Here are 10 things you should know about legal interviews:
1) They aren't all that different from regular job interviews.
I actually had to do MORE for two job interviews prior to attending law school. The biggest difference is that those involved tests and practical demonstrations, while legal interviews are conversations. Also, those involved multiple interviewers, and so far my legal interviews have all been one on one.
2) A legal interviewer knows A LOT about you before you walk into the room.
Legal interviewers already have a resume and a transcript, and they probably have a writing sample and cover letter as well. This means they have up to 4 pieces of paper before they meet you. In addition, law school transcripts say a lot more than an undergrad one, since the course and curricula are pretty similar across schools. There are only two law schools in Maryland as it is, so chances are your interviewer took the same course from the same professor. And in the writing sample the interviewer has an example of work product, not just grades.
3) A legal interview can easily be over before you open your mouth.
Piggy-backing on the last one, while your paperwork might get you in the door, that might be all it gets you. The legal community is huge on etiquette. Showing up late means you probably aren't getting the job. Dressing inappropriately also means you probably aren't getting the position. I've heard anecdotes about women getting points against them for expensive designer purses, and guys losing out for missing a spot while shaving that morning. The optimist says this all goes to attention to detail, the pessimist says the market is bad enough to support sometimes arbitrary distinctions.
4) The legal interviewer may know NOTHING about you.
I know, number 2 says the opposite! Some legal interviewers are too busy to read your resume. They may have not read your writing sample. They may have not read your transcript. You need to be prepared to work this into the interview. If you have a great internship listed, but the interviewer doesn't ask you about it or read your resume, you need to let them know.
5) You aren't going to be asked about grades.
I haven't had any "Big Law" interviews yet, but I haven't been asked about grades at any of my interviews. I haven't been asked about the good ones, the bad ones, or the average ones. I would assume that if you are interviewing at a Big Law type firm that only takes top 10%, your grades are already qualified enough anyways.
6) Be prepared to talk.
I've found legal interviewers to have far less questions than traditional job interviews. They tend to ask very broad, open ended questions. You need to be able to not only keep up your end of the conversation, but keep it moving forward. I have been asked simply, "Tell me about yourself" and felt totally lost.
7) Be prepared to shut your mouth.
Legal interviewers are lawyers. They already did law school. They now have jobs, and are successful. You are a student who NEEDS their acceptance. If you are in the middle of your awesome story about the time you saved the day for your last boss, and the interviewer makes a sound, you need to shut your mouth. This sounds obvious, but sometimes you get so caught up in trying to share everything about yourself, it can be hard to stop.
8) Have copies of all your paperwork, AND A BUSINESS CARD.
The first thing they ask for is your card. Its a terrible way to start off an interview. Print one on your computer if you have to. Also, some of them may not have copies of your resume or transcript available, so have at least two clean copies of each. Its great to be able to hand them one if they need one, and its good to have your own copy to reference, just in case.
9) You need to do research.
At a bare minimum, you had better at least google the firm you are interviewing for. I would suggest, at a minimum, reading up on the type of work they do, any major cases or victories, and schools they attended (if the firm is small enough). First of all, its great to let them know you are interested, and not just looking for ANY job. Second, its great to have talking points or common ground to discuss. And finally, everyone likes their ego stroked at least a little, and knowing about someone's work is a great start.
10) Have a question for the interviewer.
I was told to do this for work interviews after graduating from my undergrad university. And none of those interviewers seemed to really care. However, all of my legal interviewers have asked if I had any questions, and taken the time to answer. I got the idea that they really wanted me to ask something, and weren't just asking as a formality.
Well there you have it. If anyone has any good sites with more info, or wants to share their own stories, feel free to leave a comment.
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