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Here’s the backdrop. A while back I interviewed with a V10 firm. A month went by and I never heard back (nor did I phone them for updates). Well, I just got the callback (they pay airfare, room). I am not sure what the rules are about second callbacks. Do they expect an immediate acceptance (as I fear)? I need until Monday to decide (without going into details).

Given that this firm is so much larger than my current firm, it seems ridiculous not to instantly accept their offer. The analogy: someone playing for the Toledo Mudhens telling the NE Patriots coach he needs the weekend to decide!! Could this delay pose a problem? BTW: I am single, so no spouse dodge.

So you've already had a callback there? That would be strange. And they've already given you the offer? They almost certainly dont expect an immediate response so think about and do what's best for you.

Anonymous User wrote:Here’s the backdrop. A while back I interviewed with a V10 firm. A month went by and I never heard back (nor did I phone them for updates). Well, I just got the callback (they pay airfare, room). I am not sure what the rules are about second callbacks. Do they expect an immediate acceptance (as I fear)? I need until Monday to decide (without going into details).

Given that this firm is so much larger than my current firm, it seems ridiculous not to instantly accept their offer. The analogy: someone playing for the Toledo Mudhens telling the NE Patriots coach he needs the weekend to decide!! Could this delay pose a problem? BTW: I am single, so no spouse dodge.

Why a second callback? Do you have an offer?
At any rate no one expects an instant acceptance or rejection, don't stress.

OP

No offer, yet. Thinking back to OCI days, I believed that a second callback was an especially good omen. Has anyone ever not received an offer on a second callback? I imagine it’s happened. Maybe a scenario where not all the partners were on board, thus they haul you back in or maybe it is between you and some other candidate ― nerve-wracking.

Thanks for everyone who suggested that firms do not expect an immediate acceptance. That’s a relief and the part that most concerns me.

Anonymous User wrote: someone playing for the Toledo Mudhens telling the NE Patriots coach he needs the weekend to decide!!

Not sure why the pats would be recruiting a baseball player. One of my bros played for the mud hens. Seem like a quality organization. If your analogy holds I sounds be nervous of working in an entirely different area of the law. Good luck brother

Nalp rules still apply, they shouldn't ask for an instant answer. In any event if they rush you, you can always say "I'm grateful and inclined to accept, I just can't do so in good faith without first speaking to my [family/SO]. Can I get back to you by the end of the day Monday?

OP ― This is one of those “be careful on what you ask for.” Given that this was a second callback I figured that the odds were good that they might offer me on the spot (unfortunately I need to wait until next week before committing). The meetings went well but now I am back to square one …. the waiting game.

So I guess I need to ask: has anyone here gone through a second callback, if so, how long did wait to learn your fate (either up or down)?

If they want you you'll probably hear within a few days. If they don't then they will probably not get back to you unless you force them to.

You shouldn't assume not hearing has anything to do with you. It's gotta be harder to convene a hiring committee 4 months after the season ended.

Is OP a 3L or lateral?

Anonymous User wrote:Is OP a 3L or lateral?

sounds like OP is lateralling from the "Toledo Mudhens"

El Pollito wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Is OP a 3L or lateral?

sounds like OP is lateralling from the "Toledo Mudhens"

sounds like a smart move on op's part. med hens are a sinking ship that went 61-83 last season. they'll probably take a pretty good hit in the vault rankings this year.

OP ― Given the weather I doubt if I’ll hear back until later in the week, if then. Apparently the “second callback” doesn’t always mean an offer is imminent. When I was in school the “second callback” led to offers within the week. Each time I was asked “if we make you an offer, will you accept?” That’s why I thought the question might come up this time ― but it didn’t. Maybe I’ll hear back after they thaw out.

Anonymous User wrote:OP ― Given the weather I doubt if I’ll hear back until later in the week, if then. Apparently the “second callback” doesn’t always mean an offer is imminent. When I was in school the “second callback” led to offers within the week. Each time I was asked “if we make you an offer, will you accept?” That’s why I thought the question might come up this time ― but it didn’t. Maybe I’ll hear back after they thaw out.

I did a LOT of lateral interviews. I can tell you that a second callback means different things at different firms. Sometimes it's a formality and they just want to sell you on the place, sometimes it means you're going to meet additional people and things are looking favorable but you can certainly lose the offer with a lukewarm performance, and sometimes it means they just want a second look (i.e., you're not out of the running but an offer isn't guaranteed or may not even be that likely).

OP ---- It’s been two weeks, so far…nada. Because of the bad weather I concluded that the first week of radio silence was understandable. Last week the weather was fine, so, should I be looking for an unfavorable decision in my snail-mail? What’s my better play at this point, call them, stay calm for another week, or …. ?

Anonymous User wrote:OP ---- It’s been two weeks, so far…nada. Because of the bad weather I concluded that the first week of radio silence was understandable. Last week the weather was fine, so, should I be looking for an unfavorable decision in my snail-mail? What’s my better play at this point, call them, stay calm for another week, or …. ?

If you have another offer and would rather jump on this, then give them a call and let them know you need an answer. If not, then, yeah, sit back and chill.

LOL at the analogy of being called up to an NFL team from a Double A baseball team.

it's over but there's nothing you can do to get them to reject you if you don't have another offer. i wouldn't be surprised if you just don't hear.