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I had callbacks with Akin Gump and Arnold & Porter, both of which asked for references, about a week ago. I checked with one of my references and he said he hasn't received any calls. Do they usually actually call the references, or do they just ask for the list in case they feel unsure about a candidate? I feel like I'm probably out of the running if they aren't calling my people.

I know A&P checks references before offering.

However, just because they haven't called them yet doesn't necessarily mean you're in the ding stack.

Anonymous User wrote:I know A&P checks references before offering.

However, just because they haven't called them yet doesn't necessarily mean you're in the ding stack.

Do you know if it's the same for Akin?

this doesnt help but its the very last thing they do after deciding. I think they decide w/o references then just ask the recruiting person to call and confirm there are no problems.

Covington NY called my references after they offered me a callback, but before I went on it. On the other hand, they may operate slightly differently in the manner in which they handle references as a NY office. I'm pretty sure the DC office calls references prior to giving the callback in the first place.

I've always thought references were a weird thing to ask for for 2L hiring. Who on earth would give a reference of someone who would give a bad review of the candidate? I mean I guess if you did, then this would be an auto-ding, but I can't imagine someone could do well enough in an interview to get an offer and yet screw up something like that.

zomginternets wrote:I've always thought references were a weird thing to ask for for 2L hiring. Who on earth would give a reference of someone who would give a bad review of the candidate? I mean I guess if you did, then this would be an auto-ding, but I can't imagine someone could do well enough in an interview to get an offer and yet screw up something like that.

i think they are looking for two things: (1) good judgment and (2) connection-building.

Judgment: better to ask your 1L supervisor than your yoga instructor.

connection-building: a clear example is Covington asking for a professor reference. I think a fair number of my classmates would not be able to ask for a reference from a professor (imagine if the recruiter asks "so how do you know this candidate" or something. the answer should probably be something other than "well i didn't talk to X much, but X did get a great grade in my class"). It can show whether you are a quiet person who is pretty much "checked out" throughout law school or you made an effort to connect with faculty and whatnot.

MrAnon wrote:this doesnt help but its the very last thing they do after deciding. I think they decide w/o references then just ask the recruiting person to call and confirm there are no problems.

Is "they" A&P, Akin, or both?