Accepting Offer During 2L SA / Sacrificing 3L Opportunities Forum

[Anonymous User]

My (non-biglaw) 1L firm established an expectation that I would let them know, at the end of my 2L summer with another firm, whether I would like to accept their offer of permanent employment. I liked the firm and recognize that I am in a good position. However, the firm is not located in my first or second choice of location. It's in a place I never really considered, and I could call my feelings toward the area "apathetic" at best.

My 2L firm is a possibility for permanent employment, but based on what I know now, the 1L job is probably better.

I've noticed that jobs are picking up a bit. My peers in 2L Spring have started to get work coming in a bit more regularly, and it seems nearly as many students got jobs this semester as did from Fall OCI. Several previously-unemployed 3L's I know were actually able to find good jobs late in the game as well. All of that said, there's no way I should pass up on an offer on the table, right? Am I missing something? Is there any creative solution to this, or does anyone have experience being in this situation where you like an offer but don't want to commit yet? Do biglaw firms ask for a commitment at the end of 2L summer as well? It would help me to know the industry standard. Ultimately, I would love a chance to try for my top location, but that seems risky no matter how I approach it.

(TL;DR: see bolded)

[Veyron]

Some will extend offers on the last day of the SA. NALP guidelines give you a certain amount of time to accept/decline (I think about a month but could be wrong). However, its probably bad form not to accept on the spot. Other firms don't extend offers until some time after the SA has ended. Guidelines still apply.

[smittytron3k]

However, its probably bad form not to accept on the spot.

Huge disagree - for instance, if you are even thinking about clerking, it's very ill-advised to accept a permanent offer of employment right away.

[run26.2]

My (non-biglaw) 1L firm established an expectation that I would let them know, at the end of my 2L summer with another firm, whether I would like to accept their offer of permanent employment. I liked the firm and recognize that I am in a good position. However, the firm is not located in my first or second choice of location. It's in a place I never really considered, and I could call my feelings toward the area "apathetic" at best.

My 2L firm is a possibility for permanent employment, but based on what I know now, the 1L job is probably better.

I've noticed that jobs are picking up a bit. My peers in 2L Spring have started to get work coming in a bit more regularly, and it seems nearly as many students got jobs this semester as did from Fall OCI. Several previously-unemployed 3L's I know were actually able to find good jobs late in the game as well. All of that said, there's no way I should pass up on an offer on the table, right? Am I missing something? Is there any creative solution to this, or does anyone have experience being in this situation where you like an offer but don't want to commit yet? Do biglaw firms ask for a commitment at the end of 2L summer as well? It would help me to know the industry standard. Ultimately, I would love a chance to try for my top location, but that seems risky no matter how I approach it.

(TL;DR: see bolded)

NALP Guildelines recommend firms keep offers open until 11/1 of a law student's final year (see Part V.B.3, http://www.nalp.org/fulltextofnalpprinc ... dstandards). While these are only guidelines, reputable employers will follow them. Still, you should probably confirm with your employer that the offer conforms with the guidelines.

What this means is that you can do 3L OCI or mass mailing at the start of your first 3L semester. You should be careful if you do this, though, as you can foster ill-will with a firm that might still be your future employer. They will understand that you are looking if you don't respond quickly. But it is best for all involved that you're pretty confident you are at the right place when you start off your career, so I think they understand if you need to weigh your other options.

[KMaine]

It is not bad form at all not to accept on the spot.

[dood]

All big law offer at end of 2L summer, some right away, some in the days/weeks after. never "bad form" not accepting on spot. ur problem has a pretty clear solution. accept all, renege if u can trade up.

[Glock]

All big law offer at end of 2L summer, some right away, some in the days/weeks after. never "bad form" not accepting on spot. ur problem has a pretty clear solution. accept all, renege if u can trade up.

It's shitty but it is reality.