Minty Fresh Law Firms

As a BigLaw minded law student, I have had the unique experience of participating in the On-Campus Interviewing Program. During this time, hundreds of law firms converge upon our school and create a speed dating game of sorts where we sit down with dozens of law firms to be interviewed in 20 minute bursts. This orgy of platitudes has been compared to sorority rush - except the firms don't help you decorate your dorm room with paddles and don't introduce you to date-rapist fraternity brothers. (Although date rapist frat brothers almost always buy you dinner which is more than can be said of most firms.)

One strange byproduct of Fall Rush, err...I mean interview season, however, is the plethora of marketing "chotchkys" that the firms distribute in order to establish a lasting impression with us. The most ubiquitous chotchky is the ever-so-useful pack of mints. This is probably because the law firm's representatives have to sit down with us all day - so we'd might as well sputter out our bullshit from a minty fresh mouth. One wonders why they don't provide us minty gum to chew on. Weeding out those scrubs who chew gum during the interview would provide them with a great way to screen out the "slow ones", but I digress.

Much like the law firms themselves, however, not all mints are created equal. Thus, I have summoned my crack team of mintologist/law students to review and critique the free mints we have taken at the end of our interviews based on factors such as flavor, intensity and packaging.

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Hunton Williams mints come in a small squarish tin with rounded corners. The tin is somewhat difficult to open thereby raising the specter of accidentally spilled mints. The mints themselves are a little bit smaller than altoids, and slightly weaker in intensity. They are not chalky at all, and are slightly sweet. Taken 2 at a time they are almost indistinguishable from altoids. Based on their mints, I would still consider a job offer from this firm, especially if they get me a date for the Homecoming rally...


Dechert mints come in a flat blue plastic credit card shaped container. The container itself is convenient and makes it easy to remove a single mint at a time. The mints themselves however are terrible. They are very hard which makes them hard to chew if that is what you want to do.

The mints when chewed are horribly chalky. Additionally the mints have very little flavor, not sweet nor spicy. Poor mints overall. This firm will have to merge with another mint-worthy establishment or fire their recruiting department. Everyone knows that mints are an accurate reflection of legal ability - as such, I'd love to see these guys on the other side of the negotiating table.

Latham & Watkins mints come in a small rectangular tin with a snug fitting sliding top. The mints are quite small but pack a powerful flavor. They are as spicy as an altoid, though do not last as long. The mints are not chalky, and are easy to chew if that is your bag. You want these mints. Bottom line: Latham is the sorority big sister that bangs your boyfriend and yet you still hope she thinks you're cool. Please hire me.

Reed Smith mints come in a vertically oriented tin case. The mints
are large and powerful - cleaner than an altoid. I was not very
interested in this firm until I tried their mints. The logo on the tin says: "Quality matters." These guys are harnessing the power of the mint.

Pillsbury Winthrop mints also come in a vertical tin case. These mints are not minty at all. They are shiny round sugar pills that are so addictive I pop 10-20 at a time. Then I get a Pillsbury stomach ache and "Win-throw-up"! This mint represents the walk-of-shame: you seduced me last night, but walking home, I feel a burning sensation.

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Anyhow, as with most sorority events, marketing and veneers of selectivity are what matter most. As such, I really believe that mints can be an effective legal recruiting tool - however, most law firms do not take advantage of this. In fact, if they're not careful they will be turning off many capable and loyal pledges, I mean students...