While a permanent offer is a tremendous accomplishment, it also presents you with an important decision and an opportunity to help you continue to advance your career goals. The following tips will help you accept or decline an offer in a way that benefits you, your future career, and the firm (no matter what your answer is).
This is a really important decision, for you and the firm. Ideally, a previous experience reinforced your initial conclusion that you found a great place to start your legal career. But that may not be the case, or at least you may not be entirely sure. Most firms abide by the National Association for Law Placement’s guideline to allow summer associates until October 1 to decide on offers. It’s okay to take most or all of that time if you need to; understand it is in the firm’s interest as well as yours for you to make a fully informed and considered decision. While the 3L market may provide only limited options, if you’re not sure this firm is the right fit for you, this is your chance to consider what else might be out there and compare that to the opportunity at your firm. With an offer in hand, you are in a good position to further evaluate whether the firm is likely to provide you with opportunities to do the type of work you prefer in an environment where you can thrive. If you do wish to consider other options, get in touch with your law school’s career services office as soon as you can (but recognize they will be extremely busy in August helping 2L’s navigate the interview process). And don’t be afraid to consult with firm attorneys as you try to decide. They can address your concerns and offer helpful perspective.
If you know you’re going to accept (or not), there is little point in waiting to let the firm know. Firm attorneys and staff put a lot of time and energy into recruiting, from the start of the interview process through the summer program, and they love to get the good news—it is the payoff for all their hard work. More importantly, for some firms and smaller offices, knowing who is coming back (or not) may affect whether they interview third year students in the fall and their plans for the next summer class. For the same reason, if you decide to decline the offer, it’s important to let the firm know as soon as you can. While they undoubtedly will be disappointed, they also will understand that you are doing what’s best for you. Don’t put off telling them you will not be joining them just because you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
If you will be doing a clerkship (or are considering applying for one), you need to sort out your options with the firm and your judge. The firm may allow you to accept the offer or hold the offer open during your clerkship or may require you to decline it. Often this is determined by the particular judge’s policy. What you do may affect whether the firm can reimburse you for bar exam test fees and a preparation course, and you’ll need to plan accordingly. Finally, if you are considering applying for a clerkship that would start after you have been working at the firm for some time, you should discuss with lawyers at the firm how the firm views that arrangement, whether it is likely to affect the type of work you get when you start with the firm, and whether there will be an offer waiting for you upon conclusion of the clerkship.
Law school is a grind and the summer positions are a bit of a proving ground. Don’t take that offer for granted; you earned it. By all means, take some time to enjoy the moment. But don’t forget to say thank you. There undoubtedly were a lot of folks who helped you get to this point: the attorneys you first met; the recruiting staff who got you through your interviews with the firm; your firm mentors, both formal and informal; those in career services and others who provided advice and support along the way. Taking the time to thank them is well worth the effort (even more so if you decide to decline the offer). In addition to demonstrating to the firm that it made the right call on you, it gives you an opportunity to build on your relationships that will serve you well when you return to the firm (or even if you decide not to return). Offer to help with the firm’s recruiting efforts during your third year and share your experience with those following you at your law school. And don’t forget to stay in touch with the firm during the school year as well. It is never too soon to start building your professional network and relationships.
While you may really hope all of your colleagues receive offers and decide to join the firm, keep in mind that the process is about finding the right fit and the firm may not be the right place for everyone. Recognize that others are also going through the same process and may have different considerations and perspective. And if one of your fellow summer associates does ask for your input, try to be objective and keep their concerns between the two of you.