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I'm a 3L and have an offer from a v10 in New York. Before I got an offer, I applied to some state government and public interest legal jobs because that's where my real passion is. These places will definitely not get back to me by the firm's deadline. I'd like to ask the firm to make good on the NALP guideline that recommends firms to extend offer deadlines pending public interest searches (the exact language is: "Candidates may request that an employer extend the deadline to accept the employer’s offer until as late as April 1 if the candidate is actively pursuing positions with public interest or government organizations," http://www.nalp.org/fulltextofnalpprinc ... _Employers).

Has anyone tried to do this before? If so, were you successful? Did you speak with the hiring dept/recruiting, or a hiring partner? How'd you phrase it?

Thanks.

Kind of a late response, but I know someone who got a V5 to hold their offer open indefinitely (until January 1 with the possibility of extending) while they wait to hear back from government positions for next summer. Absolutely possible. Just be sure that you've made clear that they're the only firm you're still interested in, and turn down your other offers, if you have them.

I've heard of people successfully getting their offers extended, but I've never heard of one of them actually returning to the firm either by choice or because the PI search didn't pan out. I think firms would happily do this but if you do end up at the firm later... it'll be held against you.

this is just one story, of course, but i know someone who got a v15 offer extended well into spring for a public interest search. that search didn't pan out (it was during the downturn), and that person ended up at the firm and has been working there happily for a few years. so yes, it's possible, and no, i don't think it'll be held against you if you do end up at the firm.