Exploding offer while other interviews scheduled? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hello. I'm a lateral (former DCt clerk) looking to make a move this fall. I currently have an offer from a midsize firm that will expire on Monday. I like the firm and the people there, but a couple other firms I applied to a month ago now want me to interview next week. One of these firms is another midsize firm in the same city as the one I have an offer with (the position for which pays more and is in a more preferable practice area, still litigation). The other firm is a biglaw firm in a more preferable city near my hometown (also pays more and is in the same litigation practice area as the other midsize firm I'll be interviewing with).

Should I risk interviewing with these two firms (and declining the first offer), or just go with the offer I already have? What else should I consider? Bird-in-the-hand deal, so to speak? Aside from my clerkship, I'm probably an average T14 candidate, so it's not like I'm top 1% Harvard or anything. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Hello. I'm a lateral (former DCt clerk) looking to make a move this fall. I currently have an offer from a midsize firm that will expire on Monday. I like the firm and the people there, but a couple other firms I applied to a month ago now want me to interview next week. One of these firms is another midsize firm in the same city as the one I have an offer with (the position for which pays more and is in a more preferable practice area, still litigation). The other firm is a biglaw firm in a more preferable city near my hometown (also pays more and is in the same litigation practice area as the other midsize firm I'll be interviewing with).

Should I risk interviewing with these two firms (and declining the first offer), or just go with the offer I already have? What else should I consider? Bird-in-the-hand deal, so to speak? Aside from my clerkship, I'm probably an average T14 candidate, so it's not like I'm top 1% Harvard or anything. Thanks!

Is there a reason why you can't a) ask firm 1 to extend their offer timeline and/or b) ask firms 2 & 3 to move up their timeline given firm 1's offer?

[Anonymous User]

I doubt that you can extend the exploding deadline long enough when you have not yet even interviewed for the other roles. If you were just waiting to hear about an offer, that might be different. But you would need to ask for multiple weeks of more time.

I would likely accept the offer on the table on Monday and still interview with the other firms. You said you're looking to move in the fall. So if one of the other firms decides to offer you, it would come even before you begin employment with the first firm. Reneging is a dirty word around here, but in a circumstance like that I would do it and not think twice.

[Anonymous User]

Just accept and renege if a better offer comes through. Firms that use exploding offers should expect this at this point.

[Anonymous User]

I would ask for an extension on the exploding offer. You obviously want to be tactful about how you phrase it (you would be happy to work there but are waiting on a couple other firms before you consider all of your options). If they decline, then accept/renege, but at least then it's on them for not granting you the extension.

You might also reach out to the other two firms and see if they can accelerate the process. Talk to HR, not an attorney, tho.