Do You Need a Thank-You Note After a Callback?

You just walked out of a callback. You interviewed with four attorneys over three hours. Now everyone in your group chat is debating: do you send a thank-you note?

The Short Answer

Send a brief email. Don't overthink it.

The Longer Answer

Thank-you notes are not going to get you an offer you wouldn't have otherwise received. They're also not going to cost you an offer if you skip them. The decision is usually made based on your interview performance, your credentials, and firm needs.

That said, a short thank-you email is standard professional courtesy. Skipping it won't hurt you at most firms, but sending one is easy and occasionally noticed positively.

What to Write

Two to three sentences. Thank them for their time. Mention one specific thing you discussed. Say you're excited about the firm. Done.

Don't: rehash your qualifications, write a full paragraph for each interviewer, or try to be memorable through prose. The goal is polite, professional, and brief.

When to Send It

Within 24 hours of the interview. Same-day evening or the next morning is ideal.

Email vs. Handwritten

Email. Handwritten notes arrive too late to matter, and the formality feels outdated for most BigLaw firms. If you're interviewing at a firm with a particularly traditional culture, a handwritten note won't hurt, but it's not expected.

One Note or Multiple?

If you have individual email addresses, send a brief personalized note to each interviewer. If you don't, one note to the recruiting coordinator thanking the team is fine. Don't hunt down email addresses you weren't given.

Does It Actually Matter?

In rare cases, when a firm is deciding between two equally strong candidates, the one who sent a thoughtful note might get a slight edge. But we're talking about marginal cases. Focus your energy on interview preparation and firm research rather than agonizing over thank-you note wording.