The Top 15 Reasons Attorneys Should Go on Every Interview They Get and Why it Is Crazy Not to Do So

 

Once you have an offer in hand, you are in control. Every interview is an opportunity to meet new people, learn about different firms, practice your interview skills, and learn about your potential. Moreover, you owe it to yourself to understand why a firm likes you enough to bring you in. What is unique about you that the law firm is interviewing you?

 

1. Your Immediate Objective is to Get as Many Jobs as Possible. When you've granted an interview, seize it as your prime opportunity to secure a position. Focus on getting the job first; all questions and negotiations can follow once you've achieved this milestone. It's crucial to approach each interview with the mindset. Getting a position gives you more confidence, options if other opportunities do not work out, and much more. You want to do everything you can to get every job possible. There is nothing wrong with getting a job so that you can negotiate later.
 

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2. Every Interview is a Networking Opportunity that Could Pay Dividends in the Future: Interviews are more than just a chance to land a job; they're networking opportunities. These interactions can forge relationships throughout your career, offering guidance, support, referrals, and opportunities that are otherwise hard to come by. Embrace each interview as a networking event. You may run across these attorneys several times throughout your career, and this will do nothing but help you.

 

3. You Owe it to Yourself to Learn About Different Law Firm Cultures: Every interview is a window into another firm's culture. It offers a firsthand look at different environments and practices, allowing you to compare them with your current situation. This insight is invaluable in understanding where you fit best and what each firm has to offer regarding culture, work-life balance, and professional growth. If you find a culture that works better for you than another, you will be happier and do better in that environment than if you do not.

 

4. You May Get Better Training and Development at One Firm than Another: The quality of training varies significantly across firms, and since you're likely to practice law for many decades, early experiences are foundational. Interviews are your chance to learn about a firm's training opportunities, which is crucial for your development as a skilled attorney. Some law firms will train you and make you the best attorney possible, while others may not. This training is invaluable and something you should understand.

 

5. Every Firm Offers You Different Insights into What it Would be Like to Work in a Given Firm: By interviewing, you expose yourself to various clients, practice areas, and, possibly, a focus that suits your interests and skills better. You will not fully comprehend this diversity by exploring different firms through interviews. You can only learn about this by interviewing.
 

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See Related Articles:

• How Many Firms and Jobs Should I Apply To? When Is Enough Enough?
• Should You Apply to the Same Firm Through Different Recruiters?
• Why Every Attorney Needs to Apply to a Lot of Places (and Not Give Up) When Rejected

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6. Job Security and Offer Leverage: Receiving an offer enhances your job security and provides leverage in your current position or negotiations with other firms. When exploring your options, it's a safety net in volatile times and a bargaining chip. You owe it to yourself to have this sort of leverage, which is helpful when needed.

 

7. Compensation Can Usually be Negotiated: Compensation should never be a deterrent from attending an interview. Not only is it negotiable, but it can also be significantly influenced by how well the firm perceives you during the interview process. Understanding and negotiating your worth is a skill; each interview is a practice ground for it. Never pass up an interview because of compensation-related issues.

 

8. You Want to Understand Your Appeal to a Given Firm: If a firm invites you for an interview, something in your background interests them. Use this to understand and highlight these appealing aspects in future applications and interviews.

  9. Different Firms Have Different Types of Advancement Potential to be Aware of: The path to partnership, the scope for business development, and the level of responsibility offered can vary widely between firms. Interviews give you a glimpse of these potentials, which can significantly influence your career trajectory.

 

10. You Need to Understand the Type of Cultural Fit Each Firm Has: Feeling comfortable and aligned with a firm's culture can significantly affect job satisfaction and performance. An interview is a critical step in discovering where you'll thrive.

 

11. You Should Never Base Your Decision to Interview with a Firm Based on Rumors You May Have Heard: It's common to hear negatives about any firm, but an interview allows you to form your opinion. You may be working with one or a few partners, and that will shape your experience. Each practice area within a firm also has a different experience. Sometimes, there are toxic practice areas within a firm you may not even have contact with. It is essential to draw your conclusions.

 

12. Understand Specific Dynamics: Your professional happiness will often hinge on these specifics, whether it's the dynamics with a particular partner or within a practice group. Interviews are a chance to gauge these dynamics firsthand.

 

13. Do Not Base Your Interviewing Decisions Based on the Firm's Location: In today's evolving legal landscape, the necessity to be in-office may vary. Interviews can clarify the possibilities for remote work, offering you flexibility that aligns with your lifestyle. Ask these questions after you get the offer.

 

14. Understand Your Role and Responsibilities in the Firm: The work's level of responsibility and nature can differ significantly. Whether transactional work or litigation, interviews clarify what your day-to-day would entail, helping you align your career with your ambitions. Litigators can do trials in one firm, where they might be relegated to only motion practice in another firm. Transactional attorneys can do entire transactions in one firm and only subsets of a transaction in another firm. You need to understand what each firm offers and can learn this in an interview.

 

15. Every Law Firm May Provide Security and Benefits Beyond Salary: Firms vary in their stability and the benefits they offer. From job security to 401(k) matches interviews are your chance to learn about these aspects, which are as crucial as the salary in the long run.

 

 Approaching interviews with these considerations in mind enhances your chances of finding a fitting role and deepens your understanding of the legal landscape, aiding in your long-term career development. Remember, every interview is a step forward, regardless of the outcome.

 

 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

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.