How to Interview at a Law Firm

Interviewing has changed significantly during the past 10members of their organization. Be ready with a solid list
years. The process has become less formal, andof reasons why you should be hired. For example, "I
interviews are frequently shorter and less structuredgraduated from a good law school, wrote articles for
than they used to be. Your performance during joba law journal, and interned for a judge." These reasons
interviews will be a major factor in how many offersall present a strong logical case why you should be
you receive, as most law firms make hiring decisionshired.
based in large part on how a candidate presentsDressing appropriately for an interview is important.
themselves during an interview. In the old days, lawCheck on the dress code at the law firm or
firms would accept resumes, screen them for qualifiedorganization where you are interviewing. If the
applicants, and invite those applicants to meet withattorneys wear business casual or business attire, then
several of the firm's partners for interviews. Thebe sure to wear a suit. I recommend wearing a dark
partners would ask each candidate the same list ofsuit, white shirt, and a dark red or blue tie for men. If
questions, and then make a decision. Today,there is any doubt about what clothing is appropriate,
interviewing is much faster paced and not as formal. Ithen dress conservatively and wear a dark suit. If the
have met lawyers for job interviews at Starbucks or aattorneys at the organization where you are
restaurant rather than an office. Interviews areinterviewing dress casually, then you may not want to
frequently rushed and last less than 10 minutes.wear a suit. If the office is very casual and everyone
Sometimes it is not even clear whether or not ausually wears jeans and T-shirts, then you may want
meeting is actually an interview!to wear business casual cloths. Khakis and a nice shirt
This new environment requires attorneys who arewill suffice. I once interviewed at an internet company
looking for a job to develop new skills. Rather thanand wore a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie. I looked
waiting for the person conducting the interview to askoverdressed and awkward as I sat on a bean-bag
you a question, have a few concise talking points thatchair and talked about my qualifications. The person
explain your background, why you want to work forwho was interviewing me was wearing blue jeans,
the organization, and how you can help it succeed. Aand I did not look like someone who would fit in at their
candidate should be able to make a convincing casecompany. Remember that although it is usually best to
for why they should be hired in about 5 minutes.wear a suit to an interview, there are exceptions. After
Probably the most important thing to remember aboutthe interview is over, be sure to follow up with the
the interviewing process is this: people make hiringperson and thank them for meeting with you. I usually
decisions based on emotional reasons and justify theirsend a quick e-mail the next day. Let the person know
decisions with logical reasons. Focus on connectingthat you are still interested in the job, and mention
with the person who is conducting the interview.something that you discussed during the interview. For
Present yourself as a confident, trustworthy, intelligent,example, "it was interesting to learn how your firm has
and outgoing individual. If the person conducting thebeen expanding its real estate practice." Interviewing
interview is impressed and wants to hire you, thenrequires patience and practice. If you work on it, you
they will look for logical reasons to present to otherwill get better as you go along. Best of luck!