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What is the consensus on OCI Receptions? Should we go?

The reason I ask is because I don't really like to drink and would rather get a good night sleep so that I am prepared for interviews the following day.

For example, I have interviews Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, but at 6pm-8pm certain firms offer receptions to drink/socialize.


Has anyone received an offer from attending these receptions? Or is it a bunch of gunners vying at the opportunity to speak with a partner with no *real* benefit? I am just trying to see what everyone thinks, so please any relevant info is appreciated.

what's an oci reception? is that like a callback dinner?

I have never heard of these either, but I would 100% go. Its a chance to make a good impression and could lead to a call back regardless of how the screener went. 6-8 is still really early.... were you planning to go to bed at 7:15 or something? I honestly would prefer to go to one of these things than to have a screener interview, these types of events are so money.

Are only certain students invited (like only those people who have screeners scheduled with the firm) or is it open to anyone?

You can't get a good night's sleep after attending this from 6-7pm?

Mal Reynolds wrote:You can't get a good night's sleep after attending this from 6-7pm?

Right?

And if you're talking about dinners that the firm invites you to after your screener, then yes, you should obviously go.

I skipped almost all of them. Too exhausted after days of interviewing to put on a happy face any more. Didn't impact me in any meaningful way.

shock259 wrote:I skipped almost all of them. Too exhausted after days of interviewing to put on a happy face any more. Didn't impact me in any meaningful way.

I'm glad to here this. I think all the "you can't get to bed after 8:00" posts are missing the point. I'm in the same boat as OP. I have no desire to go drink/socialize after a week of 6 interviews a day.

If I get invited to dinners I'll go but a general go out and drink with us: No thanks Jeff...

The receptions that occur the day before an OCI interview are great if you haven't networked with anyone at the firm yet, especially if it's a large firm. Being able to get particular knowledge of the firm (and names to drop) that you can discuss the next day in the interview will help you sell yourself as interested in this firm in particular. The ones the night of the interview are fine for you to help rehab or cement your image to them, but they are less beneficial.

Also, yes you will be exhausted at the end of the day. But for most people, these 2-4 days are absolutely vital to your future if you want to practice biglaw. So, in your shoes I would (and did) do everything I can to sell myself to a firm. A lot of hiring committee members see the reception process as humanizing the applicants and giving them more than 20 minutes to show their personality and how well they can socialize (which, if you're a borderline candidate, could give you an edge).

It depends on the firm. Some invite the entire interview list - not a big deal to skip. Others only invite a select group that they're seriously considering for callbacks. You want to go to those

I'm an attorney who will be at one of these on behalf of my firm. In my view, it serves two purposes: (1) as an opportunity for me to sell my firm (because it's the best and you should want to work here) and (2) to screen out weirdos.

Basically, attending can only indoctrinate you or hurt you. I guess it MIGHT help you if you really dazzle me, or some of the higher ups who will be there with me, but I sort of doubt it.