Law firm recruiter answering questions for a bit Forum

[Anonymous User]

Do federal externships give any type of noticeable bump in the initial screening process? I was able to complete a magistrate and DJ externship over the course of my first year and following summer and will be doing a Court of Appeals one in the fall. Just want to see if what type, if any, impact it might have.

[beach_terror]

Is it acceptable to ask a law firm interviewer about his / her feelings about coworkers? i.e. do you enjoy the people you work with, etc.?

Also, is it normal for an interviewee to express interest in a field that he / she doesn't have much expertise in? For example, if you think you might want to work for renewable energy companies and the law firm has a department for that type of thing, is it worth mentioning that environmental law and renewable energy is something I'm interested in and I plan to get more involved in those issues during 2L and 3L years?

I asked this a few pages back, just FYI.

k disregard.

Actually, I'd like an answer to this because it's slightly different - if you don't mind OP.

[lawfirmrecruiter]

Do federal externships give any type of noticeable bump in the initial screening process? I was able to complete a magistrate and DJ externship over the course of my first year and following summer and will be doing a Court of Appeals one in the fall. Just want to see if what type, if any, impact it might have.

Sure. These do look good. It is good experience and shows that you have been actively pursuing learning opportunities outside law school during the year.

[lawfirmrecruiter]

Is it acceptable to ask a law firm interviewer about his / her feelings about coworkers? i.e. do you enjoy the people you work with, etc.?

Also, is it normal for an interviewee to express interest in a field that he / she doesn't have much expertise in? For example, if you think you might want to work for renewable energy companies and the law firm has a department for that type of thing, is it worth mentioning that environmental law and renewable energy is something I'm interested in and I plan to get more involved in those issues during 2L and 3L years?

I asked this a few pages back, just FYI.

k disregard.

Actually, I'd like an answer to this because it's slightly different - if you don't mind OP.

I think it is appropriate to ask about the work environment, teamwork atmosphere, culture, etc. I wouldn't ask about specific people but I think it is appropriate to ask in general if people are happy working together.

I think it is fine to express an interest in a field you would like to pursue. We know you don't know exactly what niche is right for you but this shows intellectual curiosity.

[Anonymous User]

I'm in the top 2-3% of a Tier 1 school that places well within my target market, but am trying to decide whether or not to transfer - the most likely transfer schools will be CCN (I've already applied, and question is really what to do if I'm accepted). Would there be any kind of stigma attached to students who transferred out of a school that placed well in the desired city, but still want to end up in that city? I've seen that possibility pointed out by a couple of people, and thought that a law firm recruiter would have an interesting take on the situation.

[lawfirmrecruiter]

I'm in the top 2-3% of a Tier 1 school that places well within my target market, but am trying to decide whether or not to transfer - the most likely transfer schools will be CCN (I've already applied, and question is really what to do if I'm accepted). Would there be any kind of stigma attached to students who transferred out of a school that placed well in the desired city, but still want to end up in that city? I've seen that possibility pointed out by a couple of people, and thought that a law firm recruiter would have an interesting take on the situation.

My main question is why do you want to transfer when it sounds like you are already well positioned to have a lock on a job in your desired city? If you transfer you run the risk of losing ground on solid grades and moving out of market. You probably have very valid reasons but you should balance them with what you are giving up.

[Anonymous User]

Previous work experience. Trilingual. Excellent reviews from V100 partners. 1L biglaw internship.

Median at T2. Am I dead (at places other than where I am now)?

I certainly don't think so! You should begin networking now and using those good reviews. You will be fine.

Me again. Thanks for the encouragement, and I have been networking quite a bit, but even at the place where I work now, there's a very rigid system for grade cutoffs, something along the lines of "Interview whoever you want to, but if you callback someone who is significantly (where significant is like .1-.2) below the cutoff, you'd better have an amazingly compelling reason for doing so, and need to clear it with the managing partner, firm recruitment manager, recruitment committee, etc." I'm sure this is par for course most places.

What is it about interviewees, in your mind, that takes someone with so-so grades from interview to callback?

[Anonymous User]

How much does knowledge of the firm help in interviews? Not like the basic "oh, you are known for litigation" knowledge, but someone who took the time to research a firm thoroughly and identify practices (such as a type of training program for associates) that is very appealing? Is that something that can push a candidate over the edge, or is it just expected at interviews?

[beach_terror]

Any tips for OCI when you're toward the end of a long day of 20-40+ interviews? I've heard of offering to go get coffee and move the interview downstairs if the person is visibly tired, would this be a decent suggestion?

[Anonymous User]

I'm in the top 2-3% of a Tier 1 school that places well within my target market, but am trying to decide whether or not to transfer - the most likely transfer schools will be CCN (I've already applied, and question is really what to do if I'm accepted). Would there be any kind of stigma attached to students who transferred out of a school that placed well in the desired city, but still want to end up in that city? I've seen that possibility pointed out by a couple of people, and thought that a law firm recruiter would have an interesting take on the situation.

My main question is why do you want to transfer when it sounds like you are already well positioned to have a lock on a job in your desired city? If you transfer you run the risk of losing ground on solid grades and moving out of market. You probably have very valid reasons but you should balance them with what you are giving up.

My main reasons for this are:

1. A more academically challenging environment (can I actually say this in an interview? I'm thinking probably not)
2. A broader curriculum, especially in IP
3. Potential access to a greater number of Federal clerkships
4. A degree from a more prestigious school plus the slight prestige bump that comes with it

Reading what you're saying, it seems like law firms in my desired city would raise an eyebrow if I transferred from a school that placed well in that city, and still wanted to come back. Is that correct?

[lawfirmrecruiter]

Previous work experience. Trilingual. Excellent reviews from V100 partners. 1L biglaw internship.

Median at T2. Am I dead (at places other than where I am now)?

I certainly don't think so! You should begin networking now and using those good reviews. You will be fine.

Me again. Thanks for the encouragement, and I have been networking quite a bit, but even at the place where I work now, there's a very rigid system for grade cutoffs, something along the lines of "Interview whoever you want to, but if you callback someone who is significantly (where significant is like .1-.2) below the cutoff, you'd better have an amazingly compelling reason for doing so, and need to clear it with the managing partner, firm recruitment manager, recruitment committee, etc." I'm sure this is par for course most places.

What is it about interviewees, in your mind, that takes someone with so-so grades from interview to callback?

Hard to really say, because you are starting to get into the intagibles that make the candidate the right "fit" for the firm. Someone that shows drive, determination, intellectual curiosity, tenacity, etc.

[lawfirmrecruiter]

How much does knowledge of the firm help in interviews? Not like the basic "oh, you are known for litigation" knowledge, but someone who took the time to research a firm thoroughly and identify practices (such as a type of training program for associates) that is very appealing? Is that something that can push a candidate over the edge, or is it just expected at interviews?

It helps a great deal. The more knowledgable you are about our firm the better the conversation will go.

[lawfirmrecruiter]

Any tips for OCI when you're toward the end of a long day of 20-40+ interviews? I've heard of offering to go get coffee and move the interview downstairs if the person is visibly tired, would this be a decent suggestion?

I like the idea of offering to get coffee. Also, just acknowledge that it has been a long day and you are sure the interviewer is exhausted.

[schooner]

How much does political affiliation play into recruiting?

For example, if a student has had significant prior work experience working for a campaign, PAC, member of Congress, or organization with a definite partisan tilt. I assume that if you're applying to a place like Perkins Coie, listing "president of college democrats" might be good, but that's the only example I can think of. How are most other firms?

[Anonymous User]

If I e-mailed a firm about 2 1/2 weeks ago about next summer position, and haven't heard back, should I call them or e-mail them again? I have local ties and good grades (top quarter) from T14. Really interested in the office/firm, but their specific office isn't coming to my OCI.

[kaiser]

If I e-mailed a firm about 2 1/2 weeks ago about next summer position, and haven't heard back, should I call them or e-mail them again? I have local ties and good grades (top quarter) from T14. Really interested in the office/firm, but their specific office isn't coming to my OCI.

Midway through June was way too early to be doing that. Thats why you haven't heard back. Hiring for 2012 summers doesn't even pick up till mid to late July at the earliest, according to the firms I spoke with. Even now it is a bit early, so I'd wait a bit before you follow up.

[deebs]

Hi,

I have family scattered across the US and was wondering how to express ties to a city in a cover letter? For example, I was thinking inserting it right after a sentence or two on why I was interested in the firm, but wasn't sure what to say besides my brother lives in Boston when trying to show ties: "My brother lives in Boston and I have enjoyed the city when I have visited"? That just sounds corny to me.

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Hi,

I have family scattered across the US and was wondering how to express ties to a city in a cover letter? For example, I was thinking inserting it right after a sentence or two on why I was interested in the firm, but wasn't sure what to say besides my brother lives in Boston when trying to show ties: "My brother lives in Boston and I have enjoyed the city when I have visited"? That just sounds corny to me.

Thanks!

I would actually like to know the answer to a similar question. I have been advised to put the address of an aunt who lives in SF on my resume for SF firms--not calling it a permanent address on the resume, but letting the interviewer read the resume to say that it is my permanent address/where I grew up if they choose not to ask about it. I have been to SF and stayed at that address many times. If asked about it, I would emphasize that I have spent considerable time there.

Is this good advice or a bad idea? (In general, not specifically about SF.)

[Anonymous User]

What if an applicant does not put on his resume a part-time, non-legal job that he isn't proud of and had in law school to help pay bills (like salesperson or receptionist) - would you consider that lying? Even on a functional resume?

[Anonymous User]

Do biglaw firms really perceive older, non-traditional graduates (say, in their 30s and 40s) to be avoided because they're "somebody they can’t indoctrinate into slave labor and work to death for seven years and then release if they don’t like you"?

[Anonymous User]

Do biglaw firms really perceive older, non-traditional graduates (say, in their 30s and 40s) to be avoided because they're "somebody they can’t indoctrinate into slave labor and work to death for seven years and then release if they don’t like you"?

I'd be interested in this one as well, and particularly if a candidate 'looks' younger, and has a recent enough undergrad graduation year that it's not a tip off, should one allow (not by lying, of course) the misperception that the candidate is younger than he/she actually is? For women, what's more advantageous, to allow the misperception that one is younger than one is, or to point out one's higher age and the fact that one will not be having children in the future and career is the focus?

[Anonymous User]

So first thing this morning I was supposed to be meeting with a partner to meet a client in one conference room, but went into the wrong conference room, where there was a sizeable meeting going on (think partners, several upcoming associates and the firm's legal recruiters). Heck, it could have even been about us summers. I just opened the door, said something like I don't think I'm in the right place, apologized, and left. Is this something I should apologize to anyone for? Like the recruiters at least? My gut says to just let it go, but thought you'd be the person to ask. The no-offer fear drives me to ask crazy questions.

[GeePee]

So first thing this morning I was supposed to be meeting with a partner to meet a client in one conference room, but went into the wrong conference room, where there was a sizeable meeting going on (think partners, several upcoming associates and the firm's legal recruiters). Heck, it could have even been about us summers. I just opened the door, said something like I don't think I'm in the right place, apologized, and left. Is this something I should apologize to anyone for? Like the recruiters at least? My gut says to just let it go, but thought you'd be the person to ask. The no-offer fear drives me to ask crazy questions.

I think you're overreacting. Stuff like this happens in any workplace all the time. If you see them around the office, you can bring it up and apologize, but don't make too much of this.

[quakeroats]

So first thing this morning I was supposed to be meeting with a partner to meet a client in one conference room, but went into the wrong conference room, where there was a sizeable meeting going on (think partners, several upcoming associates and the firm's legal recruiters). Heck, it could have even been about us summers. I just opened the door, said something like I don't think I'm in the right place, apologized, and left. Is this something I should apologize to anyone for? Like the recruiters at least? My gut says to just let it go, but thought you'd be the person to ask. The no-offer fear drives me to ask crazy questions.

This happens all the time when there are hundreds of people in an office. If you say nothing, apologize, or nearly anything else, no one will remember 10 minutes later.

[Anonymous User]

But the recruiters were in there!

Thanks for the advice,
OP