1L SA Firm Names in OCI Cover Letters? Forum

[unlicensedpotato]

Do we put them when describing our summer work or should we just put "as a summer associate in Dallas?"

I'm aware this is a really stupid question.

Thanks in advance.

[hephaestus]

Put the name of the firm. Why wouldn't you?

[unlicensedpotato]

For one thing, I was worried if it's a firm with a high offer rate, it'll draw even more attention to the fact that I'm probably going back there.

[AFS]

Won't they be seeing what firm it is on your resume anyway?

[UnderrateOverachieve]

Just say you didn't accept an offer. If you didn't get one you can't accept one.

[hephaestus]

For one thing, I was worried if it's a firm with a high offer rate, it'll draw even more attention to the fact that I'm probably going back there.

I think not putting it would raise more of a red flag.

[unlicensedpotato]

To clarify, I wasn't no offered (yet at least), I just haven't heard either way so I have to bid as though I don't have an offer. I agree with everyone that it makes sense to use the firm name. I was just concerned that it looked kind of obnoxious to put it in.

[thebigspoon]

Somewhat related question, when do firms usually give out offers? I also have a 1L SA, do firms usually let the 1Ls know they're being invited back for part of 2L summer at the same time they extend full time offers to the 2Ls?

[thelawyler]

To clarify, I wasn't no offered (yet at least), I just haven't heard either way so I have to bid as though I don't have an offer. I agree with everyone that it makes sense to use the firm name. I was just concerned that it looked kind of obnoxious to put it in.

wtf why. no.

[UnderrateOverachieve]

Either humble brag, or stupid, or... You realize that 1L summer experience is a crucial part of the 2L summer interview process? Grades get you in the door, but you need to talk about something substantive...

Also, what do you mean by an offer? I could be woefully ignorant, but I don't recall many big firms making post-graduate offers to 1Ls... All of the biglaw firms that had 1L positions were pretty clear there was not an offer coming and that it was just an internship.

[UnderrateOverachieve]

Anyway... your second paragraph of your cover letter should have a nice thesis that relates to what your perspective employer would want to hear. Then relate that to a specific, or general experience at the firm you worked at.

E.g., at Paul Hastings I successfully prepared an MSJ in a week for a pro-bono limited civil claim in a week, and argued it and won.

[thebigspoon]

Either humble brag, or stupid, or... You realize that 1L summer experience is a crucial part of the 2L summer interview process? Grades get you in the door, but you need to talk about something substantive...

Also, what do you mean by an offer? I could be woefully ignorant, but I don't recall many big firms making post-graduate offers to 1Ls... All of the biglaw firms that had 1L positions were pretty clear there was not an offer coming and that it was just an internship.

Offer as in an offer to return for a couple weeks 2L summer and then determine if they want to extend you a full time offer after that. I thought this was common practice for 1L SA but I'm not the most knowledgeable person ...

[rad lulz]

E.g., at Paul Hastings I successfully prepared an MSJ in a week for a pro-bono limited civil claim in a week, and argued it and won.

"And then I got no offered anyway"

[Anonymous User]

My 2L firm (I did public interest during 1L summer) made an offer to both 1Ls in our summer class at the same time they made an offer to everyone else.