This thread depicts perfectly the thinking of both incoming and current associates. On the one hand, the current associates have earned their share of the pie. They have been slaving away for the bosses for a few years, and so feel entitled -- and legitimately so -- to more job security.

The problem, however, is that the current associates -- and partners probably -- don't see the incoming associates as their past selves. Rather, the incoming associates are perceived as a burden, i.e., a drain on resources.

In reality, we, the ultimately fucked-over by the economy class of 2009, are no different than they were 5 (or 10) years ago. We are eager to start our careers. We just want to be given the chance to shine. Should I feel guilty about that?

And I take full responsibility for allowing myself to get caught up in the biglaw recruiting madness at the PEAK of the market in the Fall of 2007. The truth is, I knew the economy was going to tank (I watch a lot of Peter Schiff), but I honestly thought that biglaw was, in general, better managed and more diverse in terms of the workload. Bad call on my part.

I don't know much about Orrick, but I think this is a classy move. Again, one of the main reasons we deferred 3L's are so screwed is that we didn't have time to plan. Our firms have not provided us with any certainty about our careers whatsoever.

Unlike other, more "prestigious", NY firms, Orrick is dealing with the problem head on. At least the current summers will know in advance that they need to find other options post-graduation.

And, more importantly from my perspective, it seems that Orrick will hold to its January start date!

The only thing the class of 2009 should be thankful for is that we got to enjoy the last of the true NYC summer program experience. Last summer, even though the writing was on the wall as far the economy goes, firms were still spending cash like it was 1999.

It was definitely the best summer of my life. Although now it just seems like a cruel tease.

32 -- the pic represents the very real anxiety we deferred associates feel. The fact that you used the term "emo" suggests you are, at the most, 17 years old.

I know I'm just another scared 3L (well, bar taker now), but I really think that Lat and Kash posts (without Ellie) make for a much better ATL.

Nothing against E, but the quality of this blog has been much better over the last couple of days.

Well, it looks like the class of 2009 caught a break at the expense of the class of 2011. Firms are actually acting logically at the moment -- they are trying to honor the commitments they already made.

Looks like the class of 2009 has a decent shot of starting in January 2010. My previous posts make it clear that I am as bearish as they come, but, at this stage, it seems clear that the firms are making a sincere effort to honor their commitments to the class of 2009.

Granted, the firms could still revoke some of our offers, but I personally think they are past the point of no return at this late stage. Of course, those of us who fail the bar will be quietly let go.

Well my friends, it's actually happening. Our worst fears are being realized. This will quickly become a trend that most -- if not all -- firms will follow.

We all knew in our hearts that these January (or March) deferrals were arbitrary dates they picked out of a hat. Our firms only wanted to delay dealing with the problem -- the problem being us. So now we waited patiently only to get fucked again.

When my firm calls me to extend my deferral, I am going to freak out on them. I don't give a shit anymore. I won't wait around for another year for the *hope* that I can eventually start at the firm.

The sad part is that the firms will lose the best talent with this deferral strategy. The smartest among us will be able to move on and find other employment. The people with the worst credentials, on the other hand, will be the ones to hang on to that sliver of hope of someday starting. So the firms will continue their downward spiral.

Attention Dewey, Sidley, Milbank, et al.: Pick up the phone and get this shit over with already. The sooner you let us know, the better we can adapt.

93 said: "Let me get this straight - MLB is forecasting a need for ZERO new associates for the next two years???"

No, I don't think they are forecasting this. But let's not forget about the class of 2009, who are, in theory, supposed to be starting at MLB in January. The firm probably realizes that it has more than enough new blood for the next several years.

I would hope that MLB (and other firms no-offering en masse) are simply trying to abide by their current obligations, which include commitments to both current and incoming associates.

10 - I agree with you 100%. We "January starters" need to face reality -- we will not be starting at our firms any time soon unless salaries are reduced significantly.

I almost want to email my firm and let them know that reducing our salaries is an easy way for them to save money. And, best of all, we will take the salary cut with a smile!

27 - I am so sick the "entitlement" argument. We do not feel entitled to anything. But we did work hard for our "offers" and are eager to start our careers.

Tell me, oh wise one, how did you feel when you were just getting started? Of course, you don't remember that, just a few short years ago, you were in the exact same situation as us, only with luckier timing.

62 - that's really not an issue given that no first years will actually start in January. Phone calls will be made in the coming weeks.

Can someone explain how you express an interest in starting early? I mean, every inoming associate obviously wants to start ASAP...

How exacty did this go down?

I still think the majority of January Deferrals will turn into revoked offers within the next few weeks. This is not a trend -- do not get your hopes up.

30 - your post is probably flame, but I feel the need to respond just in case you were being serious.

Your entire argument is premised on an economic recovery in 2010. This is wishful thinking at best, and blind faith at worst. The economy will not "recover" in any meaningful way for at least 5 years. Consequently, the deferred class of 2009 will have their careers postponed indefinitely.

I'm suprised that more firms have not extended the January deferrals or revoked offers entirely. But, rest assured, phone calls will be made within the next few weeks by our friendly neighborhood hiring partners.

151 - calls will be going out within the next few weeks extending the deferrals. There is no way they will be able to start us in January given there is still no work.

155 - whether you believe me or not, the workflow just isn't there to support new blood coming in. Mark thus post -- deferrals will be extended by the end of the month.

And so it continues. Expect more of this within the next few weeks. As I type this, firms with January start dates are probably preparing to make the calls extending the deferrals. And what a horrible phone call it will be when it comes.

76 - that is actually pretty solid advice. At this point, given that biglaw will not be happening for most of us in the Cursed Class of 2009, we should all start looking for the best lifestyle jobs.

I beg the hiring partners to get the extended deferral/revocation over with already and CALL US NOW, like TODAY.