Interviewing for a legal job can be stressful. However, the good news is that many legal interview questions cover similar topics. You do not need to memorize answers to every question you could be asked, but you should think through the questions most likely to come up in your interview before it begins.
Here are some common questions to prepare for, along with tips for making a strong impression.
Start with the basics.
Nearly every interviewer will want to know more about you, your background, and why you are pursuing the opportunity.
Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why did you decide to attend law school?
- Why are you interested in this firm or organization?
- What area of law interests you?
- What is a case you have read that you found interesting?
- What is your favorite (or least favorite) class?
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What makes you a strong candidate for this position?
Don’t feel the need to memorize your answer to each question. But instead, make sure you know the main points you want to communicate.
Know your résumé.
Some interviewers will go line by line through your resume and ask detailed questions about internships, clinics and research projects. Be ready to talk about your resume in detail.
You may be asked:
- What did you learn from your last position?
- What was the most interesting project you worked on?
- Tell me about your law review, moot court or clinic experience.
- How has your previous experience prepared you to practice law?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- Tell me more about [specific interest].
It is very common for employers to ask about your interests section. Spend some time considering your genuine interests and be ready to talk about them.
Prepare for behavioral questions.
Employers will use behavioral questions to get an idea of how you have handled situations in the past.
Common examples of behavioral questions include:
- Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge.
- Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.
- Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult team member.
- Describe a time you had multiple competing priorities.
- Tell me about a goal you did not meet and what you learned.
- Give an example of a time you had to adapt quickly.
It is best to have specific responses to these questions. Think back to relevant experiences, the actions you took and what you learned from them. Consider times when you have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, conflict management, problem-solving and time management. It is a good idea to prepare several examples ahead of time. The same example may work for different questions.
Research the employer.
It is very important to research the employer ahead of time. Review the employer’s website and research the person or people interviewing you. If possible, connect with attorneys from the firm ahead of time. You can do this by attending recruiting events at your law school or simply writing a professional networking email to the attorney.
You should be able to answer questions such as:
- Why are you interested in our firm or organization?
- Why do you want to work in this office or location?
- What interests you about our practice areas?
- Have you spoken with anyone who works here?
It is a good idea to identify two or three genuine reasons that the opportunity appeals to you.
Prepare questions of your own.
In most cases, you will be asked, “What questions do you have for us?” You should have questions prepared.
Some ideas for questions are:
- What does a successful summer associate do particularly well here?
- What kind of mentoring or professional development does the organization provide?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- How did you choose your practice area?
- What advice would you give someone beginning their career at this firm or organization?
Don’t ask a question that can be answered by the firm’s website.
Be Professional.
Remember to be professional. This means you should arrive early for interviews and be dressed professionally. You should also communicate professionally with all staff at the firm, regardless of whether someone is formally interviewing you.
Lastly, if your law school offers practice interviews, it is a great chance to refine your approach and get valuable feedback.
