Going In-House Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm in the process of interviewing to move in-house from biglaw. Wondering what kind of timeline others who have made the move have seen. Seems much more drawn out than lateraling.

[Anonymous User]

Also interested in this- particularly in regards to the timeline between job posting and screener interview.

[albanach]

Our law department has about thirty attorneys. A couple of months wouldn't be unusual from the first interviews to a hiring decision.

Typically the position will be posted for at least a couple of weeks. We will possibly be interviewing while it's still posted. Interviewing 8-10 candidates will take another few weeks.

Then we have a shortlist and the possibility of candidates being called back in for a second interview, before a decision is made.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Thanks for this.

Wondering also about timing for offers. Presumably a company is offering to one candidate at a time (right?). If that is open a fixed period (days? weeks?), and the offer is declined by multiple candidates, seems like it could take months -- unless the "short list" is just one or two people.

Our law department has about thirty attorneys. A couple of months wouldn't be unusual from the first interviews to a hiring decision.

Typically the position will be posted for at least a couple of weeks. We will possibly be interviewing while it's still posted. Interviewing 8-10 candidates will take another few weeks.

Then we have a shortlist and the possibility of candidates being called back in for a second interview, before a decision is made.

[Anonymous User]

The quickest I have ever seen is about a month. Longest has been 6 months. Much slower than biglaw hiring.

Edit: sorry accidental anon.

[albanach]

OP here. Thanks for this.

Wondering also about timing for offers. Presumably a company is offering to one candidate at a time (right?). If that is open a fixed period (days? weeks?), and the offer is declined by multiple candidates, seems like it could take months -- unless the "short list" is just one or two people.

Our law department has about thirty attorneys. A couple of months wouldn't be unusual from the first interviews to a hiring decision.

Typically the position will be posted for at least a couple of weeks. We will possibly be interviewing while it's still posted. Interviewing 8-10 candidates will take another few weeks.

Then we have a shortlist and the possibility of candidates being called back in for a second interview, before a decision is made.

I think we've had folk who have withdrawn during the hiring process, but I don't think we've had anyone turn down an offer. At least not in the past several rounds of hiring.

Yes is the answer to your question though. We would extends a single offer, and if it were rejected, we would offer our next candidate. So a candidate turning down an offer, particularly if they didn't do so quickly, would drag things out.

[nealric]

I'm in the process of interviewing to move in-house from biglaw. Wondering what kind of timeline others who have made the move have seen. Seems much more drawn out than lateraling.

When I went in-house, it was about 4 months from when I sent in my application to my first day at work. However, there were some extenuating circumstances that delayed things about a month. When we last hired, it was about a 2 month process for the applicants. The good news about in-house is you don't have to worry about clearing conflicts. The bad news is there tends to be more HR bureaucracy.

[Anonymous User]

Similar here as to what others posted. Usually a month or two of collecting CVs/resumes. Then screening and telephone interviews followed by a few in person interviews. Then, an offer is put out to a single candidate. A couple months at least.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the feedback everyone- also, when your companies post for a range of experience, how strict is that range. Currently have 1.5 years experience (not OP) and was wondering whether companies asking for 3+ are totally off the table/ waste of my time

[nealric]

Thanks for the feedback everyone- also, when your companies post for a range of experience, how strict is that range. Currently have 1.5 years experience (not OP) and was wondering whether companies asking for 3+ are totally off the table/ waste of my time

I wouldn't say its a waste, but you are a bit junior to go in-house in the first place. Typically, 3+ is code for entry level/bottom rung position in the legal department, as few companies are interested in someone more junior than that. That said, you never know who is applying and companies may be willing to overlook a lack of experience for a very strong candidate. The absolute best thing you can do is try to find an in of some sort - someone at the company who might be willing to go to bat for you.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the feedback everyone- also, when your companies post for a range of experience, how strict is that range. Currently have 1.5 years experience (not OP) and was wondering whether companies asking for 3+ are totally off the table/ waste of my time

my company wants experience - 1.5 years would be hard to pull off here. Other than a summer intern we hired at a really low rate, I am the second youngest in my department. I am in my 40s.