u/Diligent-Tooth-2946

Hi, I’m a 3L at Columbia going to work at a smaller, regional firm in SF (still Cravath scale). I was recently contacted by the managing partner of another firm in SF, who is in NYC next week and asked to meet for coffee. This firm has a newer SF office and is far more prestigious than the firm I summered at. Rumor has it this firm is trying to grow their SF presence. I have a feeling it’s a “informal interview” and that they may try to get me to renege on my return offer to the regional firm and join them as a 1st year. How lethal is it for one’s career to renege on a return offer, especially when the firm has already paid for bar prep materials? Is it appropriate to ask the new firm to reimburse the old firm for them? Should I ask for a signing bonus? (Assuming the meeting goes well) Any other tips/ideas? Seems kinda crazy to be poaching 3Ls