Anyone Heard From NJ Firms? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Offer from Riker. About time. I guess they're back on the ball.

did they riker make the offer over the phone?

Yes.

Stats to the second offer at Riker Danzig.

+1

[Anonymous User]

Offer from Riker. About time. I guess they're back on the ball.

did they riker make the offer over the phone?[/quote]

Yes.[/quote]

Stats to the second offer at Riker Danzig.[/quote]

+1[/quote]

+1

[Anonymous User]

Anyone deciding between NJ and New York firms?

What would be your top considerations?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone heard anything from Archer, Flaster/Greenberg?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone deciding between NJ and New York firms?

What would be your top considerations?

Where I want to live and what kind of commute I want is a big one for me.

[Anonymous User]

So I've now completed CB's/CB-style interviews with a bunch of NJ firms. If anyone wants opinions, general firm information, questions/interview style or ideas on timelines, comparisons to NY firms, etc. just ask for a PM. (This is also available to lurking 1L's or someone who bumps up this thread in 2012 ). I've been rejected from at least one, but I still want to be as helpful as possible to people looking at NJ since there is less information than on NYC firms. I got every interview through mass mailing and go to a T14 school.

FYI, firms are:
Bressler Amery & Ross
Cole Schotz Meisel Forman & Leonard
Lowenstein Sandler
McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter
Porzio Bromberg & Newman
Sills Cummis & Gross

[Anonymous User]

So I've now completed CB's/CB-style interviews with a bunch of NJ firms. If anyone wants opinions, general firm information, questions/interview style or ideas on timelines, comparisons to NY firms, etc. just ask for a PM. (This is also available to lurking 1L's or someone who bumps up this thread in 2012 ). I've been rejected from at least one, but I still want to be as helpful as possible to people looking at NJ since there is less information than on NYC firms. I got every interview through mass mailing and go to a T14 school.

FYI, firms are:
Bressler Amery & Ross
Cole Schotz Meisel Forman & Leonard
Lowenstein Sandler
McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter
Porzio Bromberg & Newman
Sills Cummis & Gross

It would be very helpful if you could provide when you expect to hear back from each as well as your overall experience from each office.

[Anonymous User]

Getting anxious here. Any offers out there for MDMC?

[Anonymous User]

So I've now completed CB's/CB-style interviews with a bunch of NJ firms. If anyone wants opinions, general firm information, questions/interview style or ideas on timelines, comparisons to NY firms, etc. just ask for a PM. (This is also available to lurking 1L's or someone who bumps up this thread in 2012 ). I've been rejected from at least one, but I still want to be as helpful as possible to people looking at NJ since there is less information than on NYC firms. I got every interview through mass mailing and go to a T14 school.

FYI, firms are:
Bressler Amery & Ross - hiring committee meeting at the end of October
Cole Schotz Meisel Forman & Leonard - hiring committee meeting 2nd week in October
Lowenstein Sandler
McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter
Porzio Bromberg & Newman
Sills Cummis & Gross

It would be very helpful if you could provide when you expect to hear back from each as well as your overall experience from each office.

Okay, I'll do something brief.

Bressler - liked them okay; they are boutique-y in Securities work, but I didn't meet with anyone in the practice area. Office atmosphere seemed very relaxed and friendly and it definitely had a "nice, midsize firm" quality. They're also really good at softball . One of their interviewers expressly told me not to bother sending him a "thank you note" and that they are "stupid" since he writes the evaluation anyway (he's not a partner, but he gave me a lot of the "low down" on the firm). They also do not no-offer unless the person does something really stupid and unprofessional. They reported "end of October" for timeline.

Cole Schotz - pleasantly surprised by them -- they really push a "people come here and stay here and make partner here" mentality which I personally appreciate. They have a bit of a competitive nature with the other NJ firms. They push their Bankruptcy and Trusts & Estates Practices which are top tier in the state. Another nice thing -- you only do two interviews here (one partner, one associate), so it's a shorter day. I would be EXTREMELY happy with an offer from this firm. They will start making decisions the 2nd week in October; they understand the problems with NALP and say they may or may not be able to expedite things.

Lowenstein - they are the "top dogs" and consider themselves "competition with NYC" and not with the other NJ firms (like Cole Schotz, they have a bit of a competition thing going on; except they asked me about NYC firms). They have the biggest corporate practice of any of the firms, so if you want transactional (especially Venture Capital/Private Equity -- especially in the tech sector) they are really awesome. Their hiring partner was probably one of my favorite people that I met throughout recruiting season -- he pushes you during the interview, but he's great to talk to. If you get an interview here, make sure to read the website and what he says VERY carefully. It was probably the most physically exhausting interview because I met with 6 people total and one sections was a two-on-one. I would be EXTREMELY happy with an offer from this firm, but they tend to make decisions quickly and I haven't heard yet (though I did not "click" with one of my interviewers and I can see that hurting). They also asked for my LSAT and undergrad GPA at the interview.

MDM&C - if you want to litigate and want ASAP hands on experience, and that's what you consider "midlaw", then this is the NJ firm for you. They aren't on NALP, so there are a few things that you don't necessarily have access to (i.e. offer rate). The interview process is a pair of two-on-ones (one with partners, one with associates). Most of their recruiting is out of the local schools and they seem to be looking for people who want to be "lawyers". They also probably have the "least sexy" practice areas, but you're also probably least likely to be just sitting doing doc review here. It's definitely an intriguing option. The hiring committee hasn't met yet and won't meet for a few weeks, so don't worry if you haven't heard.

Porzio - I really liked the people overall, but their practice areas are very specialized and you better talk about how you want them and why. They also make you do a personal statement. But I think if you want what they do (life sciences/mass torts - including a plaintiffs practice group, labor and employment, environmental, some bankruptcy) they're a great choice -- but you have to sell them. I don't know if they've hired yet, but they have sent dings (of which I was one).

Sills - They're an interesting firm. Their most well-known practice is their commercial real estate/real estate finance practice. The hiring partner (I think? I know he was the head of the diversity committee) was awesome and up there with the guy from Lowenstein. They also win for "nicest recruiting staff". The attorneys are laid back and feel they get a much better work/life balance then their NYC counterparts. Also, they are right next to Newark Penn Station, so the commute is an absolute breeze from a lot of desirable places to live in NJ. I would be VERY VERY happy with an offer here (and if my information is at all hazy, it's because I had this CB a while ago). They haven't given me a timeline, but I'm still in consideration.

Overall, the firms are extremely different and each has it's own "personality". As much as I point out firms that stood out over others, I would be extremely happy and humbled with an offer at any of them as I think they all offer excellent opportunities in their respective areas and certainly try to put the sell on as an alternative to NYC in different ways (some push work/life and longevity; others "more control over your career"; others, more hands-on work).

[Anonymous User]

So I've now completed CB's/CB-style interviews with a bunch of NJ firms. If anyone wants opinions, general firm information, questions/interview style or ideas on timelines, comparisons to NY firms, etc. just ask for a PM. (This is also available to lurking 1L's or someone who bumps up this thread in 2012 ). I've been rejected from at least one, but I still want to be as helpful as possible to people looking at NJ since there is less information than on NYC firms. I got every interview through mass mailing and go to a T14 school.

FYI, firms are:
Bressler Amery & Ross - hiring committee meeting at the end of October
Cole Schotz Meisel Forman & Leonard - hiring committee meeting 2nd week in October
Lowenstein Sandler
McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter
Porzio Bromberg & Newman
Sills Cummis & Gross

It would be very helpful if you could provide when you expect to hear back from each as well as your overall experience from each office.

Okay, I'll do something brief.

Bressler - liked them okay; they are boutique-y in Securities work, but I didn't meet with anyone in the practice area. Office atmosphere seemed very relaxed and friendly and it definitely had a "nice, midsize firm" quality. They're also really good at softball . One of their interviewers expressly told me not to bother sending him a "thank you note" and that they are "stupid" since he writes the evaluation anyway (he's not a partner, but he gave me a lot of the "low down" on the firm). They also do not no-offer unless the person does something really stupid and unprofessional. They reported "end of October" for timeline.

Cole Schotz - pleasantly surprised by them -- they really push a "people come here and stay here and make partner here" mentality which I personally appreciate. They have a bit of a competitive nature with the other NJ firms. They push their Bankruptcy and Trusts & Estates Practices which are top tier in the state. Another nice thing -- you only do two interviews here (one partner, one associate), so it's a shorter day. I would be EXTREMELY happy with an offer from this firm. They will start making decisions the 2nd week in October; they understand the problems with NALP and say they may or may not be able to expedite things.

Lowenstein - they are the "top dogs" and consider themselves "competition with NYC" and not with the other NJ firms (like Cole Schotz, they have a bit of a competition thing going on; except they asked me about NYC firms). They have the biggest corporate practice of any of the firms, so if you want transactional (especially Venture Capital/Private Equity -- especially in the tech sector) they are really awesome. Their hiring partner was probably one of my favorite people that I met throughout recruiting season -- he pushes you during the interview, but he's great to talk to. If you get an interview here, make sure to read the website and what he says VERY carefully. It was probably the most physically exhausting interview because I met with 6 people total and one sections was a two-on-one. I would be EXTREMELY happy with an offer from this firm, but they tend to make decisions quickly and I haven't heard yet (though I did not "click" with one of my interviewers and I can see that hurting). They also asked for my LSAT and undergrad GPA at the interview.

MDM&C - if you want to litigate and want ASAP hands on experience, and that's what you consider "midlaw", then this is the NJ firm for you. They aren't on NALP, so there are a few things that you don't necessarily have access to (i.e. offer rate). The interview process is a pair of two-on-ones (one with partners, one with associates). Most of their recruiting is out of the local schools and they seem to be looking for people who want to be "lawyers". They also probably have the "least sexy" practice areas, but you're also probably least likely to be just sitting doing doc review here. It's definitely an intriguing option. The hiring committee hasn't met yet and won't meet for a few weeks, so don't worry if you haven't heard.

Porzio - I really liked the people overall, but their practice areas are very specialized and you better talk about how you want them and why. They also make you do a personal statement. But I think if you want what they do (life sciences/mass torts - including a plaintiffs practice group, labor and employment, environmental, some bankruptcy) they're a great choice -- but you have to sell them. I don't know if they've hired yet, but they have sent dings (of which I was one).

Sills - They're an interesting firm. Their most well-known practice is their commercial real estate/real estate finance practice. The hiring partner (I think? I know he was the head of the diversity committee) was awesome and up there with the guy from Lowenstein. They also win for "nicest recruiting staff". The attorneys are laid back and feel they get a much better work/life balance then their NYC counterparts. Also, they are right next to Newark Penn Station, so the commute is an absolute breeze from a lot of desirable places to live in NJ. I would be VERY VERY happy with an offer here (and if my information is at all hazy, it's because I had this CB a while ago). They haven't given me a timeline, but I'm still in consideration.

Overall, the firms are extremely different and each has it's own "personality". As much as I point out firms that stood out over others, I would be extremely happy and humbled with an offer at any of them as I think they all offer excellent opportunities in their respective areas and certainly try to put the sell on as an alternative to NYC in different ways (some push work/life and longevity; others "more control over your career"; others, more hands-on work).

Thanks for this. I just have a question about Bressler...feel free anyone to chime in. I ask this a while ago but I'm getting a bit frustrated. I've left messages and emails for the recruiter and have yet to hear a response from my screener about 7 weeks ago. I also emailed my interviewer but no response as well. Any idea on what this means? I am still interested but I feel that they should have had a decision on my screener by now. I'm not sure what to do because every time I follow up, I do not get any response.

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

I'm the poster who wrote the detailed summaries -- Bressler said they would start to make offers in mid-late October. But I never had a screener with them since I got the interview via mass mailing.

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

I'm the poster who wrote the detailed summaries -- Bressler said they would start to make offers in mid-late October. But I never had a screener with them since I got the interview via mass mailing.

I had an interview with Bressler via mass-mailing too. It was 2+ hours with hiring and managing partners and two associates. Was this a screener or a callback? I was under the impression I was waiting to see if I got a callback.

[Anonymous User]

I had an interview with Bressler via mass-mailing too. It was 2+ hours with hiring and managing partners and two associates. Was this a screener or a callback? I was under the impression I was waiting to see if I got a callback.

That's definitely a CB (or at the very least, a CB-style screener; either way, they aren't going to call you for another interview -- they will just make you an offer or not). Screeners are what you do at OCI (though sometimes they're at an office or on the phone) and are usually around 20-30 minutes.

[Anonymous User]

any other offers from riker?

and can the 2nd riker offer give stats please. to help us waiting put everything in perspective

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

Bressler is slow. They're literally the only firm I still haven't heard from after my screener in August. Expecting a ding obviously, but still. You ought to eventually send out the damn dings.

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

Bressler is slow. They're literally the only firm I still haven't heard from after my screener in August. Expecting a ding obviously, but still. You ought to eventually send out the damn dings.

I had a screener with them in August and received a snail mail ding already, so you may be on a hold list.

[Anonymous User]

I had my screener in mid August...received email callback 1 1/2 - 2 weeks later...i know of at least one person who just got a mail ding from the screener in mid August so looks like they just take a while

they told me mid-late october for decisions

Lol. Well thats concerning. I have heard absolutely nothing from them. From what your saying, it seems that they give responses within a cpl of weeks. I had a screen around the same time as you and its been 7 weeks...that is just ridiculous.

Bressler is slow. They're literally the only firm I still haven't heard from after my screener in August. Expecting a ding obviously, but still. You ought to eventually send out the damn dings.

I had a screener with them in August and received a snail mail ding already, so you may be on a hold list.

Certainly hope so.

[Anonymous User]

Accepted an offer from Riker Danzig. First poster with offer. Stats above.

[Anonymous User]

Accepted an offer from Riker Danzig. First poster with offer. Stats above.

Congrats! Do you know if they gave all their offers out??

[Anonymous User]

I withdrew my candidacy from a few of my pending NJ firms. Sills Cummis CB was almost a month ago, so its essentially off my radar for having taken so long. Porzio was 6 weeks ago so the same thing applies. Not going to just sit around and wait when other deadlines are approaching. Cancelled my Bressler CB as well. Hopefully this opens up interview spots for others.

[Anonymous User]

I withdrew my candidacy from a few of my pending NJ firms. Sills Cummis CB was almost a month ago, so its essentially off my radar for having taken so long. Porzio was 6 weeks ago so the same thing applies. Not going to just sit around and wait when other deadlines are approaching. Cancelled my Bressler CB as well. Hopefully this opens up interview spots for others.

Congratulations! Where will you be going?

[Anonymous User]

I withdrew my candidacy from a few of my pending NJ firms. Sills Cummis CB was almost a month ago, so its essentially off my radar for having taken so long. Porzio was 6 weeks ago so the same thing applies. Not going to just sit around and wait when other deadlines are approaching. Cancelled my Bressler CB as well. Hopefully this opens up interview spots for others.

Congratulations! Where will you be going?

Haven't decided yet actually. The only NJ-based firm I was seriously considering was Lowenstein, but I had to let their offer deadline expire since they made the offer way early. I have a few NY options on the table, but also an offer from Proskauer NJ, so if I do stay in NJ, Proskauer is where I would be. But no final decision just yet.

[Anonymous User]

any other offers from riker?

and can the 2nd riker offer give stats please. to help us waiting put everything in perspective

+1 Why are you holding out?