OFFER TIMING
Within two weeks after callback interviews, you generally should know whether you have received an offer. This timeframe may vary, depending on the employer and when the recruiting committee meets. The interviewers will usually tell you when you can expect to hear from them. If they do not, it is perfectly acceptable to ask about the projected timeline during your interview.
RECEIVING AN OFFER
It is important to acknowledge promptly when you have received an offer. You do not have to accept or decline at this point, but do thank the recruiter or attorney for the offer, reiterate how much you enjoyed meeting everyone at the organization, and confirm that you will provide a response before the deadline.
OFFER DEADLINES
The NALP guidelines regarding the time frame for firms to hold open their offers is no longer in effect. If you receive an offer, please be sure that you understand the exact date that the offer will expire. Do not make assumptions. If you need additional time to consider an offer, ask the recruiter to extend the deadline.
NEGOTIATING OFFERS
Most large law firm summer associate and new associate salaries are difficult to negotiate. Summer and 1st year class salaries are generally kept in lock step. However, there may be more room for negotiation with respect to post-graduation positions. If you have questions about your offer or salary negotiations, please reach out to the Career Center.
DECLINING OFFERS
If you receive an offer and have no intention of accepting it, please decline it immediately. If you receive offers from multiple employers, take the time to consider and rank your options, then decline those that are at the bottom of your list. Generally, you should have no more than 2-3 offers open at any time. This will allow the employer to make additional offers to other candidates, ideally, your classmates. Please do not simply let an offer expire. Be professional and respond to all offers. Similarly, if you receive multiple offers, please be considerate of the employers and your classmates by promptly declining those that you know you will not accept. When declining an offer, be sure to thank the employer for their time and reaffirm how much you enjoyed meeting attorneys from the office and how impressed you are with the organization. While you should call the recruiter to decline an offer in person, follow up with an email confirming your decision.
ACCEPTING OFFERS
If you know you want to accept an offer, do so immediately. The organization will be grateful for your prompt commitment, and your enthusiasm will not go unnoticed. Acceptances should be made in person (with a phone call), and you should sign the written offer and return it to the employer. Once you have accepted an offer, you must withdraw your applications from all other organizations to which you applied. Do not accept an offer with the intention of rescinding if a better one comes along.
WHAT IF YOU AREN’T SURE?
The answer to this question will vary based on your circumstances and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you find yourself in this position, contact the Career Center. We will help you think strategically about managing upcoming interviews, asking for extensions, scheduling call backs, declining and accepting offers.
When in doubt contact the Career Center. We are here to help!