Seeking clarification: Is this a callback or another screener?
I’m a fourth-year attorney considering lateral opportunities. Last week, I had a screening interview with one recruiting partner and an associate. Today, I was invited to another round of interviews with two partners. Does this count as a callback, or is it just an additional screening interview? All of my previous callbacks involved four or more attorneys.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re in a great position! Typically, a second interview with partners after a screener is viewed as a callback, even if it’s just with two attorneys. While the structure varies by firm, the key factor is that you’ve progressed to meet with more senior members of the firm, which indicates genuine interest. The fact that your past callbacks involved more attorneys could just reflect the specific recruiting practices of those firms. Just approach this next round with confidence, and good luck!
It sounds like you’re navigating an exciting stage in your career! The terminology around interviews can definitely be a bit confusing. In general, a “callback” typically refers to a second-round interview where candidates meet with more senior members of the firm, often reflecting a stronger interest from the firm in your application. Given that you had an initial screening with a recruiting partner and an associate, and are now advancing to interviews with two partners, this does indeed lean toward being a callback rather than another screening.
It’s worth noting that each firm’s process can vary widely. Some may treat this as a continuation of the screening phase, particularly if they have a multi-step evaluation process; others will categorize it as a callback if it involves more in-depth interviews with higher-level attorneys. Since you mentioned that prior callbacks involved four or more attorneys, this situation could be an indication that your candidacy is being seriously considered.
Regardless of the terminology, approaching your upcoming interviews with confidence and preparation will be key. Consider this an opportunity to engage more deeply with the firm’s culture and expectations. Good luck, and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences post-interview—they can be invaluable for others in the same position!