Recruiting Steps
Become Part of the Firm | Recruiting Steps | Qualities
Summer Associates and Law Clerks
The following are the steps the Firm usually takes in recruiting Summer Associates and Law Clerks. The process is meant to move quickly.
It is very important to the Firm that an Applicant makes as intelligent and informed decision about the Firm as the Firm can possibly facilitate and vice versa. The Firm is a relationship law firm and works very hard to minimize turnover and promote long and sustained working relationships. The Firm does not want to disappoint, only pleasantly surprise.
The following steps are meant to promote these goals. After each step, the Firm narrows the Applicants the Firm is considering.
- Resumes: Firm contacts law schools and solicits and receives resumes.
- Additional Information: Firm emails request for any of the following information that the Applicant has not already submitted: (a) college transcript; (b) law school transcript; (c) LSAT score; (d) SAT I and II and AP scores; (e) SAT Advanced Placement scores; and (f) whether the Applicant is interested in working for the Firm part time during the academic year. All items at this stage can be unofficial.
- Firm Information: review carefully and thoroughly all information on the Firm’s website. Once Applicant has reviewed and had all questions answered, the Applicant should notify the Firm if the Applicant is still interested in the Firm.
- Interview I: If the Applicant notifies the Firm that the Applicant is still interested in the Firm, the Firm schedules a phone interview. First interview is with some or all of the following: Firm Administrator, Firm lawyers, and/or present Law Clerks (45 minutes to two hours). Applicant and Firm reflect overnight on interviews. Applicant is requested to contact Firm next day as to whether Applicant has continuing interest. Firm goes through same assessment.
- Interview II: Firm invites Applicant to “in office” interview with some or all of the following: Firm Administrator, Firm lawyers and/or present Law Clerks. Could be one to three interviews during this stage. In the aggregate, interview(s) will last from one to three hours. Applicant and Firm reflect overnight on interview. Applicant is requested to contact Firm with whether Applicant has continuing interest. Firm goes through same assessment.
- Clinical Experience: Convenient to the Applicant’s schedule, Applicant is asked to come into the office to work for eight hours on sample assignments. The hours can be broken up and can be in the evening or on weekends if that is helpful to the Applicant’s schedule. Applicant is paid for that work. Applicant and Firm reflect overnight on Clinical Experience. Applicant is requested to contact Firm with whether Applicant has continuing interest. Firm goes through same assessment.
- Interview III: Firm invites Applicant to “in office” interview with the Firm Principal(s). Interview will last one to three hours. Applicant and Firm reflect overnight on interview. Applicant is requested to contact Firm with whether Applicant has continuing interest. Firm goes through same assessment.
- Due Diligence: Firm provides Applicant names of individuals, other than those with whom Applicant interviewed, working or who have worked for Firm in a professional or similar position. Firm invites Applicant to call at least three individuals and ask every question, easy and tough, the Applicant can think of regarding the Firm and its professionals. Applicant is requested to contact Firm with whether Applicant has continuing interest.
*Applicant provides four references that include a law school faculty member for Firm to contact.
* Applicant executes an Authorization allowing Firm to do a thorough background check on Applicant.
- Decision: Firm informs Applicant of offer, subject to next paragraph, or regrets. If offered, Applicant hopefully accepts.
- Paper Work: Each remaining Applicant is required: (1) to provide official copies of items (a) through (e) in No. 2 above; and (2) execute a Confidentiality Agreement. Firm receives official copies and, presuming no surprises, confirms offer.
- Applicant starts with Firm.