Top Choice Forum

[Anonymous User]

There was a firm (lets call it firm A), which I saw as my top choice. They had many things that I was looking for, and I really liked all the people I met with. I went for a CB there, and made it a point to note that Firm A is a my top choice for a number of reasons. But about 2 weeks later, I had yet to receive a decision from Firm A, and I went to visit Firm B. I didn't realize it at the time, but Firm B is even stronger in my prospective area of interest, and I felt an even better intangible "fit" than I did at Firm A (which isn't something I could have figured out based on research alone). Firm A just recently made me an offer, and I am very happy about it. But I have yet to hear from Firm B. My question is, am I obligated to take Firm A's offer since, at the time of the visit, it really was my top choice, even though I now think Firm B would be an overall better fit (assuming I get an offer from B)?

[Anonymous User]

no, you're not obligated to take any offer. Call firm B to tell them you have another offer but would really like to hear from them before making a decision.

[Anonymous User]

no, you're not obligated to take any offer. Call firm B to tell them you have another offer but would really like to hear from them before making a decision.

Oh yeah, timing is not an issue. Firm B said I will have my decision by early next week, regardless of what that decision happens to be. I was just more concerned about the ethics or "morals" of telling Firm A that they are my top choice, and then not accepting an offer from them. I know its frowned upon, but I can't imagine it being held against me years down the road.

[Anonymous User]

no, you're not obligated to take any offer. Call firm B to tell them you have another offer but would really like to hear from them before making a decision.

Oh yeah, timing is not an issue. Firm B said I will have my decision by early next week, regardless of what that decision happens to be. I was just more concerned about the ethics or "morals" of telling Firm A that they are my top choice, and then not accepting an offer from them. I know its frowned upon, but I can't imagine it being held against me years down the road.

I told a firm I would accept if offered. The firm still told me I had 28 days to decide and I should feel comfortable using it. I accepted before we got off the phone, as I intended to, but doubtful it would have hurt me to think about it and reject it if I so desired.

Saying they are your top choice doesn't mean you will accept if offered. It would only be disingenuous and immoral if you went around telling every firm that.

[Anonymous User]

no, you're not obligated to take any offer. Call firm B to tell them you have another offer but would really like to hear from them before making a decision.

Oh yeah, timing is not an issue. Firm B said I will have my decision by early next week, regardless of what that decision happens to be. I was just more concerned about the ethics or "morals" of telling Firm A that they are my top choice, and then not accepting an offer from them. I know its frowned upon, but I can't imagine it being held against me years down the road.

I told a firm I would accept if offered. The firm still told me I had 28 days to decide and I should feel comfortable using it. I accepted before we got off the phone, as I intended to, but doubtful it would have hurt me to think about it and reject it if I so desired.

Saying they are your top choice doesn't mean you will accept if offered. It would only be disingenuous and immoral if you went around telling every firm that.

I hear ya. I definitely wasn't going around saying this to every firm. I said it to Firm A in complete honesty, and it was only when I visited Firm B that I said to myself "wow, this is even better than I expected it to be". Plus, Firm B is pretty much the best large firm for my practice area of interest. I feel like, as long as I am sincere with the firms, they will be understanding. So if I get an offer from Firm B, I would be entirely honest with Firm A, and politely explain that Firm B is just more in line with what my long-term goals are, but that I really appreciated all the consideration Firm A gave me. Ok, this eases my mind a bit.