Read the full guide here: On-Campus Interview Master Guide
Why This Guide Matters
OCI remains the centerpiece of legal recruiting — many firms rely heavily on it to hire summer associates and future associates.
Without structured preparation, students often underperform, failing to convey fit, analytical rigor, or genuine interest.
The Guide distills data, insider strategies, templates, and step-by-step plans — all based on widespread law school recruiting trends — into actionable advice.
With proper preparation, candidates can dramatically increase their callback and offer rates. LawCrossing
In short: this is more than theory. It’s a playbook for turning your resume, interviews, and follow-up into meaningful results. Before heading into interviews, ensure your resume is optimized by consulting Expert Strategies to Build an Outstanding Law Student Resume: Your Ultimate Guide to Landing Legal Opportunities.
What’s Inside the Guide
| Section | Focus & Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| 1. Understanding OCI | Introduces how OCI works, including the dynamics of on-campus recruiting and how firms evaluate candidates. LawCrossing |
| 2. Preparation Timeline | A month-by-month schedule (6 months out, 4–5 months out, etc.) to structure your prep. LawCrossing |
| 3. Firm Research Strategy | How to analyze law firms — size, practice areas, culture, reputation — and use that intelligence in interviews. LawCrossing |
| 4. Application Materials | Templates and best practices for résumés, cover letters, law-student writing samples, and more. LawCrossing |
| 5. Interview Preparation | Common OCI formats, sample questions, frameworks (e.g. STAR), and mock interview strategies. LawCrossing |
| 6. Interview Day Strategy | A timeline for the day itself, advice on body language, pacing, and staying sharp under pressure. LawCrossing |
| 7. Post-Interview Follow-Up | How to send thank-you emails, track responses, and professionally follow up. LawCrossing |
| 8. Templates & Resources | Question banks, firm research checklists, sample thank-you email templates, and more. LawCrossing |
How to Use the Guide — Step by Step
Start Early (6+ Months Ahead)
Begin using the timeline section to break down tasks. Research firms, build your network, join law-relevant organizations.Customize Your Firm Research
Don’t just read firm websites. Use alumni networks, legal rankings (AmLaw, Chambers, Legal 500), recent deals or cases, and internal news sources to form a narrative about each target firm.Draft & Refine Application Materials
Use the templates inside the Guide. Tailor your résumé and cover letters to each firm’s areas of interest. Choose writing samples that showcase your analytical ability and relevance to the firm’s work.Simulate Interviews
Practice both screening and callback formats. Use behavioral and substantive questions from the Guide. Record yourself, get feedback, and refine answers using frameworks (STAR, issue-spotting structure, etc.).Plan the Interview Day Logistics
Arrive early, dress appropriately, track your schedule, ensure you have all materials (extra resumes, padfolio, firm research notes).Execute with Poise
During the interview: maintain eye contact, articulate answers with structure, ask thoughtful questions, and engage conversationally.Follow Up Strategically
Send personalized thank-you emails within 24 hours. Reference specific parts of your discussion. Use the templates in the Guide. If no response arrives, follow up 1–2 weeks later in a professional tone.Evaluate Offers with Context
Use the Guide’s advice on comparing salary, benefits, cultural fit, mentorship, practice growth, and geographical preferences to make an informed decision.
Key Tips & Pitfalls to Watch
Do not wing the “Why This Firm?” question. Prepare specific features of each firm you genuinely admire — using publicly available intelligence and recent cases.
Avoid “resume memorization” mistakes. Be ready to discuss any line on your résumé in detail, including motivations and outcomes.
Don’t neglect logistics. Getting lost, arriving late, or being disorganized can sink an otherwise strong performance.
Follow up — but don’t pester. A well-crafted thank-you note shows professionalism; pushy follow-ups can backfire.
Use the Guide’s checklists religiously. The power of this resource is in consistent application, not simply reading.
To maximize your success in on-campus interviews, pair this guide with our Legal Resume Refresh: 2025 Best Practices That Land Interviews article to ensure your résumé captures attention.
Final Thoughts
If you’re preparing to navigate the OCI gauntlet, the On-Campus Interview Master Guide from LawCrossing is more than just reading material — it’s your structured path to preparedness and confidence. When used diligently across each stage — from early preparation to interview day to follow-up — the Guide can meaningfully tilt the odds in your favor.
Don’t leave your recruitment to chance. Begin early, follow the guide’s timeline and strategies, and make each interview count. In the high-stakes arena of OCI, execution and consistency are what separate the offer winners from the rest.
