How Should I Respond When Law Firms Ask Why I Don't Want to Return to My Summer Firm?

Answer: I am not sure that you have that big of a problem, but let's take a look at the issues at hand. First, you do think that an offer is likely and so we are going to work off of that assumption. Please make sure that you maintain a high work ethic and a good attitude until the end of your 2L-summer job, as you definitely want to secure that offer whether or not you are going to accept it.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

If you have read this column in the past, you know how important I believe it is to receive an offer from your 2L-summer employer. Unfortunately, if you do not receive that offer, this will haunt you for many interviews to come. In fact, this may be the most important offer you may or may not receive in your entire career.

Your on-campus interviewing will happen several months before you are required to give an answer to the firm where you summered regarding whether or not you are going to accept their offer of permanent employment. That is why I don't think you have such a major problem.


Actually, you are in a very favorable position to explain your situation to potential employers without saying anything negative about the firm where you have spent your summer. Again, let's assume that you do receive your offer. Now you start the on-campus interview sessions and one of the first questions you are going to be asked is, "Did you receive an offer of employment from your 2L summer employment?" Fortunately for you, it looks like you will be able to answer with a resounding
yes!

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

Once you have told the interviewer that you have received an offer, he or she will quite naturally want to know what you intend to do. Although it is obvious by your actions of continuing to interview that you are probably not going to accept the offer, you cannot act as if the question is ridiculous. This is your chance to say all the right things to this potential employer. Let him or her know that although your summer experience has certainly been memorable, you are looking for a different type of environment, much like the one that the interviewer's firm has to offer.

Make sure that you have done your homework and know exactly what this firm has to offer and why that fits into your career plans. You should be focused on all of the things that this firm has to offer and not have to refer to anything that went on at the firm where you summered.

By the way, your instincts are correct when you asked how you should respond to questions about your offer of employment. There is an unwritten eleventh commandment when it comes to speaking about a place where you once worked: Thou shalt not speak pejoratively about one's present or past employer.


Although you might chuckle at the thought of an eleventh commandment, and certainly framed in the context of employment, please take its message very seriously. One of the worst things you can do on an interview is to trash the firm where you are working or where you have once worked.

One last thought - and I know this is not going to thrill, but you need to take it under consideration. There is always the chance that for one reason or another, your on-campus interviews may not turn out as you had hoped. In that instance, you will be very happy that you received an offer from your summer firm. As I have said many times in the past, it is much easier to look for a new job if you are currently employed. This is particularly true in the case of a new attorney. If you do not have a job out of law school, it will become harder and harder to find what you are looking for once the first-year slots are all filled.

The good news is that with your particular law school and your high class ranking, I don't think you will have a problem securing a number of on campus interviews and, hopefully, many offers.

Summary: I will be participating in on-campus interviews again this fall and am wondering how to respond when firms ask why I don't want to return to my summer firm.

See the following articles for more information:
 

• Beware! Once you Start Working in a Law Firm, If you Leave you will Almost Certainly Not be Able to Return
• Help! I Just Had a Baby and I'm Freaking Out over Returning to Work
• How Can I Come Back to the Practice of Law after Leaving for Several Years?

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.