I was a summer associate this summer. The firm I was at has a rotation system for summer associates where you rotate through multiple different practice groups, rank your preferences at the end of the summer, and then the firm places you in one.
I got a return offer at the end of the summer, but I was placed into the practice group that I ranked last. I didn’t hate the group, it was just my least favorite of the ones I tried. So I still accepted the offer, even though I was disappointed.
I’ve seen some comments on this sub saying that some firms place people into practice groups they didn’t want because they didn’t like the person and are kind of hoping they’ll leave, almost like one step above a cold offer or a no offer. Is that actually true? I generally got good reviews during my summer and didn’t get the sense that anyone had a problem with me. And the group I got placed into is the biggest practice group at the firm, so I’m sure there was more of a business need for people in that group and whatever. I am really hoping people aren’t going to be like, annoyed when they see me next fall or already plotting to get rid of me or something. :(