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How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 7:54 pm
by Anonymous User
I interviewed for a 1L diversity position about 2 weeks ago. On the interview day, the HR person told me they would make their decisions by the end of last week. So far I haven't hear anything either way. The local diversity program I applied through technically gives the firms 2 more weeks (from today) to extend offers.

Should I check in with HR or leave it alone? Is it a good or bad thing that I haven't heard anything yet?

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 8:05 pm
by BVest
Anonymous User wrote:I interviewed for a 1L diversity position about 2 weeks ago. On the interview day, the HR person told me they would make their decisions by the end of last week. So far I haven't hear anything either way. The local diversity program I applied through technically gives the firms 2 more weeks (from today) to extend offers.

Should I check in with HR or leave it alone? Is it a good or bad thing that I haven't heard anything yet?
What they all say: "Beginning of next week."

What they all mean: "Could be a month. Could be two. Don't call us, we'll call you."

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:10 pm
by Anonymous User
^ Hmm....thanks for the clarification. The other firms I interviewed with did make a decision by the time they said they would so this just took me by surprise.

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:06 am
by hichvichwoh
Anonymous User wrote:^ Hmm....thanks for the clarification. The other firms I interviewed with did make a decision by the time they said they would so this just took me by surprise.
And I assure you I am more surprised that other firms actually got back to you when they said they would

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:24 am
by igo2northwestern
Anonymous User wrote:^ Hmm....thanks for the clarification. The other firms I interviewed with did make a decision by the time they said they would so this just took me by surprise.
In most of my experiences interviewing, firms have been good about delivering on expectations. Some say that it depends on the market ("NY tends to respond more quickly than CA."), but I interviewed on both coasts and at the very least, firms have held their end of the bargain when they make a deadline for themselves.

One other consideration is that good news often comes more quickly, which I'm sure you're aware. But I would not be alarmed, because in multiple instances for my friends and myself, firms have come through near the end (or just a few days past) of their projected timeline.

I guess to sum it up, it really does vary; the other user has had a very different experience from me. Perhaps one more thing is that if the firm interviews candidates at your school very early on, they might be waiting until the end of a recruiting cycle to extend some of their offers. Hope this helps.

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:34 am
by Anonymous User
OP here. Thank you for the responses. I guess the lesson here is that it really does vary & I should just be patient and wait. :)

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:57 am
by androstan
You should contract the recruiter who gave you the decision date imho.

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 11:06 am
by OutCold
androstan wrote:You should contract the recruiter who gave you the decision date imho.
"Ms. X,

Thank you again for inviting me in to interview on [date]. I am writing to reaffirm my interest in [firm]. All of my interviewers were a pleasure to chat with, and the firm remains at the top of my list.

Best,
Y"

That email got me a lot of answers within the next few days.

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:13 am
by Anonymous User
Thank you for the additional responses. As a 1L, I'm still trying to figure out etiquette/norm when it comes to certain things. If I don't hear anything by Friday, I'll send an e-mail Monday morning. :)

Re: How long before BigLaw offer or rejection?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:36 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Thank you for the additional responses. As a 1L, I'm still trying to figure out etiquette/norm when it comes to certain things. If I don't hear anything by Friday, I'll send an e-mail Monday morning. :)
News are typically delivered near the end of the week (Thurs/Fri). Inquiring email should be sent on at least Tues noon, no one wants to read your email on Monday morning.

www.top-law-schools.com

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:47 am
by BVest