Special Requests

As the August 4 deadline approaches, we would like to offer more information on the Special Request process and substance.

What is a Special Request?

A Special Request provides students with an additional opportunity to request an interview with a particular employer. If an employer you’re interested in fails to grant you an interview (NIA) or if you forget to submit an interview request, you may submit a Special Request through CASE to see that employer.  Special Requests are due on CASE no later than 10:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2008. Special Requests, which consist of a resume, a grade report (unless being withheld), and a 150-word (or less) statement of interest, are faxed to employers in advance of their interviewing date, and employers are asked to fit those making the Requests into their interview schedules.

Employers will advise us which Special Requests they have granted either before or when they arrive at the Law School, and students must check the Interview Board in Slaughter or come to the Career Services Office (Room 231A, Slaughter Hall) on the morning of the interview date to see if your request has been granted. Special Requests are not always successful, and we will allow each student ten successful Special Requests during the fall. (Successful Special Requests do not count towards the 25-interview limit.) This limit will be strictly enforced.

How do I submit a Special Request?

Go to your All My Requests and click on the NIA. You will be prompted to enter a 150-word statement of interest and click “Submit” at the bottom of the page. If you have not requested an interview, you should click on “Create Late NIASRs” on the left hand side of the screen under Employment Opportunities on CASE.

What is appropriate to include in the statement of interest?

You should mention your interest in the firm, city, or anything else that you feel would be important for the employer to know about you.  Below is an example of what a special request may look like.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t granted an initial interview with [FIRM NAME], but I am extremely interested in the firm and hope you will grant my special request.  I am focusing my job search in Richmond, having gone to school there.  In researching firms, I found that [FIRM NAME'S] litigation practice, especially in the Richmond office, has a strong reputation and has represented some impressive clients.  I believe I could contribute to the firm given my strong interpersonal ability and my strong desire to become the best lawyer I can.  I hope to be able to speak with you in person, and thank you for considering this request.”

 

How will I know if my Special Request has been granted? 

Most likely, you will not know if your Special Request has been granted until the day of the interview.  You should be prepared to interview in case your Request is successful. 

When are Special Requests scheduled?

It depends.  Special Requests can be scheduled at any time during the interview day, depending on the employer's wishes. Usually interviewers will shorten their lunch break or lengthen the interview day to accommodate Special Requests, so Special Request interviews at the lunch hour and after 5:00 are common. 

Remember, if you make a Special Request, you must check the Interview Board in Slaughter or come to the Career Services Office (Room 231A Slaughter Hall) at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the interview to find out if you have been granted the Special Request interview.