Callback Reimbursement Forum

[4444]

I got a callback after going into the firm for a screener. When I was talking to the Legal Recruiter before the screener - he brought up that I'd hear back in a few days, and if I had a callback, the firm would pay for expenses.

I got the phone call this morning about setting up a callback for next week, but he didn't mention reimbursement when setting up the time. Can anyone give me any information on how this works? Do I just fill out the NALP form, and give it to the legal recruiter after the callback ends? What is a normal/reasonable amount to spend in NYC? Do most people only ask for the hotel and the transportation, or do you usually fill out the request for the food as well?

Any information from someone who has done this before would be very appreciated!

[Anonymous User]

I'm wondering some of the same as you. But I have some info that might be helpful-

In your situation, I think you should casually and tactfully bring it up with the recruiter, because I imagine all of these firms have travel agent hookups (I know a firm I'm talking to did)- it'll be cheaper for them to do it that way than having you make a regular flight plan since they probably get discounts.

If you interview with multiple firms in that same city, then one firm is your host firm and they will ask other firms for reimbursements after you fill out a NALP firm writing out all of the places you interview with.

[4444]

Any other tips on what firms consider to be "reasonable" expenses? Also - do the firms generally assume you'll put all the accommodations together if they don't bring it up?

Sorry - clearly it's my first CB, and just have no idea how this works. Any advice is appreciated!

[pertristis]

Did they send you the contact information for a travel agent? If they did, use it: they'll book your hotel and transportation for you and bill the firm directly. If they didn't, ask the what hotel the firm suggests. You'll find that they're probably suggest someplace lovely.

Expenses usually, but not always, includes RT taxi from the airport to your hotel, RT taxi to the firm, and reasonable expenses for meals. With that said, take NALP's advice: just ask the firm what they consider reasonable expenses before you travel.

[Loose Seal]

Agreed with the above -- the firm should be able to put you in touch with their legal travel agency and the people there will handle the logistics for you.

As far as reasonable meal expenditures, my firm's general reimbursement guidelines when traveling for work are about $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner. I'd say anything within $10 of this probably would not raise eyebrows, perhaps adjusting for the size of your firm.

[5ky]

For NYC, generally everything within reason should be recoverable.

Transportation

Taxi to airport, taxi from airport to hotel, taxi from hotel to firm (although most will put you up in hotel close by), taxi from hotel back to airport, taxi from airport home. I'm not sure if mileage driving your car to the airport is covered or not, it probably is.

Food
All meals on the road + in the city. 25/35 for lunch/dinner sounds about right, although some firms have more specific guidelines they want you to follow. I got room service a few times, particularly when I got into the city very late in the evening, and this was no problem (although was around $35).

Incidentals
I called and asked a few firms, and all were more than happy to cover the costs of things like paying 10/night for internet in the hotel. I never used the mini bar or snacks the hotel provided, and would think the firm might not want to pay those.

[Anonymous User]

So in terms of receipts to attach when requesting a reimbursement...
Would printout of a hotel/bus reservation be enough? Or what do I need?
Thanks a bunch!

[4444]

On average - how much would a CB to NYC amount to?

Also - how soon can you expect to get reimbursed after submitting the NALP form?

[Loose Seal]

So in terms of receipts to attach when requesting a reimbursement...
Would printout of a hotel/bus reservation be enough? Or what do I need?
Thanks a bunch!

You need some item that demonstrates that payment was remitted. Either a credit card statement, a ticket stub (if Bolt bus then your payment confirmation) and for your hotel you will need either your payment confirmation through orbitz or else your final bill at the end of your stay (which you get from the hotel front desk).