Posted: 20 Aug 2019 09:00 PM PDT
In prior posts, we’ve noted that effective communication is key not only to landing a job in BigLaw but to being a successful lawyer, as well. What does “effective communication” look like? According to what recruiters tell Chambers Associate, “we are looking for people who are excellent communicators, and who are very concise, clear written advocates.” As a candidate, communication begins when you are invited by the firm to participate in further interviews. In this stage of the recruiting process, effective communication looks like responsiveness to the invitation and responsibility when scheduling the interview. Following any type of interview, candidates can engage in effective communication by saying thank you. Although written thank-you notes are not common in today’s world of electronic communication, you should still take the time to send along a simple, well-proofread email. An expression of gratitude following an interview is an indication of professionalism and good manners; it never goes out of style.
Communication is also about the questions you ask and how you ask them, for which we have provided details about interview questions in the past. With respect to your candidacy, it is okay to ask about the timing for hiring decisions. For example, if there is a firm you are keenly interested in and waiting to hear from, and you are balancing an offer with a deadline from another firm, it is okay to let the firm of choice know what timing on your end looks like and appropriately inform them of your situation. Similarly, make sure you respond to an offer you receive with gratitude and excitement, and know it is okay to tell the firm you are still in the midst of the recruiting process and will reach out with any questions while you make your decision.
For those that work best when starting with an example, here are a few sample of communications and follow-up letters to use with law firms.
Yale Law School sample cover letters and thank you notes
Columbia University Center sample written communications (page 46)