why does a lawyer want a phone interview before seeing you

by Lora Goyette 8 min read

A phone interview is more passive, less committal, and suggests that you may not be the right candidate. If a law firm wants to speak with you before meeting you in person, WATCH OUT. Let’s get something clear right away: The telephone screening is an opportunity but not necessarily a good thing.

Full Answer

Should you talk during an interview on the phone?

Dec 06, 2016 · A phone interview is more passive, less committal, and suggests that you may not be the right candidate. If a law firm wants to speak with you before meeting you in …

Are phone interviews worth the effort?

Jan 08, 2018 · By asking this question upfront, you give yourself the opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings before the phone call ends. Make your response brief and thoughtful, and be sure not to get defensive. The answer to this question can also help your lawyer resume writing service further customize your resume before you apply to similar positions.

Why do interviewers ask you to explain things that they already know?

Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing. You will want to see how the candidate handles conflict, especially with someone for whom they work. What to look for in an answer: Ability to articulate conflict-handling strategies.

What should I do if my interviewer calls me?

The Phone Interview is the first mile marker in The Job Interview Marathon. It’s a special situation because it’s not face-to-face and relies more heavily on the imagination. This creates a different dynamic with a different set of rules and expectations. No need to worry about eye contact, a firm handshake or your smile…at this point.

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Why would a lawyer contact me?

It could be that you are a witness to some event that they represent someone else for, they could represent a creditor of yours, or many, many, many other reasons.

Do lawyers try to scare you into hiring them?

Attorneys That Use Scare Tactics

If an attorney is attempting to scare you into hiring them to handle your case, they are probably exhibiting bullying behavior that can have very negative consequences later on in your case.

What is the purpose of a client interview?

Whether you are an attorney interviewing a potential client in need of legal help or a human services worker interviewing clients and their family members to assess their needs, the purpose of a client interview is to collect enough information to help solve the client's problem.

What is intake interview for a lawyer?

Client intake interview questions are part of a screening process lawyers, attorneys and paralegals use to evaluate potential clients. Private attorneys, corporate attorneys and attorneys working in law firms often use intake questions to learn more about a client's case, goals and desired outcomes.Aug 12, 2021

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your Lawyer
  • I forgot I had an appointment. ...
  • I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ...
  • I have already done some of the work for you. ...
  • My case will be easy money for you. ...
  • I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ...
  • Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.
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Mar 17, 2021

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

How do you pass a client interview?

7 Tips to Pass a Client Interview
  1. Make sure that you have a fast, stable internet connection and a good microphone. ...
  2. Research about your client. ...
  3. Be honest about EVERYTHING on your resume and portfolio. ...
  4. Don't be afraid to highlight your accomplishments and showcase your skills. ...
  5. Ask them some questions.
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Jul 10, 2018

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation?

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation? A good lawyer knows that every case is different and without doing research. A good lawyer will not guarantee the outcome of any case.

How do you start a conversation on a phone interview?

Before you hang up, address the interviewer by name.
  1. Get prepared for your phone interview. ...
  2. Answer the call in a professional manner and introduce yourself. ...
  3. Before you hang up, address the interviewer by name. ...
  4. Greet the individual who answers the call. ...
  5. Ask for the appropriate individual.
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Jun 29, 2021

How do you answer a question like a lawyer?

Do Not Exaggerate. Specifically, do not make over-broad statements that you may have to correct. Be particularly careful in responding to a question that begins “Wouldn't you agree that . . .?” The explanation should be in your own words; do not let an attorney put words in your mouth. Explain your answer if necessary.Mar 3, 2014

What questions should I ask my lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
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Jan 29, 2017

What are the objectives of a first interview with a client?

In the initial client interview, you should give the client the opportunity to fully explain the facts, as well as their interests in resolving the dispute. Don't cut off the client. The interview is an opportunity to build a relationship of trust as well as to obtain necessary facts.

Is a phone interview a good thing?

Let’s get something clear right away: The telephone screening is an opportunity but not necessarily a good thing.

Who is Harrison Barnes?

Harrison Barnes is also the founder and CEO of The Employment Research Institute, an umbrella of 500 job search websites, employment publications, placement firms, and companies.

Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis?

The purpose of this question is not necessarily to test the substance of the answer but more the fact that the candidate has an answer. This is indicative of the fact that they are informed and see the larger picture. So much of what a lawyer does relies on having strong background knowledge of the law.

Can you give an example of where you have chosen to involve yourself in the broader legal community?

Lawyers that network and do the “extra-curricular” activities are generally better informed about recent developments than other attorneys. In addition, networking helps a lawyer build a reputation in the legal sector. Attorneys who have better connections with other attorneys benefit from getting referrals of business from those other attorneys.

How do you handle a disagreement with a superior over a legal matter?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing.

Can you elaborate on a situation where you were unsuccessful and how you handled it?

You should get a sense of how the lawyer handles adversity because there is quite a bit of it in the legal profession. A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point.

What aspect of the daily job of being a lawyer interests you the most?

Every lawyer has strengths and weaknesses. Some attorneys do things better than others. This question will test what a lawyer believes that they are good at and what interests them. If they indicate that they dislike a critical basic area of the job, it can help you determine where they would be a good fit in your company.

Have you ever worked on a case that was hard not to take home with you? How did you handle the situation?

Depending on the type of law they practice, lawyers may have to work on cases that evoke emotions like those in family cases or criminal trials. This question allows an interviewer to gauge a candidate's ability to maintain their mental health when working on particularly difficult cases.

How to prepare for an interview?

A few days before the call, prepare for the interview in the same way you would ready yourself for an in-person meeting. Review the questions and answers you'll likely be asked. When the day comes, wear clothes that help you feel confident, capable, and professional.

Can you take notes while talking?

Though it might appear to help you take notes or be able to look at your resume, it could make it difficult for your interviewer to hear you. Don't risk the chance of being misunderstood or losing a key answer to static. Consider instead wearing a headset if you want to take notes while you talk.

Is a landline better than a cell phone?

If you have a landline in your home, generally it should provide a clearer connection than a cell phone. If you are using a cell phone, make sure the service in your location is consistent. And finally, if you're making the call through the Internet, do a test run with someone before your call.

Who is Alison Doyle?

Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers , and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Read The Balance's editorial policies. Alison Doyle. Updated February 14, 2021. Phone interviews can be both a blessing and curse: As part of a larger interview process, phone interviews generally mean you ...

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