Ten Interview Questions for Second Career Lawyers and Sample Responses

 

1. Why did you return to school after working for a few years?

Sample answer: After working in my previous field for several years, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in law. I had always been interested in the law and considered attending law school after college. Still, I needed more practical work experience before committing to a legal career. After several years in my previous field, I felt that I had gained valuable skills and experience, but I also felt that I had reached a point where I was ready for a new challenge. I decided to return to school to pursue my law degree because I saw it as a way to combine my interest in the law with my desire to impact the world positively.These sample responses reflect the broader principles outlined in Mastering the Interview Process, BCG’s interview preparation guide for attorneys.

• If you’d like a broader list, see BCG’s 50 essential interview questions attorneys must master, which expands on the scenarios and answer strategies we only touched on above.

Do's: Show that you have a clear and compelling reason for returning to school to pursue a career in law. Emphasize how your previous work experience has prepared you for a career in the legal field.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that you only pursue a legal career because you couldn't succeed in your previous field. Refrain from downplaying the importance of practical work experience.


 

2. Tell me about your background/work experience. What did you gain from it? What does your experience allow you to bring to our firm/organization?

Sample answer: I have a diverse background that includes experience in the military, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a commitment to serving others. I have also gained valuable experience in project management, team building, and problem-solving. These skills and experiences will allow me to bring a unique perspective and set of skills to your firm/organization. I am confident that my background and experience will enable me to contribute positively to your team.

If you’d like more nuance on structuring your opening pitch, see BCG’s How to answer “Tell me about yourself” guide for attorneys.

Do's: Show that you have a diverse background and a range of skills and experiences relevant to the legal field. Emphasize how your background and experience can benefit the firm/organization.

Don'ts: Focus less on irrelevant experience or skills. Refrain from downplaying the importance of legal knowledge and expertise.

 

3. Of which experience are you most proud?

Sample answer: I am most proud of my experience in the military, where I had the opportunity to serve my country and develop leadership skills that have been valuable in every aspect of my life. During my time in the military, I learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, and I had the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I am proud of the contributions I made during my time in the military, and I believe that the skills and values I developed during that time have been invaluable in my subsequent career.

Do's: Show that you have the experience you are genuinely proud of and relevant to the legal field. Emphasize how your experience has prepared you for a legal career.

Don'ts: Focus less on irrelevant experiences or accomplishments. Don't suggest that you are only interested in the legal field because it is prestigious or lucrative.

 

4. Why are you leaving the military/your business? How will you deal with a new boss?

Sample answer: I am leaving the military/business because I am interested in pursuing a career in the legal field, which is a field that I have been passionate about for many years. While I have enjoyed my time in the military/business and have learned a lot from my experiences, I believe that the legal field is where I can make the most significant impact and find the most incredible sense of fulfillment. As for dealing with a new boss, I believe communication and respect are key. I am accustomed to working in a hierarchical environment and understand the importance of following orders and respecting authority. Still, I also believe sharing my thoughts, ideas, and concerns with my boss respectfully and constructively is essential. I am confident I can adapt to new leadership styles and work effectively with various bosses.

Do's: Show that you have a clear and compelling reason for leaving the military/business to pursue a legal career. Emphasize your willingness to adapt to new leadership styles and work collaboratively with others.

Don'ts: Don't speak negatively about your previous employer or suggest that you only leave because of problems or conflicts. Don't downplay the importance of following orders and respecting authority.
 

• After your interview, strategic follow-up matters — for which BCG’s The art of interviewing: converting interviews into offers offers useful tactics.

5. What inspired you to pursue a legal career later in life?

Sample answer: After working for many years in my previous career, I realized I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to make a more significant impact. I had always been interested in the law and considered pursuing a legal career earlier in my life but could not do so due to financial or family obligations. However, with the support of my family, I decided to pursue a legal career later in life and am excited to bring my life experience and skills to the legal profession.

Do's: Show that you have a clear and compelling reason for pursuing a legal career later in life. Emphasize your life experience and skills that will enable you to make a positive impact in the legal profession.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that you are pursuing a legal career simply because you are bored or dissatisfied with your previous career. Don't downplay the importance of legal knowledge and expertise.
 

• Before crafting responses, it helps to ground yourself in proven interview preparation techniques, including how to research interviewers and manage stress.

 

6. How has your previous career prepared you for a legal career?

Sample answer: My previous career has taught me valuable skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are all essential skills for a legal career. In my previous role, I had to negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and navigate complex regulations, all of which have prepared me for the legal profession. I have also worked with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which has taught me the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity.

Do's: Show that you have skills and experiences from your previous career relevant to the legal profession. Emphasize how your previous career has prepared you for a legal career.

Don'ts: Don't focus too much on irrelevant experience or skills. Don't suggest that you can succeed in the legal profession without legal knowledge and expertise.
 

• Even experienced professionals benefit from reminding themselves of the importance of interview preparation — no matter how confident they feel heading into a law-firm interview.

 

7. How do you plan to balance the demands of a legal career with other obligations or interests?

Sample answer: I believe that balance is essential in all aspects of life, and I plan to prioritize my legal career while also ensuring that I have time for my family, friends, and personal interests. I am committed to developing strong time-management and organizational skills that will enable me to meet legal career demands while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Do's: Show that you have a plan for balancing the demands of a legal career with other obligations or interests. Emphasize your commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that you are willing to sacrifice your personal life or interests for a legal career. Don't downplay the importance of work-life balance.
 

• For an audio deep dive, check out the Interview Workshop podcast, where Harrison discusses six universal questions and preparation strategies.

 

8. How do you plan to continue learning and growing as a lawyer?

Sample answer: I am committed to lifelong learning and believe that it is essential for lawyers to continue to develop their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. I plan to stay up-to-date with changes in the law and legal practice through continuing education, professional development, and networking with other legal professionals. I am also interested in seeking out mentorship and coaching to help me develop my skills and expertise in specific areas of the law.

Do's: Show that you commit to lifelong learning and professional development. Emphasize your willingness to seek mentorship and coaching to develop your skills and expertise.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that you know everything there is to know about the law or legal practice. Don't downplay the importance of continuing education and professional development.

 

9. How will your life experience and skills enable you to bring a unique perspective to the legal profession?

Sample answer: As someone who has had a successful career outside the legal profession, I bring a unique perspective and set of skills. For example, my experience in business has taught me valuable skills in negotiation, contract drafting, and risk management that are essential to the legal profession. My experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures has taught me the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity, which are essential skills for working with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Do's: Show that you have a unique perspective and skills that will enable you to contribute to the legal profession. Emphasize how your life experience and skills will enable you to work effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that your previous career is more important than your legal career. Don't downplay the importance of legal knowledge and expertise.
 

• Once you advance beyond the first round, be sure to read BCG’s How Attorneys Can Excel at Second-Round Law Firm Interviews and Get More Job Offers for deeper stage-specific preparation.

 

10. How will you approach the challenge of learning a new field of law and adapting to a new work environment?

Sample answer: As someone new to the legal profession, I recognize that I have a lot to learn, and I am excited about the challenge of learning a new field of law and adapting to a new work environment. I plan to approach this challenge with a growth mindset, embracing the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. I am also committed to seeking mentorship and coaching from more experienced legal professionals who can help me learn.

Do's: Show your positive attitude toward learning and adapting to a new work environment. Emphasize your willingness to seek mentorship and coaching from more experienced legal professionals.

Don'ts: Don't suggest that you already know everything there is to know about the law or legal practice. Don't downplay the importance of seeking out mentorship and coaching.

• To get a sense of what interviewers expect, BCG’s Interview Tips from the Interviewers (PDF) includes candid guidance from law firm hiring managers themselves.

Conclusion
For attorneys pursuing second careers, the job interview process can be an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and experiences and their commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. By approaching the interview with a positive attitude and a growth mindset, attorneys can demonstrate their willingness to adapt to new work environments and learn new skills. As with any job interview, it is essential for attorneys to be well-prepared, professional, and respectful and to show a genuine interest in the position and the organization. With these qualities and strategies in mind, attorneys can successfully navigate the job interview process
 

• To complement these sample questions, you may also want to review BCG’s 23 top law firm interview tips for additional technique pointers (e.g. pacing, body language, follow-up). and take the next step in their legal careers.

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.