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Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:15 am
by Anonymous User
0L here and I have been working for a small-mid firm for close to a year. Since I'll be leaving for law school, during my "exit interview" I recently received what I perceived as an informal "job offer" from a person high up at a firm. Said person told me that after I graduate law school, that I should "come work for [them]". I don't know if it was just a formality or some sort of conversation piece, but I took it at face value. How should this be taken? Maybe I'm just overanalyzing things and this is some kind of business savvy language that is the norm, but I'd like to know some of your opinions. Thank you.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:05 am
by thegrayman
I would want something in writing before I would consider stopping my job search. Do you have a delicate way to ask for a little more clarity on what is meant by that?

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:11 am
by MrAnon
Yeesh. Could be small talk or could just be something to say. You do not have a "job offer" but you should keep in touch with this person, like check in with them after christmas. Don't call them up and tell them "you made me a promise"

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:13 am
by Anonymous User
thegrayman wrote:I would want something in writing before I would consider stopping my job search. Do you have a delicate way to ask for a little more clarity on what is meant by that?
OP here. I could definitely ask, but I don't know how I would be able to bring it up in a way that doesn't come off as desperate/awkward/pestering. By no means would I stop my job search even if I got some sort of confirmation, especially since this is just a non-confirmed verbal invitation. More than relying on this as job safety, I was just genuinely curious as to what it might have been meant and if others had similar experiences. Thanks for your input.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:19 am
by Anonymous User
MrAnon wrote:Yeesh. Could be small talk or could just be something to say. You do not have a "job offer" but you should keep in touch with this person, like check in with them after christmas. Don't call them up and tell them "you made me a promise"
Definitely. I just don't know why someone would just say "How about you come work for us after graduation" and not really mean it. It wasn't said in a joking manner though, but seemed pretty sincere and earnest. Thanks for the pointers.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:41 am
by Rock-N-Roll
You worked there for a year, right? So, likely your landing a job offer from them once you graduate wouldn't be totally far-fetched.

I guess the remark this person made could go either way depending on things such as, how it was said, your relationship with this person, and context, but it's certainly a positive remark. Keeping in touch with this person while you are a 1L seems like it would be a good idea.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:08 am
by bigtttymer
get it in writing so the partner can't argue statute of frauds when you sue him for breach of k

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:12 am
by 09042014
1) That doesn't sound like a real offer
2) Even if it was, it's only good until it's not.

I doubt you can come back in 36 months with a 2.5 from a TTT and expect a job there.

I'd ask if you could work their as an SA next summer.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 5:00 am
by tourdeforcex
1) That doesn't sound like a real offer
2) Even if it was, it's only good until it's not.

I doubt you can come back in 36 months with a 2.5 from a TTT and expect a job there.

I'd ask if you could work their as an SA next summer.
+1

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 5:08 am
by shoeshine
I have recieved many "come work for me after law school" requests from lawyers I have as clients in my professional life now. I am not sure how many of them are serious but it is definitely nice to have options. I always took their offers as a lets "keep in touch" and see what happens after you graduate sort of offer. Nothing can be official at this stage because they have no idea how you will do in law school and if you will want to work for them afterwards. Additionally, alot can change at their firm between now and the time you graduate and there is no guarantee they will even be hiring when you need a job.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:21 am
by sambeber
Osi Umenyiora?? Is that you in there? http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/ ... id=6667679

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:51 am
by CanadianWolf
If you were working for free or for minimum wage, then it may be a job offer; however, if you expect fair & reasonable compensation for your work as a licensed attorney, then you'll probably have to go through the job interview process just like everyone else.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:17 am
by lawfirmrecruiter
Most likely not a real job offer. Stay in touch with the partner and try to keep him up to date on your progress throughout law school. Impossible for him to say that they will need a brand new associate in 3 years. Remember law firms are businesses and need to have client work in the door to actually need to hire you.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:35 am
by Giddy-Up
Is "come work for me" a manifestation of a willingness to enter into a bargain so made as to justify you in thinking that your assent will conclude the bargain? I hate studying for the bar.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:38 am
by CanadianWolf
Not much of an offer in an "at-will" employment jurisdiction.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:20 am
by 09042014
Twist: The partner is Bob Dell.

Re: Is this considered a "job offer"?

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:30 am
by Anonymous Loser
I'm pretty sure you would have a valid ยง90 claim.