in the morning before EIP starts, so that you can alternate between two suits without worrying about them smelling terrible and being wrinkled and all that?

I normally wouldn't worry too much but this is the one time I want to make sure my best foot's put forward, for each of the four days.

Two will be plenty. I'm only using three and I probably won't actually wear the grey one. Unless you sweat profusely or are a messy eater, you can wear each suit a good number of times before you need to dry clean it. Just iron them in the morning (be sure not to get a crease in your jacket sleeves).

[jbagelboy]

Me!

I wanted to ask you all a clothes question. Are any of you buying new suits for this? I have two, which has always proven more than enough, but I realize this is a four-day thing with maybe CBs starting right after, so there probably isn't time to dry clean a lot of things.

Do you just shell out for same day dry cleaning, early in the morning before EIP starts, so that you can alternate between two suits without worrying about them smelling terrible and being wrinkled and all that?

I normally wouldn't worry too much but this is the one time I want to make sure my best foot's put forward, for each of the four days.

Yea I'm rolling with two dark suits, one for each day then dryclean for the following week/CBs. Should be fine, I just need a little repair work on one of the slacks. I dropped a bunch of cash on a nicely fitted second suit back in March so I'm not looking to spend any more money on clothes until after graduation.

[Anonymous User]

Cool. Thanks! You both saved my wallet. I forgot about the two-day break in the middle, that helps a ton.

I realize this is probably overkill, but what about these babies?
http://www.qmuniforms.com/lawpro-shirt- ... 8gZUrua_90
Don't want that shirt coming untucked in the sprint up the stairs between interviews.

[txdude45]

If ppl are trying to buy more suits on a budget, I'd recommend J Crew factory. Surprisingly good quality.

[Anonymous User]

Is J. Crew Factory pretty broad in the shoulders? It's stupid hard to find suits that fit.

[txdude45]

Is J. Crew Factory pretty broad in the shoulders? It's stupid hard to find suits that fit.

I have incredibly broad shoulders and it fits alright. I'd like a smidge more space, but its good, especially considering the price.

[ph5354a]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

[Anonymous User]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

Calvin Klein usually has good ones (though I still put on a white tank to be safe). Check out C21, they're probably like $20-$30.

[txdude45]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

What is a shell? Is that like a t-shirt?

[ph5354a]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

Calvin Klein usually has good ones (though I still put on a white tank to be safe). Check out C21, they're probably like $20-$30.

Noted, thanks. I know this topic has been talked to death, but is everyone planning on doing a skirt suit throughout EIP, or switching it up?

[Anonymous User]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

Calvin Klein usually has good ones (though I still put on a white tank to be safe). Check out C21, they're probably like $20-$30.

Noted, thanks. I know this topic has been talked to death, but is everyone planning on doing a skirt suit throughout EIP, or switching it up?

I have a dark grey pant suit that I love and feel good in. Probably will wear it one day (maybe on a day when I don't have that many white shoe firms to talk to). Otherwise I have both a navy and black skirt suit that I'll be rotating.

[ph5354a]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

What is a shell? Is that like a t-shirt?

It's like this. Basically, girls can get away with wearing a tank top instead of long sleeved button-down under a blazer since no one sees the sleeves. It's to make up for still making 70 cents on the dollar.

https://www.everlane.com/collections/wo ... tank-white

[Anonymous User]

Just learned of the existence of this forum/thread and read through most of it. Y'all are hilarious. Made me feel like I was back at school. Also had to laugh at the extreme over-representation of Kents on this thread.

I'm curious if anyone has a guesstimate as to Quinn's interview-to-offer ratio? I know they cut out a fair number of people just at the resume/transcript stage; wasn't sure if the CB was a likely offer though.

[txdude45]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

What is a shell? Is that like a t-shirt?

It's like this. Basically, girls can get away with wearing a tank top instead of long sleeved button-down under a blazer since no one sees the sleeves. It's to make up for still making 70 cents on the dollar.

https://www.everlane.com/collections/wo ... tank-white

If there was ever an industry where the gender payscale was 1:1, its as a 1-9yr associate in BigLaw. Based on that, I demand you all wear pants suits and ties.

While being able to wear t-shirts with suits may be a bridge too far for men right now, I've been saying forever that the lack of a non-pants option for men in business formal is absurd. If it is hot as the Devil's BBQ outside, why can I not wear a shorts version of my suit pants? Women can customize their outfits based on the environment to a crazy extent and I'm jealous.

[cws277]

Pivot to women: anyone find decent/cheap shells that aren't see through to wear under a blazer?

What is a shell? Is that like a t-shirt?

It's like this. Basically, girls can get away with wearing a tank top instead of long sleeved button-down under a blazer since no one sees the sleeves. It's to make up for still making 70 cents on the dollar.

https://www.everlane.com/collections/wo ... tank-white

If there was ever an industry where the gender payscale was 1:1, its as a 1-9yr associate in BigLaw. Based on that, I demand you all wear pants suits and ties.

While being able to wear t-shirts with suits may be a bridge too far for men right now, I've been saying forever that the lack of a non-pants option for men in business formal is absurd. If it is hot as the Devil's BBQ outside, why can I not wear a shorts version of my suit pants? Women can customize their outfits based on the environment to a crazy extent and I'm jealous.

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheL ... tsuits.jsp

Because it looks ridiculous.

[Anonymous User]

While we're on the topic of clothing: any male fashionistas have good shirt color/tie color recommendations for a light gray suit? Love the suit, not sure what to pair with it.

[txdude45]

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheL ... tsuits.jsp

Because it looks ridiculous.

I think that looks exactly like a woman in a skirt suit. Either we de-gender clothes in America, or we accept short suits as legitimate business formal attire.

[ph5354a]

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheL ... tsuits.jsp

Because it looks ridiculous.

I think that looks exactly like a woman in a skirt suit. Either we de-gender clothes in America, or we accept short suits as legitimate business formal attire.

I think short suits would look very professional.


As long as you wear 2-3 inch heels.

[txdude45]

I think short suits would look very professional.

Had me.

As long as you wear 2-3 inch heels.

Lost me.

FWIW, I think heels should be banned from business formal attire. Not only have I literally never heard someone use the word "comfortable" in the same sentence as "heels", but they are completely pointless. The only reason flats haven't taken over publicly (I don't know many women who actually wear heels while going to work or while at their desk) are the same ridiculous gender norms keeping men in pant suits, collars, and ties.

[ph5354a]

I think short suits would look very professional.

Had me.

As long as you wear 2-3 inch heels.

Lost me.

FWIW, I think heels should be banned from business formal attire. Not only have I literally never heard someone use the word "comfortable" in the same sentence as "heels", but they are completely pointless. The only reason flats haven't taken over publicly (I don't know many women who actually wear heels while going to work or while at their desk) are the same ridiculous gender norms keeping men in pant suits, collars, and ties.

--ImageRemoved--

[ph5354a]

^ Liz Lemon cheering gif