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
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Holding and Responding to Offers
Timing guidelines., requesting extensions, accepting and declining offers.
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Evaluating Firms and Offers
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Researching Firm Stability
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Splitting the Summer
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Salary Information in the Private Sector
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Negotiating Offers from Small and Midsized Firms
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Logistics and Terms for Law Firms Offers
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Offer Receptions and Dinners
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Post Offer or Second Look Visits
Resources
- Sample Emails for Communicating with Employers
- Law Firm Assessment Grid (Word)
- Student Recruiting and Interview Program Policies
- Employer Recruiting Policies and Guidelines
Updates from Hire Ground
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Notifying Firms of Competing Offers
If you have received an offer from a direct application, and are hoping to hear back from other firms, you can and should let those other firms know about your offer. You can use the receipt of an offer as a reason to check in with an employer you have not yet heard from or
January 15, 2026
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About those 1L stipends . . .
With some firms offering 1L money if you commit to a 2L summer, be sure to ask the firms if they will fund the particular organization in which you are interested. Do not assume that all nonprofits will be deemed “eligible” for funding.
January 15, 2026
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Responding to Return Offers
If you received an offer to return to your summer firm for post-graduation employment, remember that you need to respond by October 1 (or within 28 days if the offer was made after September 2). For more information, including suggestions on what to say, visit the OCS website at Holding and Responding to Offers.
September 25, 2025
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Post-Graduate Offers
If you have received an offer to return to your summer firm for permanent employment, make sure you are aware of the timelines for your decision. For offers made before September 2, you will have until October 1 to accept the offer (or 28 days if the offer is made after September 2). For more
August 20, 2025
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Holding Open an Offer to Pursue a Non-EIP Opportunity
As you consider offers from firms this summer, we remind you to review our webpage on Holding and Responding to Offers for information on timelines and requirements for responding. Full-Time offers from a past or current employer remain open until either October 1 of your final year of law school or 28 days from the
July 30, 2025