What can I order at a callback lunch? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Do I have to keep it cheap or can I get whatever I want.

[FeelTheHeat]

How did you people live before teh interweb

[oneforship]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

[09042014]

How did you people live before teh interweb

I still don't know how to tie a tie because of the interwebs.

[rayiner]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

[Anonymous User]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

K, just wanted to make sure.

[oneforship]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

Not saying that's what I'd do, just suggestions for what was already a beta question.

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

Do I have to keep it cheap or can I get whatever I want.

Get what you want, within reason. Best of let those who are taking you order first, or ask what's good (as another above mentioned). Still, it's not like what they say is good/what they order is the $ cap. That said, if what others order/suggest is in the $25/person range, it might not be the best idea to get some fancy steak that's listed at >$75. I'm not sure you'd get dinged for it, but people love to tell stories about shit like that happening.

[Unitas]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

K, just wanted to make sure.

I somewhat disagree. You need to position yourself to go last in ordering. So that way you can order something that matches what they get. Meaning if they get a salad you get a salad and if they get an appetizer you get one too. You do this so that way everyone eats at the same time and you won't be expected to carry 90% of the conversation while they are eating and vice versa.

That's what I have always done in business settings and will do so during my callbacks.

EDIT: by salad I meant salad with their main dish. So if they get two courses you do too.

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

But the second-years love to tell stories about the summer/interviewee who went crazy at lunch/dinner.

[rayiner]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

Not saying that's what I'd do, just suggestions for what was already a beta question.

I assumed so.

[Bosque]

If you're that concerned, ask for another minute to review the menu and let the attorneys order first. Or ask the attorneys what is good there.

Super beta dude. Just order what you want, the firm is picking up the tab and the second-years they sent with you absolutely don't give a shit.

This. They are out there to take advantage of the free lunch themselves, they are not going to care what you order. Just don't order alcohol (or at least, only get it if they do) and try not to order a course no one else is ordering (i.e. if they all go straight for the main course, don't make them watch you eat a salad). Chances are they will order appetizer, main course, and dessert though, so you should be ok.

But as for what you order in those courses, it really doesn't matter.

But the second-years love to tell stories about the summer/interviewee who went crazy at lunch/dinner.

I think we are all assuming with this advice that you are a reasonable human being. The summer/interviewee who went crazy didn't order the $40 filet while everyone else was eating the $28 chicken penne. The summer/interviewee who went crazy is the one who ordered surf and turf when there was no surf and turf on the menu (and so bought a $35 lobster and a $40 steak separately), got a $100 glass of scotch, and started smoking a cigar and blowing it in everyone's face. Hopefully you have the sense not to do that without us telling you.

[minnbills]

Just follow their lead.

[Helmholtz]

(1) Order a bottle of wine for yourself
(2) Don't finish it all at lunch
(3) Pour the remainder of the wine into a clear water bottle as you're leaving
(4) Chug it on the way out the door

-Based on a true story-

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

(1) Order a bottle of wine for yourself
(2) Don't finish it all at lunch
(3) Pour the remainder of the wine into a clear water bottle as you're leaving
(4) Chug it on the way out the door

-Based on a true story-

http://abovethelaw.com/2010/08/summer-a ... e-of-wine/

[Anonymous User]

If you aren't sure what to order or how much $$ is the right range, just ask the other guys/gals what they recommend. Just pick one of their selections and you have the stamp of approval.

[Helmholtz]

(1) Order a bottle of wine for yourself
(2) Don't finish it all at lunch
(3) Pour the remainder of the wine into a clear water bottle as you're leaving
(4) Chug it on the way out the door

-Based on a true story-

http://abovethelaw.com/2010/08/summer-a ... e-of-wine/

Potentially one of my favorite ATL stories of all time.

[LawSchoolWannaBe]

(1) Order a bottle of wine for yourself
(2) Don't finish it all at lunch
(3) Pour the remainder of the wine into a clear water bottle as you're leaving
(4) Chug it on the way out the door

-Based on a true story-

http://abovethelaw.com/2010/08/summer-a ... e-of-wine/

Potentially one of my favorite ATL stories of all time.

I like the Greg Berry one, too. Some people...

[Anonymous User]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

[Anonymous User]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

They usually ask about dietary restrictions while setting up the callback.

[Anonymous User]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

I've had 2 of 3 callbacks ask about dietary restrictions, but as a vegetarian I'm not incredibly worried and can usually find something to eat anywhere. Since being a vegan is so much more restrictive, if a firm doesn't ask, maybe think about shooting an email to the recruiting coordinator just explaining the situation? That way it doesn't come off as weird or entitled, ask long as you phrase it in the right way.

[Anonymous User]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

They usually ask about dietary restrictions while setting up the callback.

+1. I also have some dietary restrictions, and the recruiters have asked if I had any dietary restrictions every time I have called. It's been really good for my peace of mind.

[rayiner]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

Order the filet. Pretend it's a sapling steak.

[Anonymous User]

Not to hijack your thread, but has anyone ever gone through this as a vegetarian or vegan before. I'm vegan, and I can't eat anything on the menu at about half of restaurants, and at most places, I'm stuck just getting a garden salad. I'm concerned what will happen if we go somewhere and I can't eat anything, I'll either have to eat nothing and starve while looking like a douche, or ask them to accommodate me by going somewhere else, which could be equally douchey.

I'm not sure what the mechanics of choosing a restaurant are, but I have a related piece of advice, which is if you're vegan for ethical reasons, have an alternate cover story for why you are. Lawyerly types are ironically less douchey about this stuff than the general population, but if you've been vegan/vegetarian for any length of time you know that (due no doubt to the workings of a very vocal 2% of the vegan/vegetarian population) some people hear "um, actually I'm vegetarian" as "I'M VEGETARIAN, WHY AREN'T YOU, YOU SCUM??" So have a lie at the ready that will make them feel comfortable eating their steaks in front of you.

[Anonymous User]

[/quote]I'm not sure what the mechanics of choosing a restaurant are, but I have a related piece of advice, which is if you're vegan for ethical reasons, have an alternate cover story for why you are.[/quote]

So lie about your ethical reasons for not eating meat? I'm not even sure what I would say- some people are vegetarian for religious reasons, but then do I have to fake being religious for the rest of my time at the firm if I get an offer? I typically just say, "I'm a vegetarian. I've just never cared for meat, but understand why others do." Everyone knows I don't eat meat but I'm not judging, and I don't have to pretend to practice Hinduism for the next 20 years.