Summary: Treat your legal job interview just like any other interview but narrow your questions down to the industry by asking these 21 questions.
Treating an interview more like a conversation instead of an interrogation will help it go smoothly and successfully. A candidate that can show their interest in the law firm or organization with thoughtful questions will do better in an interview.
Read A Wealth of Resources for Becoming a Successful Paralegal.
Research the law firm/organization before attending the interview to get a better idea of what they are all about, such as their mission statement, typical pro bono work, work culture, and more. Asking insightful questions that can’t be answered by reading their website show how invested you are in the law firm/organization.
- How did you get interested in this practice area?
- Did you focus on (interest topic) during law school? (For those still in law school continue with the second part of the question) Are there any courses or clinics that you recommend to better my understanding of (specific) field?
- Why did you select this firm/organization over others?
- What do you like most about this firm/organization?
- What is the firm/organization’s culture like?
- What makes someone successful in this position?
- How will I receive assignments?
- What type of assignments will I typically work on?
- Will I be assigned to projects or to partners/senior attorneys?
- How is work evaluated? What kind of feedback will I receive?
- How do you expect the firm to grow in the next five/ten years?
- Will there be a training or shadowing period? What will it be like?
- How are junior attorneys trained to develop business?
- What makes this firm/organization unique?
- Can you tell me about a memorable case/issue/deal that you worked on while at this firm/organization?
- What kind of interaction do attorneys have with those in other offices?
- Can you explain to me the management structure in greater detail?
- What do you find most challenging about your practice?
- What are the biggest challenges for the firm?
- Are there any concerns you have about me that I can clear up?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
Do you have any other questions that you believe are important to ask during an interview? Tell us your tips in the comments below.
To learn more about being successful during interviews, read:
The Art of Interviewing: Tips for Converting Interviews Into Offers
Law Firms Relying More on Behavioral Interviewing to Find the Best Candidates
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