There are multiple factors to consider when you reviewing an offer: some are logistical and factual, while others are more nuanced, and require deeper reflection into your professional aspirations. You may receive one job offer while waiting for another from a preferred employer. Be sure to acknowledge every job offer promptly and enthusiastically even if you need more time to respond definitively.
Advice
- Holding and Responding to Offers
- Evaluating Offers
- Evaluating Firms for Your Own Success
- Evaluating Firm Stability
- Salary Information
- Splitting the Summer
- Negotiating Offers from Small and Midsized Firms
- Logistics and Terms for Law Firms Offers
- Offer Receptions and Dinners
- Post Offer or Second Look Visits
Resources
- Law Firm Assessment Grid (Word)
- Sample Responses to Common Firm Emails and Calls
- Student Recruiting and Interview Program Policies
- Employer Recruiting Policies and Guidelines
Podcasts and Videos
| Title | Media Type |
|---|---|
| Early Offers | Podcast |
Updates from Hire Ground
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Managing Offers
After submitting direct applications, you may find yourself in the enviable position of having to choose between multiple offers. There are several different factors you may wish to consider when narrowing down your choices. Some of these factors include size, location, practice areas, diversity, and culture (our Law Firm Assessment Grid provides a good method
May 27, 2025
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Managing Employer Deadlines
As you hear back from employers after interviews, we want to remind you about the timing guidelines for responding to offers. Private sector employers recruiting at HLS agree to comply with our employer recruiting policies regarding these timing guidelines, and it is important that you understand them. If you run into any issues with deadlines
February 27, 2025
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Turning Down Offers
If you want to decline an offer, remember that even declining an offer is an opportunity to build your reputation and cultivate a relationship. Handle it professionally by following these guidelines. Give a response as soon as you have decided to decline and always by the date you promised. Always call or email the person
February 4, 2025
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Understanding 2L Summer Expectations From Your 1L Summer Firm Employer
If you are planning to join a large law firm for 1L summer, do you have a clear sense of the firm’s expectations for your 2L summer? Remember that firms usually do not give 1L summer associates post-graduation offers. Those offers come from your 2L summer. Does your 1L firm offer a “2-week touchback” during
February 4, 2025
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Deciding Between or Among Offers
If you are deciding among offers, review our webpage on Evaluating Offers for guidance on narrowing down the choices and the factors to consider. Note that once you do accept an offer, you are expected to honor your commitment to that employer. While these decisions can be difficult, there is rarely a “wrong” choice. You
January 23, 2025