Why Thank-You Letters After Law Firm Interviews Can Hurt Your Chances—And When They Might Help

 

Why Most Thank-You Letters Do More Harm Than Good

Many attorneys believe that a thank-you letter shows enthusiasm, professionalism, and class. However, in most cases, it can signal weakness, desperation, or—even worse—introduce unnecessary risks that could eliminate you from consideration.

Here are the major reasons why sending a thank-you letter after a law firm interview is usually a bad idea.

 

1. It Makes You Look Like You Have No Other Options

In the legal industry, perception matters. The most in-demand candidates do not need to send thank-you letters because firms are already pursuing them aggressively.

If you write a thank-you note, interviewers may wonder:

• "Why does this candidate feel the need to follow up?"
• "Are they desperate for this job?"
• "Are they struggling to get other offers?"

Law firms want to hire attorneys who appear highly sought after, not those who seem to be clinging to any opportunity.

 

2. It Provides an Opportunity to Say the Wrong Thing

The majority of attorneys who send thank-you letters unknowingly sabotage their candidacy by:

• Misspelling names or getting details wrong

• Using overly formal or awkward language

• Expressing enthusiasm for the wrong practice area

• Reiterating their case in a way that contradicts what they said in the interview

Even a small error can confirm doubts in the interviewer’s mind and give them a reason to reject you.
 

3. It Can Be Perceived as Overly Eager (or Even Weak)

Hiring decisions are psychological. The best candidates create a sense of demand and exclusivity. If a firm feels like they need to chase you, they will want you more.
A thank-you letter, however, can make you seem too eager, which may raise red flags:

• “Why is this candidate trying so hard to impress us?”

• “Are they worried they didn’t do well in the interview?”

• “Is there a hidden reason other firms aren’t hiring them?”

The key to securing an offer is leaving the firm wanting more, not appearing overly available.
 

4. The Hiring Decision Is Usually Already Made

Most law firms make hiring decisions immediately after the interview. Here’s how the typical process works:

1. A partner or recruiter reviews your resume in less than 30 seconds before the interview.

2. Within the first 10 seconds of meeting you, they form an impression that heavily influences their decision.

3. After the interview, they fill out an evaluation and send it to the hiring committee.

Once that process is complete, a thank-you letter is unlikely to change anyone’s mind.
 

5. It Can Polarize Your Interviewers

Many attorneys mistakenly send different thank-you letters to each interviewer. However, law firm partners and associates often compare notes. If one person receives a long, heartfelt letter while another gets a generic one, it can create internal disagreements about your candidacy.

Even worse, a thank-you letter may remind an interviewer of something they disliked about you, causing them to push against your candidacy when they may have otherwise remained neutral.
 

When Should You Actually Send a Thank-You Letter?

Despite the risks, there are a few rare situations where a well-crafted thank-you letter may be beneficial.
 

1. You’re Interviewing With a Small Firm That Needs Reassurance

Smaller firms often worry that top candidates will not accept their offers. If you are interviewing at a firm that pays significantly less than your previous employer or lacks prestige, a thank-you letter can help convince them that you are truly interested.
 

2. You Didn’t Effectively Express Enthusiasm During the Interview

If you left the interview feeling that you failed to communicate your enthusiasm for the position, a carefully written thank-you letter can serve as damage control. However, it must be concise and avoid sounding desperate.
 

3. You Need to Correct a Major Misunderstanding

If you realize after the interview that you misspoke or failed to clarify an important point, a short thank-you email can help. However, avoid making excuses—simply clarify the issue in a professional manner.
 

4. You’re in a Unique, High-Stakes Situation

In extremely rare cases, a thank-you letter can be a strategic tool. For example, an attorney who desperately needed a job once spent 15 hours writing personalized thank-you letters that were so heartfelt they made partners cry. He ultimately received an offer when he otherwise would not have. However, this is the exception, not the rule.
 

---

See Related Articles:

• Should Attorneys and Law Students Send Thank You Letters After Law Firm Interviews?
• The Pros and Cons of Thank You Letters
• Had a Great Interview but Have Got No Response to My Thank-You Emails

---

How to Write a Thank-You Letter Without Hurting Your Chances

If you determine that sending a thank-you letter is necessary, follow these guidelines to minimize risk:

• Keep It Short: No more than 3-4 sentences.
• Make It Specific: Mention something unique from your conversation.
• Avoid Flattery: Do not sound overly eager or desperate.
• Proofread Carefully: One typo can cost you the offer.
• Send via Email: A handwritten note can feel excessive or outdated.

---

Here’s a safe template:

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about the [Position Name] role at [Firm Name]. It was great to discuss [specific topic you spoke about], and I enjoyed learning more about the firm’s approach to [practice area].

I look forward to staying in touch and appreciate your time.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

 

Key Takeaways

• Most thank-you letters hurt your chances more than they help.
• Law firms decide on candidates quickly—letters rarely change the outcome.
• Sending a thank-you letter can make you appear desperate.
• If you must send one, keep it short, specific, and professional.

Got questions? Need help with your job search? Contact BCG Attorney Search:

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.