Interviewing for attorney jobs can be a daunting task for new lawyers. Whether you are interviewing for a position at a prestigious law firm, a government agency, or a corporate legal department, the interview process is your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you successfully navigate the legal interview process with confidence and professionalism:
Before your interview, thoroughly research the firm or organization. Understand their practice areas, clients, culture, and recent cases or projects. Firms can have broad practices with many areas of expertise, or they can be very niche. Tailor your answers to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the firm’s needs and values.
Google and other search engines are fantastic when preparing for your interview. Avoid the temptation to rely on artificial intelligence platforms; they are useful tools for many things, but when it comes to knowledge about the firm or organization you are interviewing with, your data must be 100 percent accurate. ChatGPT and the like often fall short of that.
If you know who you’re interviewing with, research their background and come prepared with an understanding of their work and life experience. We are all human and one of our favorite topics is ourselves. Interviewers want to know you’ve taken a minute to learn about their journey. Maybe you went to the same university, cheer for the same sports team, or have a similar hobby or passion. If so, be sure to elicit that information during your interview. A little connection can go a long way.
Dress in professional attire that is appropriate, but still be yourself. Many firms are modernizing, and a pantsuit or suit and tie isn’t always required, but for your first impression, a professional outfit will come across well.
Be ready to discuss your background, experiences, and career goals. Practice answering behavioral questions (i.e., response/approach to actual or hypothetical situations) that explore your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and decision-making processes. Law firms must see how you think through complex issues and how you will conduct yourself on their team.
Prepare specific examples of your accomplishments, such as leading a successful project, authoring an article in your legal journal, volunteering for a legal clinic, or arguing in a mock trial. Keep in mind that humility isn’t your friend during an interview. Strike an important balance between humility and sharing your story. Provide your achievements in the context of gratitude for those who helped and supported you on your journey.
What makes you special? Do you have relevant experience that most people don’t? Law school admission, graduation, and landing a job are each competitive. You’ve already knocked out two of three! You certainly have a specific experience or knowledge in a particular area that sets you apart from other candidates. The lens you look through is singularly yours. Find a way to tell your story that expresses the unique perspective you bring to the practice of law that will enrich the firm’s legal team if they hire you.
Showcase your understanding of legal concepts, current events, and relevant case law. Discuss how you stay updated with legal developments and your commitment to ongoing learning, especially concerning the firm’s practice areas.
Approach the interview with confidence and with curiosity. This is as much an interview as it is a time for you to learn about the firm and ask questions. While interviews are a time for serious discussion about yourself, the role, and the employer, it’s important to be authentic and let your genuine personality shine through. Be yourself! Authenticity is often left at the front door, and interviewers can tell the difference between a candidate’s nervousness and someone trying to present as someone they are not. As the younger generation of lawyers might say, “You do you”—even in an interview!
Prepare insightful questions about the firm’s practice areas, client base, and opportunities for growth. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through basic research. Each firm has a unique culture and mix of cases, so try to be specific in your questions to understand the firm at a deeper level.
Send a thank-you email or letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. I prefer a handwritten note unless the timing of the interview process doesn’t allow it. Handwritten notes are a lost art and are a great chance to stand out from the rest of the applicant pool. Take the time to genuinely reiterate your interest in the position and briefly summarize why you are a strong candidate.
As a managing partner of my firm, when interviewing candidates, I focus not only on the candidate's legal knowledge but also on how they will fit with our team and support our practice. Remember, each interview is an opportunity to land a job and learn more about yourself, your career goals, and the type of firm you’ll fit best in.
Mastering legal interviews requires thorough preparation, confidence, and authenticity. By researching the firm, preparing for common questions, highlighting your achievements, and showcasing your skills, you can impress prospective employers and secure the legal position you deserve.
