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Thank you for your precious time and insights.

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A partner called me after my callback and told me that the firm would like to extend a summer associate offer to me.

The partner then said that it was a great pity that he did not meet with me at my callback because he was away that day.

And, he said that he was very interested in me and would like to have a dinner with me.

So we scheduled a dinner.

The partner is one of the five partners of the practice group I am going to work in. I am not sure if I would work for that partner next summer.

My questions are:
1) Is this dinner an extended interview?
2) If I screw up, will the firm rescind the offer?
3) Should I use my usual *interview blurbs* at the dinner?
4) I have some basic plans/ideas about how to develop new clients/business from the area the partner is interested in. Should I talk about my plans/ideas at the dinner table?

Maybe all my questions could converge into one: Is this dinner business or casual?

And, tie or no tie?

Thank you very much.

At my school there are some firms holding "offer dinners" and inviting everyone who got an offer to come. It's a normal part of the courtship ritual of the law firm, to help sell the firm to you, and as such is purely business.

I think you'd have to screw up something at the dinner to get you rescinded. You've already been through all the screening and you've got an offer in hand, so you've managed to come this far without such a screwup, so hopefully you can manage.

Dude, they already extended you an offer. As long as you don't get sloppy blackout drunk, you're fine. And no, don't use interview blurbs. Freaking relax and just try to get to know the partner and have a good time.

Also, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do #4.

aschup wrote:Also, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do #4.

Yes, number 4 is possibly the worst idea that I have ever heard.

KMaine wrote:

aschup wrote:Also, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do #4.

Yes, number 4 is possibly the worst idea that I have ever heard.

Sounds like number 4 can lead to number 2. So use the bathroom before you go.

I have an idea, act like a normal professional.
The guy just wants a free dinner and to meet you.

As for dress, I would go with a dark suit and tie. You could always make a joke and lose the tie if the partner shows less dressed up than you.

Its a professional dinner, which means it is a business dinner where the only goal is to not look like an idiot. Just enjoy the food and the experience.

KMaine wrote:

aschup wrote:Also, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do #4.

Yes, number 4 is possibly the worst idea that I have ever heard.

In light of the fact that the OP appears completely baffled by a simple recruiting event, I also think that this poster should avoid sharing his/her insight on business development.