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How quickly do firms expect you to respond to an offer?

They're supposed to leave them open for four weeks. I'd give them your response within half that time.

Druid wrote: I'd give them your response within half that time.

Why? You have the 28 days by NALP rule. The firm isn't going to care.

Nelson wrote:

Druid wrote: I'd give them your response within half that time.

Why? You have the 28 days by NALP rule. The firm isn't going to care.

Well they obviously care...they need to figure out their summer class. I'm definitely going to try to give an answer ASAP but Id like to know what is normal.

If you're worried about it, find a reason for delaying. Ask if you can talk to a couple of attorneys at the firm, for example. Firms seem more than happy to do that sort of thing.

I wouldn't worry, though - although I probably wouldn't wait until the 28th day to accept.

Anonymous User wrote:

Nelson wrote:

Druid wrote: I'd give them your response within half that time.

Why? You have the 28 days by NALP rule. The firm isn't going to care.

Well they obviously care...they need to figure out their summer class. I'm definitely going to try to give an answer ASAP but Id like to know what is normal.

They calculate their yield before they make offers. Don't feel rushed into making a decision before you've weighed all your options. You shouldn't hold offers open for no reason, but you're perfectly fine taking the full 28 days if you're waiting on other firms or still considering.

Firms don't hold it against you if you take the full time. Don't rush yourself.

Very low odds that anyone who matters will form any lasting opinion about you based on the time you took to accept an offer. They won't really interact with you again for several months, at which point they likely won't remember, and even if they did then you acting like you're glad to be there and working hard will likely overcome any bad feelings.

Don't hold it open for shits and giggles, but if you have responses that are yet to come in, continue to wait.