What to expect when you're callback Forum

[Anonymous User]

I've gotten my first callback booked, which includes meetings with several attorneys + a video conference with the head of a practice group I have expresses a strong interest in. Here's my question:

What the hell is a callback? There's plenty of information here about bidding, OCI and interviewing, but, what should I expect during the callback? I'm seriously clueless, and this firm is my top choice. Please help me out here, so I don't screw up

[Anonymous User]

I've gotten my first callback booked, which includes meetings with several attorneys + a video conference with the head of a practice group I have expresses a strong interest in. Here's my question:

What the hell is a callback? There's plenty of information here about bidding, OCI and interviewing, but, what should I expect during the callback? I'm seriously clueless, and this firm is my top choice. Please help me out here, so I don't screw up

In my limited experience, a call back is basically 4-6 screeners in a row.

[Nelson]

I've gotten my first callback booked, which includes meetings with several attorneys + a video conference with the head of a practice group I have expresses a strong interest in. Here's my question:

What the hell is a callback? There's plenty of information here about bidding, OCI and interviewing, but, what should I expect during the callback? I'm seriously clueless, and this firm is my top choice. Please help me out here, so I don't screw up

In my limited experience, a call back is basically 4-6 screeners in a row.

This isn't universally true. The best source for information on the format of a callback is a 3L or recent alum at your school who's familiar with the firm and their process.

[Anonymous User]

I've gotten my first callback booked, which includes meetings with several attorneys + a video conference with the head of a practice group I have expresses a strong interest in. Here's my question:

What the hell is a callback? There's plenty of information here about bidding, OCI and interviewing, but, what should I expect during the callback? I'm seriously clueless, and this firm is my top choice. Please help me out here, so I don't screw up

In my limited experience, a call back is basically 4-6 screeners in a row.

This isn't universally true. The best source for information on the format of a callback is a 3L or recent alum at your school who's familiar with the firm and their process.

2 problems:
1. the firm has never conducted OCI at my school
2. the firm only has a satellite office in my (major) market and normally only hires laterals
Before anyone asks, it is a major, name brand firm; 500+ lawyers, offices in a dozen cities, seven figure PPP, and all the other fun stuff.

[Anonymous User]

I thought the general consensus was that morning callbacks usually involve lunch. I've had one callback in the morning where the interviews ended at lunch and that was it - no lunch, and I've got another one scheduled for morning and there was no mention of lunch when I was setting the callback up.

Are people finding that firms are moving away from lunches out for those that interview in the morning?

[harbin]

I thought the general consensus was that morning callbacks usually involve lunch. I've had one callback in the morning where the interviews ended at lunch and that was it - no lunch, and I've got another one scheduled for morning and there was no mention of lunch when I was setting the callback up.

Are people finding that firms are moving away from lunches out for those that interview in the morning?

So far I have had or scheduled four morning callbacks, three of those included lunch or mentioned in my scheduling they will include lunch. Personal anecdote, but at least in my experience they aren't moving away from it.

[law321]

I thought the general consensus was that morning callbacks usually involve lunch. I've had one callback in the morning where the interviews ended at lunch and that was it - no lunch, and I've got another one scheduled for morning and there was no mention of lunch when I was setting the callback up.

Are people finding that firms are moving away from lunches out for those that interview in the morning?

So far I have had or scheduled four morning callbacks, three of those included lunch or mentioned in my scheduling they will include lunch. Personal anecdote, but at least in my experience they aren't moving away from it.

Biglaw interviewer (OCI/callbacks, etc) willing to answer some questions.

Callback format varies among firms. But, for preparation purposes, treat them like several screening interviews in a row. And, have many questions at the ready. Sometimes, they can be geared more toward educating you about the firm.

[shj2013]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

[law321]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

Generally, the ones I ask, yes. I tend to treat them like screeners so I can get a feel for the applicant's personality, goals, work experience, etc, then I allow the applicant to fire away with questions.

The only difference to the extent there is one at all (for me personally), is the applicant has more time to ask more questions about the firm. Otherwise, callback = screener.

[Icculus]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

Generally, the ones I ask, yes. I tend to treat them like screeners so I can get a feel for the applicant's personality, goals, work experience, etc, then I allow the applicant to fire away with questions.

The only difference to the extent there is one at all (for me personally), is the applicant has more time to ask more questions about the firm. Otherwise, callback = screener.

Also, remember that the CB interviewers will talk to each other or at least write up something about you so you need to keep answers consistent (i.e. don't tell all the lit interviewers you are dying for litigation and all the M&A guys you want corporate).

[law321]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

Generally, the ones I ask, yes. I tend to treat them like screeners so I can get a feel for the applicant's personality, goals, work experience, etc, then I allow the applicant to fire away with questions.

The only difference to the extent there is one at all (for me personally), is the applicant has more time to ask more questions about the firm. Otherwise, callback = screener.

Also, remember that the CB interviewers will talk to each other or at least write up something about you so you need to keep answers consistent (i.e. don't tell all the lit interviewers you are dying for litigation and all the M&A guys you want corporate).

Very good point. Notes will indeed be shared, so keep that in mind.

[Anonymous User]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

Generally, the ones I ask, yes. I tend to treat them like screeners so I can get a feel for the applicant's personality, goals, work experience, etc, then I allow the applicant to fire away with questions.

The only difference to the extent there is one at all (for me personally), is the applicant has more time to ask more questions about the firm. Otherwise, callback = screener.

Also, remember that the CB interviewers will talk to each other or at least write up something about you so you need to keep answers consistent (i.e. don't tell all the lit interviewers you are dying for litigation and all the M&A guys you want corporate).

OP here.

This won't be a problem, because I'm interviewing for a particular practice group, and am only meeting people from that practice group. I am afraid of running out of questions. Any other tips that I should be aware of?

[law321]

So are the callback interview questions generally the same types as for the screeners?

Generally, the ones I ask, yes. I tend to treat them like screeners so I can get a feel for the applicant's personality, goals, work experience, etc, then I allow the applicant to fire away with questions.

The only difference to the extent there is one at all (for me personally), is the applicant has more time to ask more questions about the firm. Otherwise, callback = screener.

Also, remember that the CB interviewers will talk to each other or at least write up something about you so you need to keep answers consistent (i.e. don't tell all the lit interviewers you are dying for litigation and all the M&A guys you want corporate).

OP here.

This won't be a problem, because I'm interviewing for a particular practice group, and am only meeting people from that practice group. I am afraid of running out of questions. Any other tips that I should be aware of?

Memorize a bunch of questions that are not likely to be covered by your conversation (i.e., do SAs ever have the opportunity to collaborate with each other on projects, do SAs ever have an opportunity to write client alerts or articles, etc.).

Eat something before the interview so you aren't lightheaded/starving.

And, be yourself - I can tell when an applicant is putting on a show.