BEFORE YOU GO:
Do your homework; surf the website; read anything you can find, and put together a
list of questions
There's no excuse now with the internet, for going into an interview without knowing
a fair amount about any law firm. Read the practice descriptions, client lists, attorney bios,
recent news. Use this information to formulate a list of topical, incisive questions. You'll
be way ahead of the candidate who comes in with the pat list.
We can give you inside knowledge about the people you'll be meeting, things about the firm
and practice that may not be generally known. Also, check to see if there are others at the firm
who you know, or who were in school with you.
Dress the part. Look professional and conservative. Don't try to make a "statement." I've heard
it said that if someone you don't know well compliments you on an article of clothing or jewelry,
you've gone too far.
Be prepared to talk in detail about anything on your resume.
Be able to quickly and comfortably go into depth on any of your practice, training, schooling or
life experiences. Have support for statements, claims and decisions. Have a plausible explaination for any potential negatives.
When you arrive:
Have something business related to read. Sit comfortably. Engage the receptionist in conversation
about something related to the firm, or themselves.
When you are greeted:
Make eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Be interested in the firm.
When walking down the halls, keep your eyes and ears open-watch how people interact. What is your
impression? Are they friendly? Busy? Would you feel comfortable with them? Are the doors open or closed?
When you ask questions: Prepare and practice what you are going to say. Sell yourself.
Think about why the firm is a good fit for you
Probe beyond an interviewer's initial answer. This will demonstrate your understanding of the firm
and your intellectual curiosity. It also shows you're truly engaged in the interview.
Ask the interviewer about themselves. For example:
"Tell me a little about you. How long have you been with your firm and what is your background?"
Also ask non-business questions to learn about the interviewer's life outside the law. If you can get
to these questions early on, it can help to break down the formality and ease any nervousness you may have.
Ask the same question of several interviewers - this is a great way to test for uniform versus
divergent views on a particular issue.
Be yourself. You and the firm are in this together. You're trying to figure out if they are a
good match for you and vice versa.
Here are some specific questions to help you with your list:
You might want to ask what a typical day is like for the associates at this firm as well
as in the specific department to which you will be assigned.
Who is the assigning partner and how are the assignments doled out?
What makes an associate successful at the firm and what skills and attributes are most needed to stand
out among the associate ranks?
What type of training or mentoring is offered at the firm?
What about the partnership track? Generally what has the history been for your practice area in terms
of making partner?
What about reviews? Are they conducted twice per year or just one time during any given year?
Is there an opportunity to sit down with a partner or partners to discuss how to improve any specific
areas mentioned in the review? Are they written reviews, conducted face-to-face or both?
How busy is the department? Is this the reason that they are looking to add on another associate or
did someone leave to go to another firm?
Is there anything else that you need to know about me or any questions that I have not answered for you?"
Throw it right back to the interviewer!
After you have an offer in hand:
Ask tough questions - from what the hours are really like to what are your chances of getting stuck
in a practice area you hate. Make certain you spend some time with other associates, including your
class year/practice group peers. Find out what they think about their jobs.
Here are some articles which have good advice for the process. These are aimed at new graduates,
but the basics never change.