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I'm going to keep this vague so I don't out myself. A firm invited me for lunch in a few days, and I'm wondering if it's too early to start celebrating. I have already met with nearly everyone in the practice group over the course of multiple trips to the firm for interviews. My credentials are similar in many respects to their current associates. I have already interviewed with the people who are taking me to lunch.

Has anyone ever had a similar experience? I'm wondering if this is just another interview, or if it's an offer.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!

Anonymous User wrote:I'm going to keep this vague so I don't out myself. A firm invited me for lunch in a few days, and I'm wondering if it's too early to start celebrating. I have already met with nearly everyone in the practice group over the course of multiple trips to the firm for interviews. My credentials are similar in many respects to their current associates. I have already interviewed with the people who are taking me to lunch.

Has anyone ever had a similar experience? I'm wondering if this is just another interview, or if it's an offer.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!

I had a similar situation with my current firm. I was convinced after speaking to everybody that the lunch would be an offer. It turns out that after a three hour lunch with the two partners, it was not an offer. I did however, get an offer a few days later.

My takeaway was that it was sort of a formality to see if they really, really liked you. I don't think they'd waste their time at lunch if you weren't one of their top, if not the top, choice.

Offers are typically emails, calls, or letters. In-person meetings or lunches tend to be extended interviews. Echoing the above that it likely means you're a top candidate though!

Agreed with others that this is just another round of interview. Perhaps they are on the fence and wanted a second look at you to get to know you more. Perform your best nonetheless and don't assume that it's an offer.

Don't chew with your mouth open.

Unless they call or email (or tell you in person once you get there I guess) you and explicitly state "we're pleased to offer you..." or something along those lines, it's not an offer. This is another interview and take it seriously.

1styearlateral wrote:Don't chew with your mouth open.

This. People often overlook etiquette.

Anonymous User wrote:

1styearlateral wrote:Don't chew with your mouth open.

This. People often overlook etiquette.

Accidental anon above

Even if they give you an offer on the spot, it'll likely be at the end of the lunch, not before. So treat it as your last chance to impress before they make a decision (whether that decision is within the lunch period or a few days after).

It's likely another interview, but it's not "just another interview." It's the kind of interview certain firms do when they've narrowed things down to two or three candidates (or maybe just one candidate) and want to decide whether you're the right fit.

Foghornleghorn wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:

1styearlateral wrote:Don't chew with your mouth open.

This. People often overlook etiquette.

Accidental anon above

I just wanted to add that although you do not yet have an offer, you have overcome several hurdles. I won't jinx it for you by saying you've got this, but I will tell you "break a leg!"*

*I no longer wish biglaw applicants "good luck" because I feel the interview process is more analogous to an actor auditioning for his/her breakout role.

rpupkin wrote:It's likely another interview, but it's not "just another interview." It's the kind of interview certain firms do when they've narrowed things down to two or three candidates (or maybe just one candidate) and want to decide whether you're the right fit.

Yeah, they wouldn't waste money on lunch if OP wasn't a top pick.