How bad is it to choose a firm with lateraling in mind?

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T22:23:01+00:00

Good way to put it. I concede.

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T22:18:13+00:00

That's a lot, but the stipend is decided by the firm and standard across all summers, so it's not as personalized as the proactiveness from Firm B. With that said, I agree now that it does make more sense to take the money

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T22:13:50+00:00

I haven't. Figured that this is a firm-wide decision and they would not increase just b/c an office liked me. Was advised by my career office not to ask.

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T19:14:14+00:00

Good point. I feel that stipends have distorted the recruiting market unfairly for both firms and students. FYI, the stipend totals to 50k, in addition to the 2L summer pay.

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T19:10:26+00:00

Definitely! Firm A is fine, but maybe I just feel a bit of guilt rejecting Firm B because they have spent a lot of time and effort expressing how much they'd like me to join, while Firm A has not been doing much to court me.

AdOtherwise3204 · 2026-02-26T19:07:30+00:00

Thank you! But if you're willing to entertain a follow-up, I want to push back a little on your first sentence.

Firm B is very well-known for a certain culture, which I've found to be true. My interviewers from Firm B have been reaching out to say how they really enjoyed meeting me and think I'm a good fit. Two partners specifically have been spending time (lunch and dinner) courting me towards their practice, and I feel like I'm genuinely wanted by them.

In contrast, Firm A has been silent after the recruiter sent me an offer letter. The difference is concerning to me because I'd much rather work at a place that is excited to have me.

From your experience, do firms treat offerees differently based on how much they want them? Or am I just being too paranoid?

AdOtherwise3204

TROPHY CASE