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Anonymous A
on Nov 01, 2023
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

When is an offer considered as legal binding?

I have received a written offer but without a company chop and signature yet. Is this written offer already “legal binding”? 

I'm a bit anxious as the firm has been taking several days to proceed with the company chop and signature.

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Top answer
Cristian
Coach
on Nov 02, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | top MBB coach

Hi!

I have no idea whether it's legally binding but I do know that I haven't heard of any situation where a company turned their back on a candidate after giving them a written offer.

So don't be to stressed. You're in the green now. 

Sharing with you a couple of articles to read about how to become an amazing consultant (just to take your mind off the paperwork :) ):

  • Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
  • Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting


Best,
Cristian

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Frederic
Coach
on Nov 01, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Yes in most cases, a written offer, even without a company chop and signature, can be considered legally binding. If this is from a T1/T2 company I would not worry. Warm regards, Frederic 

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Moritz
Coach
on Nov 02, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

More important than the legal aspects, which depend on the country's legal framework for labor law, is the fact that top firms generally honor their word and certainly contracts (even w/o chop and signatures).

I've not heard of a single case where a firm changed their mind like that. They don't just hand out contracts like cookies you know - just to exceptionally bring and talented people like yourself :)

Well done and relax!

Moritz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> Need a senior McKinsey coach? See my profile in a nutshell
>> Need real McKinsey cases? See two real examples with Zero Carbon Mine (hard) & Car Convenience (Intermediate + brand new)

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Francesco
Coach
on Nov 02, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: I have received a written offer but without a company chop and signature yet. Is this written offer already “legal binding”? 

Whether is legally binding might depend on the local regulation so it is difficult to comment. Eventually, in most countries you should get an offer with a signature/stamp, which from your comment it seems they will provide regardless.

I don't think you have to worry. If you want to be 100% sure, you can just avoid to withdraw from other processes until you have the copy with the signature.

Best,

Francesco

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Pedro
Coach
on Nov 02, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

More than “legal binding” it is “reputation binding”. 

As such, only in extreme situations will top consulting firms back out from an offer they made. Usually they farthest they'll do is to postpone starting date.

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Ian
Coach
edited on Nov 04, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

The moment both parties sign it.

But in terms of reputation-binding for a top-tier firm, when they send the offer and you sign.

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Raj
Coach
on Nov 06, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Realistically, it's once they receive your acceptance and signed copy. Legally, once there is a counter-signed copy

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