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So after taking some corporate classes this past year, I decided I want to focus on transactional work. Unfortunately, the firm that I am at this summer for my associateship does not have this practice.

So, is it possible to accept an offer from my current firm at the end of the summer and then search for other firms with the practice area I desire? If so, what is the best way of doing this? My ethical gut tells me there is something inherently wrong with essentially shopping around firms after receiving/accepting an offer?

If this is an unacceptable process, the last thing I would want is to have word get back to my current firm about me interviewing elsewhere and losing out on my offer.

Any advice is appreciated in advance.

It is not unacceptable at all and a perfectly reasonable explanation for why you want to change firms.

I had the same issue last year. Wait until you get the offer before you start sending out materials, just in case word does get back to them. Usually they leave your offer open for a certain amount of time per NALP (last year I think I had like a month or two to respond). Instead of immediately accepting my offer, I told them I would get back to them ASAP and interviewed elsewhere at that point.

Anonymous User wrote:I had the same issue last year. Wait until you get the offer before you start sending out materials, just in case word does get back to them. Usually they leave your offer open for a certain amount of time per NALP (last year I think I had like a month or two to respond). Instead of immediately accepting my offer, I told them I would get back to them ASAP and interviewed elsewhere at that point.

So you waited until like early August to even send resumes out? That seems pretty late, right?

Anonymous User wrote:I had the same issue last year. Wait until you get the offer before you start sending out materials, just in case word does get back to them. Usually they leave your offer open for a certain amount of time per NALP (last year I think I had like a month or two to respond). Instead of immediately accepting my offer, I told them I would get back to them ASAP and interviewed elsewhere at that point.

How would you respond if firms question your lack of corporate/deal experience? How did you convince them that corporate was what you wanted for your career?

OP here- So what happens if I don't field a new offer in the timespan given to accept my current firm's offer? Would you all advise me to inform my current firm of my intention to shop around or just do it discreetly and hope word doesn't get back to them?

I feel like this is a common occurrence but don't want my name blacklisted in the market before even beginning my career.

Anonymous User wrote:OP here- So what happens if I don't field a new offer in the timespan given to accept my current firm's offer? Would you all advise me to inform my current firm of my intention to shop around or just do it discreetly and hope word doesn't get back to them?

I feel like this is a common occurrence but don't want my name blacklisted in the market before even beginning my career.

No experience doing this, so definitely take w/ a grain of salt, but I think the way to go is to accept the offer then try and find another job. I wouldn't clue them in on any of your plans - graciously accept and go from there.

OP here:

What is the best way to go about keeping an offer open without accepting on the spot? It seems like it is the norm for the summers to accept as soon as they receive an offer, which occurs in person.

Would it be best to be blunt with the firm and tell them I will be seeking other job prospects in the meantime? Or just play it off that I need to mull it over before accepting for another b.s. reason?

Anonymous User wrote:OP here:

What is the best way to go about keeping an offer open without accepting on the spot? It seems like it is the norm for the summers to accept as soon as they receive an offer, which occurs in person.

Would it be best to be blunt with the firm and tell them I will be seeking other job prospects in the meantime? Or just play it off that I need to mull it over before accepting for another b.s. reason?

NO. DO NOT TELL THEM THAT.

They are required to keep the offer open and you are not required to sign. Just don't sign it on the spot.

This also ignores the fact that signing is completely meaningless. Ask recruiting or HR if the document is binding, they'll tell you that it's not.

Yes you can simply accept the offer and later renege, should you find a job you would prefer. This is perhaps frowned upon but you will not get in trouble. If you are at a firm that offers 50+ people, more than likely, the firm whose offer you renege on will forget about you in a week.