Accepting an Offer
Perhaps the favorite correspondence, but also somewhat stressful, the offer acceptance is the positive culmination of your job search. You want to handle the acceptance responsibly and professionally.
- When you receive an offer of employment (summer or post-graduate), express your enthusiasm and appreciation, and ascertain when the employer needs an answer from you. It is extremely unlikely that any employer will require a response on the spot.
- During the fall interview process, most interviewing employers will abide by the NALP Guidelines for the Timing of Offers and Acceptance, and they will expect you to do so as well. Be sure that you know everything about these guidelines and maintain your responsibilities as defined by the guidelines; you do not want an offer to be withdrawn because of your own failure to abide by the NALP guidelines.
- Confirm that the employer making an offer to you during the fall interview process follows the NALP guidelines and shares the same understanding that you do; never assume that they are aware of or follow the NALP guidelines.
- Outside of the fall interview process, there are not specific guidelines that dictate lengths of time for offers to be left open, but employers will usually still give you time to consider offers.
- Some employers have set salary terms, others (usually smaller firms) may have negotiable terms. If you have room to negotiate salary, please feel free to consult a Legal Career Services staff member for information to assist you in that process.
- After you agree on the terms of your acceptance (salary, volunteer/course credit status, start date, etc.) and you accept, you are unconditionally obligated to work for that employer. Be really certain that this is where you want to work before you accept, it is unethical and unprofessional to back out. A verbal acceptance is a commitment.
- Follow up your acceptance in writing, on paper, and outline your understanding of the terms. You can send the letter to the person with whom you had the acceptance conversation. Be absolutely certain to copy the Recruiting Administrator and/or Hiring Partner or other administrative staff or chairperson handling the recruitment duties. You want to be certain that your acceptance is fully recorded.
- Keep a copy of your acceptance letter for your files.
- Complete the process by notifying Legal Career Services of your acceptance. LCS must maintain thorough employment records and statistics for the law school's accreditation, and we greatly appreciate our students' assistance in keeping us informed. We also enjoy being able to congratulate you on your success!