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Few Things You Can Do at a Legal Interview

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  5. Interview Resources for Law Students
  6. Few Things You Can Do at a Legal Interview

published July 30, 2013

By Author - LawCrossing
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( 7 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
  • TELL A STORY.

    When preparing for some of the more predictable questions, think of some good stories that you might tell that relate an answer in a more interesting way. For example, if the interviewer asks you why you went to law school, don't just say, "I always wanted to go to law school." Tell a story, such as "When I was in college, our sorority got in some legal trouble for having sponsored a party with alcohol..." or "I want to be a lawyer because I don't want to be in a position like my grandfather ..." or "My favorite character in LA Law was the tax lawyer because…"

     
  • BE SINCERE. BE INTERESTING.

    Be funny (but not corny). A few canned stories (that don't seem canned, of course) will liven up the interview proceedings. Try out the stories on a significant other, family member, or friend. If they think the story is no good, your interviewer is probably going to be even harsher.
  • REMEMBER THAT DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF EVERYTHING.

    We are all about to enter a profession whose very existence depends on the discretion of its practitioners. The style and content of your interview should reflect an ability to observe the written and unwritten rules of the profession. Show good judgment when discussing your prior work experience by keeping confidential the names of clients you worked with last summer. If you are a first-year, keep confidential the names of clients you may have worked for as a paralegal or in some other job during or after college. Never criticize a former employer or colleague-your interviewer will rightly wonder, "Will we be next?" Be particularly sensitive to any biases (i.e., sexism) that can creep into your vocabulary. While at dinner, order tonic water or iced tea-save the alcohol until after the interview (when you might really need it). Assume nothing. Well-placed, appropriate humor can be one of the most effective ways to establish a comfortable rapport with your interviewer, but use your best judgment.

    Strike a balance that is neither earnest nor silly. No matter how relaxed things are or how friendly people seem to be, never risk alienating your interviewer by using sarcasm or risque language. No one wants the next round of jokes to include "Did you hear the one about the student who blew the big interview with an inappropriate comment?"
     
  • REMEMBER THE "E" WORD.

    Remember when you were a kid and you would ask an adult why there is a Mother's Day and a Father's Day, but no Children's Day? The answer would inevitably be "Every day is Children's Day." Well, in the same way, ask any firm what it looks for in a candidate, and you will get the same answer: ENTHUSIASM. Evidence to the contrary notwithstanding, public interest groups and law firms want to hire people who are exciting, interesting, and even (believe it or not) fun! Show some spark in your interview; talk about something that really interests you, some passion you have. Who knows, your interviewers may share a similar passion (or feel so envious that you have a life that they have to hire you). Be positive about your candidacy, and avoid like the plague anything that will give the interview even a remotely negative feel. Again, don't bad-mouth anything, especially your law school, classmates, and past employment

    On the topic of enthusiasm, don't leave the room without having expressed your strong desire to work for this firm. As unbelievable as it sounds, lawyers have egos too, and they appreciate knowing that their firm is your first choice. Demonstrating a strong desire to work at this firm is particularly important if you are interviewing in a city to which you have no obvious ties. As always, support your assertion with concrete facts. Noting that your spouse or partner has ties to the city is much more convincing than something like "You know, I've always wanted to live in Toledo."
     
  • KEEP GOING ... AND GOING ... AND GOING

    Simply put, the callback is exhausting. It is basically a long, grueling day of being at your absolute best. Get a good night's sleep, and keep the adrenaline going. Remind yourself that the last person with whom you interview is as important as the first.
     
  • LEVERAGE OTHER OFFERS.

    Leveraging other offers is a risky, but potentially lucrative, strategy. Law firms and certain public interest groups are very competitive with one another. If a firm knows you have an offer at one of its major competitors, you can be assured that the firm will take a second and third look at your qualifications. Leveraging other offers does not mean outright bragging or mentioning your other offers to every lawyer who interviews you. Subtle hints to one or two lawyers will do the trick. For example, one of your questions might be: "I have an offer at X competitor. How would you compare the two firms?

    Leveraging can backfire if not used wisely. You cannot and should not leverage offers from firms that do not compete with the firm you are considering-in fact, some lawyers are so egotistical that they will be offended that you would even mention the other firm in the same breath. You cannot and should not leverage an offer from a firm in another city. Talking about interest in another city will open up a Pandora's Box that is better left closed.
     
  • WRITE THANK-YOU NOTES IMMEDIATELY.

    Immediately after your callback is over, you should write a personalized, businesslike thank-you letter to the firm. Some students send individualized letters to every lawyer at the firm or public interest group. Such a time-consuming tactic may not be worthwhile for every firm or organization. Another option is to send one letter to the hiring partner and make note of the other people with whom you met. Send your letter right away, since firms usually make offers within a few days of your callback. If for some reason you feel motivated to phone one of your interviewers, send flowers or candy, or drop by to thank them in person, please take a moment to lock yourself into a closet until this urge completely passes. Instead, do something productive and make good notes of the day's events. Hopefully, you will receive offers for employment from several firms, and your notes will prove indispensable as you consider which offer to accept.

See the following articles for more information:
  1. Legal Jobs
  2. Legal Articles
  3. Law Students
  4. Law Student Job Search Resources
  5. Interview Resources for Law Students
  6. Few Things You Can Do at a Legal Interview

published July 30, 2013

By Author - LawCrossing
( 7 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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