questions to ask a lawyer when job shadowing

by Prof. Jerald Borer Jr. 6 min read

Should you Shadow a lawyer to find a job?

If you’re having trouble finding a job, you might try shadowing. The idea behind shadowing – where you follow a lawyer throughout a work day, or perhaps a work-week or more – is to get a first-hand glimpse of what the job is all about. But shadowing has other benefits as well.

What questions should I ask during job shadowing?

These job shadowing questions are geared toward helping you learn about your guide's role in the company: What can prepare me for this particular role? What do you contribute to your team? How often do you work alone?

Should you ask questions when hiring a lawyer?

If a lawyer rushes you or makes you feel that your questions are naĂŻve, you may need to keep looking. Taking the time to ask questions at the beginning will give you a much better chance of having a solid and successful attorney-client relationship.

What is the interview process like at job shadowing?

You're given a chance to ask job shadowing questions, observe a "day in the life of," and just absorb and reflect on whether the environment and the workers are something that appeal to you.

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How do you prepare for a shadowing interview?

Here are some ways you can get ready for a shadow interview: Confirm the details: Call or email the interview organizer to confirm the day, time and location of the interview. Verify the person you're shadowing and their title. Ask for their contact information.

Does a job Shadow mean I got the job?

You will essentially shadow another employee who is already doing the job you are looking to fill. In doing so, you can learn about the job and what the expectations are before you are required to start doing the work yourself.

What are some tips for during job shadowing?

Tips for a Successful Job Shadowing ExperienceMake Sure You're Clear on the Details. Before you arrive for your job-shadowing stint, be clear on its details. ... Do Your Research. ... Reflect On Your Own Career Path. ... Focus on Your Interactions With People. ... Stay Positive. ... Take Notes. ... Forget About Your Smartphone.

How many questions should you prepare for a job shadow?

10-15 questionsJob Shadowing: You can also discover workplace skills and career-related experiences that are essential to being successful in your chosen field. Research the employer and/or industry you will be observing. Be sure to prepare 10-15 questions to ask during your time at the job site.

How long does a job shadow last?

Though most shadowing opportunities typically last for a few hours or a full workday, some individuals may shadow every day for a week or two. Regardless of the time spent, job shadowing is a chance to ask questions about the job, gain critical skills and make a great impression to help you network in the future.

What is one way to act professionally while shadowing?

The way you interact with the people you encounter will determine how much you get from your time job shadowing. Focus on making good impressions, shaking hands with every person you meet, maintaining eye contact, and addressing them with their formal titles unless you're told otherwise.

What are the 6 don'ts in shadowing?

Don'tsShow up late. Remember that early is on time and on time is late. ... Be discouraged if a patient does not want you in the room. ... Shadow solely for a letter of recommendation. ... Disrespect other healthcare providers or staff. ... Break HIPAA or other rules of the organization.

What are the disadvantages of job shadowing?

Cons or Disadvantages of Job Shadowing :Lack in identifying: ... Long Working Hours: ... Workplace setup: ... Prior Education: ... Clashing Schedules: ... Language Pattern: ... Lack of Motivation: ... Lack of Comfort:More items...

What happens in a shadow interview?

A shadow interview consists of a candidate following an employee around as the employee carries out his everyday job responsibilities. It usually happens as the last stage in the interview process. You can either use it in conjunction with a sit-down interview or use it in place of one.

Do you get paid for shadowing days?

Work shadowing The employer does not have to pay the minimum wage if an internship only involves shadowing an employee, meaning no work is carried out by the intern and they are only observing.

Are job shadows common?

First, seek opportunities where job shadowing is common When seeking opportunities, look in fields where job shadowing is likely to occur. This includes government agencies, large corporations, service jobs like hospitality and customer service, medical professions and more.

What should you ask someone about their career?

10 Questions To Ask Someone About Their CareerWhat has your career path been? ... Why [this industry]? ... What is your current role like? ... What does an average week look like for you? ... What are your career aspirations? ... Do you feel like you're making a difference in your job?More items...•

How to get a job shadowing job?

First, you need to get a job shadowing opportunity. Research companies in your area that interest you. Or, approach your high school or college career counselors and ask them if they can help you arrange a job shadowing day—many schools maintain contacts in the business community for just this purpose.

What to do if you don't hear anything from a job shadow?

If the day comes and goes and you don't hear anything, politely inquire about the status of your job shadow request. If your job shadow request is approved, you need to approach it like a job interview (this is also a benefit to job shadowing—it provides some interview practice) and think about what job shadowing questions you want to ask ...

How to get the most out of a job shadowing experience?

Either way, the only way you'll really get the most from the experience is by being prepared, which includes coming up with job shadowing questions. Do your homework on the career you're angling for (as well as the industry) before your visit, and then come up with job shadowing questions that you believe will help fill in the blanks for you—things you can't gain by looking them up online or reading about them in a book.

What to wear to a job shadow?

A good option is dress pants and a dress shirt, or a skirt and a dress shirt. Bring along a notebook and pen to take notes on the answers provided to your job shadowing questions. When meeting others (especially the person you'll job shadow!), always make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Your primary goal when job shadowing is to observe.

What to say to a company if you don't have a school?

If you don't have a school to help you, it's OK to send a letter to a company's human resources department making your request and stating why you chose the company. You can say something like, "I'm very interested in architecture, and I would love the opportunity to job shadow someone at your company, to see what it's like to be in the industry."

How to find a rewarding career?

Finding a good work/play balance inline with what you need is one key to finding a rewarding career. You might be able to work and play at the same time

Do shadows make more than you think?

Most people you shadow will be happy to share how much they make. And you may be surprised, some careers may make more than you thought, and some less.

What is job shadowing?

Job shadowing gives you a great opportunity to pick your contact’s brain when it comes to the job itself, but also how to get the job. They could have solid advice on how to apply, what places to apply to, and the contacts to make within the industry.

Why do you shadow a job?

Everyone has expectations heading into a new job, career choice, or industry. That’s exactly why you’re job shadowing! You’re seeing if it meets your dream of what the job is like. Your contact can give you the best answer as to what their expectations were and how the position meets them .

How to shadow a lawyer?

Shadowing starts by researching law positions that match your skills and interests. Do your homework. Consider a variety of positions – from public defenders to private practitioners – to see which ones suit you best. Then pick up the phone and ask if you can hang out together. Use available resources.

How to shadow a student?

Use available resources. Visit your school’s career center or alumni association. Drop by the local chamber of commerce. Introduce yourself. Explain that you’re looking for a shadowing opportunity.

What to do if you have trouble finding a job?

If you’re having trouble finding a job, you might try shadowing.

Is law a good job for shadowing?

One career expert says the law is a perfect profession for shadowing, and that it can yield big dividends in a tight market.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

What should a lawyer outline?

Lawyers should outline the possible ways to handle a case and then explain why they have chosen a particular strategy, including the pros and cons.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

Why do police shadow?

Shadowing at a police department can orient you to the types of duties you might be performing as an officer of the law or as a support professional who works in the police department. ...

Do most positions require training?

Most positions require a certain level of training specific to the job. Ask questions about where you can obtain training or schooling, what datelines and process you must follow for signing up, how many recruits they accept each year and whether you would be eligible for particular positions.

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 find a good law firm?

Conduct background research on the firm before creating your list. Use this information to guide your questions. Begin by visiting the firm’s website and familiarizing yourself with its mission, vision, and goals. It’s helpful to note the year the firm opened and any high-profile cases or clients. Knowing the clientele can reveal their values and the type of individuals who work there. A firm that often represents and defends small businesses in frivolous lawsuits believes in honesty, integrity, and has a strong work ethic, whereas firms with many high-profile cases might seek to attract new clients and build a reputation.

Why is asking for personal experience important?

The interviewer might have sound advice about potential situations you might encounter. Asking for personal experience expresses an interest in a potential co-worker. Building relationships is an important skill that shows you value the opinions of others.

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.

What is forward thinking in leadership?

Your forward-thinking goals and priority on a leadership position reveal that you are looking for ways you can help the firm. It allows for elaboration and can also give you key information about the opportunities for upward mobility within the firm. In some cases, associates can work their way up to being partners.

Can associates work as partners?

In some cases, associates can work their way up to being partners. While other firms might have different routes and opportunities, such as a chance to lead firms in other cities, it will depend on the leadership structure within the firm and its size.

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Questions About The Company

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These questions can help you learn more about the particular company you are job shadowing at: 1. What is your favorite part of working here? 2. What is your least favorite part of working here? 3. What is the company culture like here? 4. What makes this company unique? 5. Who are your biggest clients? 6. What is the hirin…
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Questions About Their Career

  • Ask these questions to learn more about your guide's career and the steps they took to get where they are today: 1. What did you major in? 2. Where did you go to school? 3. How did you pick your area of study? 4. What interested you the most about this career? 5. How has your career changed since you first started? 6. What do I need to know to get into this career? 7. What is your end goa…
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Job Shadowing Questions with Sample Answers

  • Read through these job shadowing questions with sample answers to know what to expect from your guide's responses: 1. What do you enjoy about your job? 2. Can you explain your career path to me? 3. If you could redo anything, what would it be? 4. What is something about your job that surprises most people? 5. What are some common challenges you experience in this role? 6. W…
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