V15 Partner/OCI Interviewer Answering Questions... Forum

[itbdvorm]

How closely do you look at the transcript? Do you hold it against a candidate if he took what you perceive to be "fluff" classes? Or do you just usually look at GPA?

Depends on the person and the school. If I'm iffy on the person I may glance at the transcript to compare "core" classes vs. fluff (I do this moreso at schools where second semester is chock full of electives, obviously). Not sure whether others also do so.

Along these lines, what about taking fewer credits than usual first semester 2L year? Most of the courses I was interested in for this upcoming semester were high credit courses so I was contemplating taking 3 instead of 4 to take the pressure off when combined with the job search (one of my target markets is on the other side of the country from where I go to school). I would only be 1-1.5 credits lower than the recommended amount per semester, but if I took 4 classes like most people do, I would be about 3 credits over.

Would it make me look lazy/bad at a screener? Especially if I got back on track the next semester? Also the classes wouldn't be fluff classes (think Corporations, Income Taxation, Copyright/Trademarks).

Alternatively I could just sign up for the 4th class and drop it after I accept an offer if things get too intense...

Probably not a big deal (especially if 1st year classes weren't fluff / classes for 2L year aren't fluff)

[itbdvorm]

Does saying you will work for corporate/litigation help your chances?

For example, I've heard that showing a demonstrated interest in corporate for a firm like Paul Weiss will help.

Totally depends on the firm's hiring needs (and whether your OCI / callback interviewers are aware of them). Could also easily backfire if sold the wrong way (i.e., guy will think you haven't done your homework about what the firm is)

[Myself]

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[Anonymous User]

Sorry if these questions were asked before, but I wasn't able to find it by searching.

What are your thoughts on including a fraternity or sorority on your resume? What if I held a leadership position?

Does it look bad if I'm not involved in any student orgs at law school?

[Anonymous User]

Is there a preference regarding resumes? Do I attach my cover letter to the resume and in the body of the email simply say, attached is cover/resume. Or should the body of the email be the cover and simply attach a one page resume? If there is not a preference, how do most people do it? Thanks.

[Anonymous User]

Sorry if this question sounds ridiculous, but how are pregnant/new mother associates viewed? Does taking maternity leave significantly affect partnership chances, and is there a "recommended" time to plan for a baby? I've heard that years 3-5 with a firm are the best times to take leave.

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Sorry if this question sounds ridiculous, but how are pregnant/new mother associates viewed? Does taking maternity leave significantly affect partnership chances, and is there a "recommended" time to plan for a baby? I've heard that years 3-5 with a firm are the best times to take leave.

Thanks!

The PC answer you will hear is that it doesn't matter, and that the firm will support all women in their maternal pursuits.

But the real answer is wait until you've made partner.

[itbdvorm]

On that note, what classes are considered "fluff classes"? Just to give me an idea of what types of classes I may avoid. Are seminars generally considered fluff? Clinics? Non-curved classes? What classes will raise red flags/make you think fluff/etc.

It's sort of a "know it when you see it." Corporations - obviously not fluff. "Professional Pro Bono Achievements" - obviously fluff.

[itbdvorm]

Sorry if these questions were asked before, but I wasn't able to find it by searching.

What are your thoughts on including a fraternity or sorority on your resume? What if I held a leadership position?

Does it look bad if I'm not involved in any student orgs at law school?

Probably would only include if a leadership position (though I wasn't in one; might help if your interviewer was in one, I don't know)

Nah, not really re: student orgs. Maybe a little but I think it more helps if you're doing something seemingly impressive (not that there's that much I'd put into that category) than hurts if you're not. If you're charming then no need I think

[itbdvorm]

Is there a preference regarding resumes? Do I attach my cover letter to the resume and in the body of the email simply say, attached is cover/resume. Or should the body of the email be the cover and simply attach a one page resume? If there is not a preference, how do most people do it? Thanks.

Not really sure - I'd think cover letter in email is better because each additional attachment that needs to be opened adds more delay to others' review...

[itbdvorm]

Sorry if this question sounds ridiculous, but how are pregnant/new mother associates viewed? Does taking maternity leave significantly affect partnership chances, and is there a "recommended" time to plan for a baby? I've heard that years 3-5 with a firm are the best times to take leave.

Thanks!

The PC answer you will hear is that it doesn't matter, and that the firm will support all women in their maternal pursuits.

But the real answer is wait until you've made partner.

I don't know that I'd completely agree with this...but I also don't think I'd completely disagree either...

[Anonymous User]

How is a TTTT transfer (to a t14) perceived? If they are top 1% at old school. And if the old school is not in region. Will they be given a chance?

[Anonymous User]

Is there a preference regarding resumes? Do I attach my cover letter to the resume and in the body of the email simply say, attached is cover/resume. Or should the body of the email be the cover and simply attach a one page resume? If there is not a preference, how do most people do it? Thanks.

Not really sure - I'd think cover letter in email is better because each additional attachment that needs to be opened adds more delay to others' review...

Actually, I meant that the cover and the resume were attached as one. Moving on, I assume most attachments are PDF, or is WORD the preferred choice, or does it matter.

PS: I assume Word Perfect is a relic of the past.

[itbdvorm]

How is a TTTT transfer (to a t14) perceived? If they are top 1% at old school. And if the old school is not in region. Will they be given a chance?

depends on the school and the firm. they will be perceived like someone from the old school.

[itbdvorm]

Is there a preference regarding resumes? Do I attach my cover letter to the resume and in the body of the email simply say, attached is cover/resume. Or should the body of the email be the cover and simply attach a one page resume? If there is not a preference, how do most people do it? Thanks.

Not really sure - I'd think cover letter in email is better because each additional attachment that needs to be opened adds more delay to others' review...

Actually, I meant that the cover and the resume were attached as one. Moving on, I assume most attachments are PDF, or is WORD the preferred choice, or does it matter.

PS: I assume Word Perfect is a relic of the past.

prob doesn't matter. i miss wordperfect.

[Anonymous User]

Do you prefer a non-broish alhpa or a smarty pants beta who is easily moldable and trainable? Assume this is all the information you have and you must choose 1. Assume you are picking an SA.

[Myself]

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[itbdvorm]

Do you prefer a non-broish alhpa or a smarty pants beta who is easily moldable and trainable? Assume this is all the information you have and you must choose 1. Assume you are picking an SA.

Um. I don't know what this question is asking.

[itbdvorm]

Do you think it's ever appropriate to mention religion during an interview or in your resume?

What if your interviewer asks you what you do a lot of during your spare time, and honestly, you do a lot of ministry/church stuff?

Does that mean "volunteering"? Or "participating in community organizations"? or something. I don't know. I'd avoid religion.

[Myself]

.

[Anonymous User]

Does saying you will work for corporate/litigation help your chances?

For example, I've heard that showing a demonstrated interest in corporate for a firm like Paul Weiss will help.

Totally depends on the firm's hiring needs (and whether your OCI / callback interviewers are aware of them). Could also easily backfire if sold the wrong way (i.e., guy will think you haven't done your homework about what the firm is)

Is there any way for students to figure out what a firm's hiring needs are? I'm assuming that without actual info on hiring needs one could look at firms' largest practice areas and use those as a proxy for need.

[itbdvorm]

Do you think it's ever appropriate to mention religion during an interview or in your resume?

What if your interviewer asks you what you do a lot of during your spare time, and honestly, you do a lot of ministry/church stuff?

Does that mean "volunteering"? Or "participating in community organizations"? or something. I don't know. I'd avoid religion.

Is one perceived differently than the other? Say you volunteer in Mexico to build houses through your church's missionary team. Or you feed the homeless every week at the local union mission.

All matters on what you're putting the emphasis on. Regardless, I'd avoid it, because whether you're talking about religion or talking about volunteering, I think it's making you sound like someone who's going to go save the world.

[itbdvorm]

Does saying you will work for corporate/litigation help your chances?

For example, I've heard that showing a demonstrated interest in corporate for a firm like Paul Weiss will help.

Totally depends on the firm's hiring needs (and whether your OCI / callback interviewers are aware of them). Could also easily backfire if sold the wrong way (i.e., guy will think you haven't done your homework about what the firm is)

Is there any way for students to figure out what a firm's hiring needs are? I'm assuming that without actual info on hiring needs one could look at firms' largest practice areas and use those as a proxy for need.

Sorta, though that makes the Paul Weiss point silly (as corporate's hardly their biggest area). Never hurts to say you want to do X when X is what firm is well known for (at least shows you're doing your research). If you're talking about doing Y you should be able to explain why you'd want to do Y there (such as a different culture, area of expertise, type of deals, etc.)

I guess another way could be lateral hires - if they've just brought in someone (or several people) in a particular area they may need juniors in that group...

[Flips88]

All matters on what you're putting the emphasis on. Regardless, I'd avoid it, because whether you're talking about religion or talking about volunteering, I think it's making you sound like someone who's going to go save the world.

I just find it shocking that an applicant cannot even appear to be involved in their community as an extracurricular activity.

[Anonymous User]

I know you mentioned a while back that international students should be able to be show that they are proficient in English . But how would an international student overcome issues such as ties and longevity at a firm?