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Interviewed at a small IP boutique 2 weeks ago. received a response to my thank you email that the hiring partner wanted to speak with me Friday. I responded and asked if I should come in and he responded that we would do a call to save a trip to the office. Is this likely a rejection? I know firms don't usually reject over a call but this seems weird.

It is most likely exactly what he is saying - he wants to save you a trip to office. Why would he waste both your time and his by having you set up an appointment, come all the way into his office, and say "Congratulations - please wait for an offer letter"??? Relax, sounds like you're good.

Woof. Doesn’t sound promising man. I’d start looking elsewhere.

The only thing weird here is that you responded by asking if you should come to the office - what was that?

It's not 100% certain but a call is usually good news.

I interviewed at a firm, asked for an update, partner told me to call him. I called, and he gave me an offer on the phone.

Probably a good sign. Rejection would most likely just be an email

Yeah, I don't get why you wanted to go to the office? Are you expecting balloons and a funfetti cake? Each of the offers I've gotten in my career have been over the phone, and the rejections over email. I wouldn't read into it.

To be fair to OP, the email could have been worded as if it were another interview. I mean, typically an offer takes 2 minutes and doesn't need to be scheduled for a future date.