Zam,
For some reason the hiring process got screwed up last year. Most firms extended the same number of offers as usual but had a higher number of people accept. This came right before the economy got hit pretty bad. As a result, the firms had more people summering for them than already needed and needed less people than typical. A good number of large firms no offered people this past summer (most firms that I know of that did this no offered about 10% of their summer classes in major markets and more in smaller markets).
I think firms learned their lessons. The market is tight this year with the economy, so they are more likely to have people accept offers as people are less likely to get offers. In my opinion this means that there will probably be two rounds of offers this year. I know the first round was immediately after OCI callbacks started and the second round should be soon. I have friends that are hitting their 45 day deadlines this next week, so people should be releasing offers soon. I would think this would mean that firms would start extending offers in two to three weeks to try to fill the rest of their classes.
Oh, and most firms dont give people offers into a specific practice area (at least from my experience and that of my friends). They give offers to join the firm then tell you about your practice area closer to your start date when they know the need. So, that story is probably not too accurate, although it wouldnt surprise me. Ive heard of firms giving people offers in office they know they wont accept. Honestly though, if you start work and they dont want you to accept, be extremely thankful they at least gave you some offer. It is very difficult to get a job your third year with a no-offer out there.