how does interview for lawyer position look like

What do employers look for in a lawyer interview?

Employers are looking for a mix of hard and soft skills (including enthusiasm, humility, and curiosity)—skills and traits you want to display when answering common legal job interview questions. Keep in mind that lawyers typically haven’t been trained in interviewing techniques so that you may get some odd questions on occasion.

How early should you show up to a law firm interview?

It's no secret you shouldn't be late for an interview, but you shouldn't be too early either. Show up five minutes before your appointment. It shows you're responsible but not overeager. Law firms hire people who are professional and detail-oriented.

What questions do they ask in a law school interview?

These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role: What was your favorite course in law school and why? Tell me about a case you were lead on that substantially broadened your knowledge of the legal field. Which extracurricular groups were you involved in during law school?

What are some hard skills interview questions for lawyers?

Top hard skills interview questions for lawyers Tell me about a complex legal issue you worked on. Describe the complexity and tell me how you approached it.

General questions

These questions help a hiring partner get to know you a little more by understanding your passions, interests and how you may fit into the firm's culture:

Questions about experience and background

These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role:

In-depth questions

An interviewer may ask these questions to get to know how you build a relationship with clients and navigate court issues. These questions also give you a chance to explain your processes and display the parts of your personality that make you the right candidate for the role.

Sample interview questions and answers

Review these sample interview questions and answers to form your own responses:

Law firm interview tips

Here are some interview tips to consider so you can present yourself well to the hiring partner:

What Were Your Favorite Law School Classes?

Again, an easy question to ask that can be a minefield for the unprepared. It doesn’t matter how you respond to this, as long as the courses you offer have a reasonable relationship to the job you’re interviewing for.

What Type of Law Are You Interested In?

If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position in a firm, or with a judge or certain internships, you might not be expected to have a strong interest in exactly the subject matter of the job on offer. However, you still need an answer prepared your elevator pitch to explain what type of law you eventually see yourself practicing.

Why Is This Job a Good Fit for You?

It’s unlikely you’ll be asked this question directly, but it’s likely to be asked obliquely. (“Why Organization X?”) It is where you get to showcase the research you did on the organization and job description. You want to show that a) you know what the job description requires and b) that you’re a good fit.

I See You Like Baking. What Do You Like to Bake?

The most important information on your résumé actually has nothing to do with law at all — it’s your hobbies and interests. If well selected, these can fill a good chunk of time in an interview and allow you to make a more human connection with the interviewer.

What Is Your Opinion on the Holding of James v. Smith?

Just kidding! You’ll hardly ever be asked substantive law questions in an interview. You might encounter “behavioral” questions along the lines of, “Tell me how you’d handle this situation with opposing counsel,” but you’ll almost never be quizzed on legal topics. So don’t stress over them.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Lawyer Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

Examples Of Specific Lawyer Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

Common Law Firm Interview Questions

While there is always a chance you could get an off-the-wall question, recruiters typically stick to certain routines during job interviews. This is done for a variety of reasons, one of which is to ensure a level playing field for analyzing all potential employees.

More Examples of Law Firm Interview Questions

There are many more questions an interviewer may ask during a job interview. This depends on the type of law you’re practicing, the job position you’re applying for, and of course, the interviewer’s level of expertise.

After the Job Interview

After the potential employer goes through all the legal interview questions, the tables turn, and it’s time for you to start asking questions. Most interviewers will ask whether you have any questions for them. This is a perfect opportunity to come off as curious by asking open-ended and substantive questions about the job and the firm.

Why do you ask questions in a law firm interview?

Asking questions during a law firm interview matters because the answers provide you with helpful information about the firm and your potential role. Having questions prepared also shows the law firm your values, work ethic, and priorities. Preparing can help you appear more confident during your interview, as well.

How to communicate your desire to be part of a law firm?

To effectively communicate your desire to be part of a law team, you must prepare thoughtful questions in your interview. Asking these can help you gauge whether the firm is a good fit for you, and it sets you apart from other candidates. Let's look at some tips to consider when preparing questions to ask during a law firm interview, ...

Why is it important to prepare for an interview?

Preparing can help you appear more confident during your interview, as well. Relevant questions show your intelligence, analytical thinking skills, and initiative. Although it is a small step to take during your interview preparation, having questions establishes you as a strong candidate for the law firm.

General Questions

Questions About Experience and Background

• These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role: 1. What was your favorite course in law school and why? 2. Tell me about a case you were lead on that substantially broadened your knowledge of the legal field. 3. Which extracurricular groups were you involved in during law school? 4. T...

See more on indeed.com

In-Depth Questions

Law Firm Interview Tips