Recruiting Policies for Students

Career planning, counseling, and individual professional development are integral components of a legal education, reflecting Wake Forest Law School’s commitment to educating the whole professional. As we strive to position students to be successful in the job search, we also recognize that students need meaningful time and space to pursue academic study. Traditionally our practice has been not to meet with first-year students to discuss career planning until after October 15. We encourage students to develop a relationship with their career advisor through the 1L Professional Development class; if students have specific questions they are welcome to schedule an appointment prior to October 15, but we recommend that students focus on academics in their first semester.

The OCPD is committed to each student’s ethical and professional growth during law school and into future careers. As such, we expect each student to adhere to certain policies and responsibilities that promote ethics and professionalism in the recruiting and job search process. These guidelines are detailed in the Student Professionalism Contract and include:

• Student Responsibility: Students should keep OCPD apprised of employment status each year. Students must provide OCPD with information requested in surveys or otherwise so that OCPD can comply with its reporting obligations to the law school, the ABA, and NALP.

• Professional Conduct: We expect students to act in a professional manner and be courteous and respectful in communication with employers, alumni, networking contacts, classmates, OCPD, and other Wake Forest law personnel.

• Accepting an Offer of Employment: Once a student has committed to a specific employer, we expect that student to follow through on the commitment. Once a student has accepted an offer, the student should withdraw all pending applications and cease seeking employment on entertaining other offers.

• Interview Attendance: Students are expected to attend all initial interviews obtained through OCPD recruiting programs, including all on-campus interview programs, off-campus interview programs, and job fairs. Once the student has submitted an application and been selected to interview, the student cannot cancel unless the student has accepted or is planning to accept another job offer prior to the interview.
  • Emergency Cancellation: If an unavoidable and unforeseen emergency prevents a student from attending an interview, the student must notify OCPD immediately by phone and follow up by email.

• Multiple Open Offers: Students should not hold open more than 5 pending offers at any one time.

Policy on Nondiscrimination

Wake Forest University School of Law expects that every student will be treated fairly, professionally, and with courtesy during any on-campus or other interview, and in hiring practices.

Wake Forest University is committed to diversity, inclusion and the spirit of Pro Humanitate.  In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices and its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status.  This policy must also be adhered to by all persons, companies and organizations recruiting at Wake Forest University School of Law.

If you believe that an interviewer or employer has acted inconsistently with this policy, you should promptly inform the Assistant Dean of the Office of Career & Professional Development.