Thursday, July 24, 2008

Flip Flops Continued

So, my friends and I are somewhat amazed at how HP's blog has gotten picked up by other blogs (Above the Law - yes even HPs occasionally read it, we need to know what is going on out there too, Wall Street Journal blog) -- mainly because of the comment on flip flops.  We find it bizarre that there is some debate on flip flops in a law firm.  What is going on here?  I will give you flip flops if you are working on a Saturday or Sunday in the office in the summer.  Or working late in the office.  Fine.  But, during the workday -- NOT Appropriate.  Does this actually need to be stated?  What is so difficult about good old regular shoes?  YOU ARE IN A PROFESSIONAL WORKPLACE.  Act professional.  I'm not saying you have to buy Ferragamos or any particular brand of shoe or at a particular price point. But, the fact that people are debating this issue makes me shake my head.  Or perhaps I should give up BigLaw and go into the footwear business?  I mean look at those Croc people.  Don't get any ideas, people, no Crocs either, unless you have a doctor's note.  

Please remember for OCI that suits are appropriate (do I need to actually say this?).  Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.  Screening interviews generally last 20-30 minutes, so it is not a lot of time.  You do want to make the impression that you are a professional, hard-working individual who would have a bright future at the firm -- or at least warrants a call back slot.   We are assessing your professionalism and poise, in addition to your intellect and interest in the firm/city/etc.    

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

You should do a whole OCI post. Best and worst interviews, tips, etc.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the blog! As a rising 2L who is about to do OCI I am finding it very helpful. I had a general question about flipflops that some of my already working friends have been debating - at what point should commuter shoes be removed? I have lots of female friends who prefer to wear ballet flats or flipflops on their way to work... and sometimes changing in the street outside the office isn't the best idea? But is it all right to be seen in such shoes when first getting into the office, so long as one promptly changes at the comfort of their desk? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This blog is a great resource.

Seconded on the OCI post - it'd be a good resource for all us rising 2Ls.

PS I work at a Legal Aid Office and wore flip-flops the other day; I won't make that mistake if I have a firm job next year though, obviously.

Anonymous said...

Great blog. I'll go ahead and "third" the OCI post. As a 1L doing OCI's last spring, the process seemed like somewhat of a crapshoot. Do hiring partners go into OCI's with some idea of who they're going to hire based on resume collections? If not, what factors do you tend to weigh most heavily when you interview a prospect?

Thanks, and keep up the posts.

Hiring Partner said...

Fear not, people, OCI post will come soon. Perhaps this weekend. HP just needs some time to provide thoughtful insights. On the question of changing from flip flops or casual shoes to work shoes and where to do that, HP thinks it is ok to come into firm in your casual shoes and change quickly at your desk. Do not clop clop around the office as you get coffee, etc. And, remember to leave dress shoes at your desk or bring them. I know many people who come in to office and then realize they do not have proper shoes...or in the case of the business casual attire, don't have business attire when a meeting suddenly arises. HP asked HP's friend for other suggestions. She said she wears nice flats to office - loafer types or other. These are like dress flats. So, they look fine. But then she changes into heels/pumps. HP now feels like fashion reporter and will go back to more substantive advice, but hopes that helps.

Anonymous said...

In addition to OCI, can you tell us something about amourous summer associates:
http://abovethelaw.com/2008/07/summer_associates_lesbian_kiss.php

I'm sure you have a good story or ten from your adventures with amourous SAs or attorneys.

Anonymous said...

I know this comment does not exactly belong here but I still wanted to ask you this somewhere.

Can you please put up a blog post regarding fall recruitment interviews. My main question is regarding the end of the interview. I always have great interviews, until the end where the interviewer asks "do you have any questions."

For some reason I can never think of a really great question that would reflect positively on me, and make me stick out from the pack. Any help would be great.