Scene opens with the 2L waiting nervously. Time passes. Finally, unable to wait any longer, the 2L gets up and approaches the Hiring Partner’s desk.

2L:

Excuse me. Could I have five minutes of your time?

Hiring Partner (calmly):

What can I do for you?

2L:

I’d like to know why I wasn’t selected for a callback.

Hiring Partner:

I’m sorry—I’m not following.

2L:

I attended the OCI reception last night, introduced myself to your associates, and waited for an opportunity to connect with you. I believe you were avoiding me.

Hiring Partner (with a polite but distant smile):

I think you’re confusing me with someone else.

2L:

I don’t think so.

Hiring Partner (glancing back toward his assistant):

If you have a concern, I’d suggest you submit it through our recruitment portal. I’d be happy to refer you to the appropriate department.

2L (leaning forward, resolute):

I was told this firm is highly selective—a place where attention to detail and judgment matter above all else. If you are who I think you are, you should give me another chance to prove I belong here.

Hiring Partner (his tone sharpening):

I don’t believe we’re alike at all. You’re not a careful candidate. I’ve reviewed your file. Your resume is excellent, but your interview lacked focus, and you allowed yourself to be outshone.

2L (acknowledging):

Yes. That’s true.

Hiring Partner:

You’ve shown poor judgment. I can’t consider someone with poor judgment.

2L (confidently):

Have you seen my writing samples?

Hiring Partner:

I’ve been told they’re impressive.

2L:

They’re impeccable. They demonstrate analytical precision and clarity under pressure—the best you’ll find from any candidate.

Hiring Partner:

That is not the only factor.

2L:

You could assign me to your most demanding partners, and I guarantee they’d ask for me on every case. My previous work speaks for itself. The performance issues you’re concerned about won’t happen again—they’re irrelevant to what I can deliver for your firm.

Hiring Partner (leaning back, studying the 2L):

I have to ask—why should I trust you to improve?

2L:

Because I hold myself accountable. I learn quickly, I adapt, and I won’t make the same mistake twice.

Hiring Partner:

How prepared are you to handle the workload here?

2L (without hesitation):

I’m ready to give everything I have. This is my priority.

The Hiring Partner stands and adjusts his suit jacket, his expression unreadable.

2L (standing):

Will I hear from you?

Hiring Partner (pausing, then calmly):

We have your information.

The Hiring Partner walks away, turning back slightly before leaving.

Hiring Partner:

You can never trust a candidate who doesn’t hold themselves accountable. Let’s see if you prove otherwise.

Fade out as the 2L sits back down, determination burning brighter than ever.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5647139&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310751#48431551)

Hiring Partner:

You wanted a second page. Here it is.

He places the paper on the table, sliding it across to the 2L. The camera focuses on the document—it’s the 2L’s resume, marked up in red ink like a law school memo. Notes scrawled in the margins: “Too verbose,” “Why is this here?” and, at the bottom, circled three times, the phrase: “2L Rising.”

2L:

(steadies himself)

I don’t see what this has to do with my qualifications.

Hiring Partner:

(smiling faintly)

That’s your problem—you think this is about qualifications.

The 2L shifts uncomfortably as the Hiring Partner sits down, his expression unreadable.

Hiring Partner:

When I started, they told me something I’ll never forget: “You can never trust a rising 2L.” At first, I didn’t understand. But then I saw it—your type. Hungry, overconfident, full of potential but no patience. And every time, they burn themselves out before they even get a shot.

2L:

I’m not like that.

Hiring Partner:

(leans forward)

You’re exactly like that. But here’s the difference: the ones who survive don’t spend their time asking for second chances. They prove themselves the first time.

He stands, folding his arms as he looks down at the 2L.

2L:

(speaking quickly)

Look, I know my interview wasn’t perfect. But you said it yourself—potential. That’s what I have, and that’s what you’re looking for.

Hiring Partner:

(smirking)

Potential doesn’t mean anything unless you know how to use it.

He turns and begins to walk away, stopping at the door.

Hiring Partner:

You’ve got your second page. What you do with it is up to you.

The door clicks shut behind him. The 2L stares down at the resume, the red ink glaring back at him. The camera lingers as he picks up the paper, a spark of determination in his eyes.

Cut to black.

[End of Scene: Title Card – "You Can Never Trust a Rising 2L"]

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5647139&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310751#48435334)