Insane Day

I got a call last night from a small firm partner wanting me to come in for an interview at 10 this morning. I had applied for the job a full month ago, and didn't even remember anything about the firm or the job. As it turned out, the firm is in the same shiny building downtown as Contract Firm, 6 floors up. They even used the same elevator bank in big shiny building (where there are 6 banks of elevators, providing express service to the upper floors). This firm also has a civil defense practice, similar to Contract Firm's practice.

The interview went very well. I think I developed a good rapport with the attorney interviewing me and was able to sell my strengths without appearing overly confident. He said that I had an impressive resume. I was once again asked my salary requirements, and threw out the same number I used the last time I got this question. He did say that he thought this was a little high--closer to what they were looking at for a 3rd year. I told him that we could certainly negotiate. He asked if he could contact Contract Firm, and I told him that wouldn't be a problem, and also gave him my other references. Then he gave me a tour of the entire office. He showed me what would be my office--which is directly above my office at Contract Firm. The interview lasted about an hour, which I took as a good sign.

On my way downstairs, I stopped by Contract Firm to give them a heads up that they might be getting a call about me, but the partner was in a depo so I headed back downstairs. Just as I was stepping off the elevator, I ran into another Partner from Contract Firm--the first one that I had worked with and who had initially hired me. I hopped back on the elevator so that I could tell her about the interview and the potential reference call. She was very nice and said that they had no problems providing me with references because I had done great work for them. Then she asked if Other Partner had mentioned anything about needing a permanent associate. I told her that it hadn't come up. She said that she would talk to him about the reference call and about whether he was considering adding a permanent associate, and that she would let him know that I might become available soon. So, that was definitely a positive conversation, and I am very glad I hopped back on that elevator.

But wait, there's more. (Said in my best infomercial voice.)

As I was driving home from the interview, I got a call from a former supervisor that Interviewer had already left a voice mail seeking to check my references. Supervisor wanted to know if there was anything specific that I wanted him to mention. (It's good to stay friends with the people you work with!) I was shocked that Interviewer was already checking references, and glad that I had run in to Contract Firm Partner to give her a heads up.

Supervisor called back later to give me the scoop. Interviewer has already spoken with a few of my references and said that they all had good things to say. Then Supervisor told him that I had drafted and argued an MSJ, and he seemed impressed with that. Interviewer told Supervisor (and I am hesitant to type this for fear of jinxing myself) that he was ready to make me an offer, but he had a few things to take care of first.

My guess is that the "few things" involve 1) other interviews--because he did tell me that he had a few people to interview, and 2) making sure I pass the bar. Honestly, if I were in his position I wouldn't be making any offers before bar results are out on Friday. And he did say that he would let me know something next week.

So this has been a good day. Hopefully Interviewer won't find anybody that he likes better and I will pass the bar. I am afraid to really get my hopes up--especially since it just doesn't seem possible that too many good things could happen all at once, and I really need all of my good Karma directed toward the bar. (DH had his second interview which went really well, so the prospect of both of us finding jobs + passing the bar is overwhelming given the suckiness of the last two months).