How to prepare for your law firm interview

If you have a law firm interview coming up, congratulations! The first step toward getting your dream job is getting your foot in the door for an interview. And the key to success at that interview is proper preparation. Here are some important tips to keep in mind as you get ready for your law firm interview.

Know the firm

Before your law firm interview, do your research. You should go on the firm’s website and learn about its history, notable cases, and practice areas. What sets the firm apart? Is it their innovative practice areas, work-life balance, or commitment to taking on pro bono cases? 

If you are told which attorneys you are interviewing with ahead of time, do your research on them too! Have they worked on any impressive cases? How long have they been with the firm?

After you do your research, prepare a short list of questions for the firm and the attorney(s) who will be conducting your interview. This shows that you are thoughtful, prepared, and enthusiastic about the firm. 

If you are very interested in working at the firm, don’t just say it – show it! It helps to connect in ways other than simply interviewing with them. Are there any firm-sponsored law student receptions you can attend? Are there any alumni from your law school that are at the firm that you could connect with ahead of time? Don’t be afraid to reach out!

Review your resume

Make sure your resume is grammatically correct and error-free. (You would be surprised at the number of resumes with errors that are submitted to law firms!) Check your formatting. Have the Career Services office at your law school review your resume ahead of time if possible. A second set of eyes never hurts!

Also, make sure that your resume is accurate. If you list certain skills or language proficiencies, you may be asked about them. Do not exaggerate on your resume or it may very well come back to haunt you.

Practice makes perfect

Participate in as many mock interviews as possible before the real thing! If your interview takes place online, then try to set up some virtual mock interviews. If your interview is in person, make sure to practice in person. 

Practicing ahead of time will boost your confidence and help you polish your answers to tricky questions you may be asked!

Be prepared to answer questions on the following topics:

Yourself: You may be asked to introduce yourself, share strengths and weaknesses, and discuss professional goals.

Your law school experience: Be prepared to explain why you chose to go to law school, reflect on your favorite or least favorite classes, and share experiences from a clinic or law review.

Your professional experience: The firm may ask you to discuss past jobs and how they’ve prepared you for a legal career, talk about challenging or interesting projects, or share what you’ve learned from prior summer experiences.

Your career aspirations: Be prepared to discuss your ideal work environment, your five-year vision, and why a firm should choose you over someone else.

Firm-specific inquiries: You may be asked what you know about the firm, what you can contribute to the firm, and the practice areas or markets you are interested in (as well as why you are interested in those practice areas or markets).

Behavioral questions: The firm may ask you about how you’ve overcome obstacles, exhibited leadership, or handled conflicts. Be prepared to give examples.

Be professional and punctual

Your first impression matters. Dress professionally and err on the side of dressing conservatively.

Be early to your interview. Not only will you arrive less flustered and more confident, but you will also be making a good impression on the firm. (If you absolutely must be late for some unforeseen reason, please contact the firm as soon as possible to let them know. Communication is key.)

Every interaction counts

Some students think that their interview begins the minute they set foot in a room with the recruiter or partner. But in reality, it begins before that (and may very well end after that).

Consider every interaction with the firm to be part of your interview — whether that is with an attorney, a secretary or someone in the recruiting office. People talk. If you are rude or unprofessional, word will get around. 

Interviewing with a law firm can be an exciting — yet nerve-wracking — experience. But with these tips in mind, you will go into your interview more prepared, more confident, and ready to make a great impression on the firm.