Mastering the Art of Legal Interviews: Insights, Strategies, and Real-Life Examples for Attorneys

 

1. The Critical Importance of First Impressions

The old adage, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," holds especially true in legal interviews. Research consistently shows that people form lasting impressions within the first few seconds of meeting someone, and this can set the tone for the entire interview.
 
When you walk into an interview, your appearance and demeanor are the first things the interviewer will notice. A well-tailored suit, polished shoes, and minimal, tasteful accessories are essential. But it's not just about what you wear; how you carry yourself is equally important. A firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a confident smile can convey professionalism and confidence. Remember, you are entering a profession that values tradition, precision, and attention to detail—your appearance should reflect these values.
 

Example: The Power of Presentation
Consider the case of an attorney who, despite having a stellar resume, consistently failed to advance beyond the first round of interviews. Upon review, it was noted that his attire was slightly too casual for the conservative firms he was targeting. Once he adjusted his wardrobe to reflect the firms' expectations—opting for darker suits, a more formal tie, and polished shoes—he noticed a significant improvement in how he was received. The lesson here is clear: your attire and presentation are not just superficial—they can influence the interviewer's perception of your professionalism and suitability for the role.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips for Attorneys and Law Students: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews
• Top 12 Reasons Attorneys and Law Students Do Not Get Law Firm Interviews: Why Law Firms Are Not Interviewing You
• 40 Questions Attorneys and Law Students Should Ask in Law Firm Interviews and Questions You Can Ask the Law Firm Interviewer as Well

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2. Crafting a Focused Resume: The Key to Getting Noticed

Your resume is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. In the legal field, where specialization is highly valued, a resume that is too broad or unfocused can be detrimental. Law firms are looking for attorneys who have honed their skills in a specific practice area and who demonstrate a clear commitment to that area.
 
Your resume should be a focused document that highlights your relevant experience and expertise. Avoid the temptation to include unrelated experiences or interests, as these can dilute your perceived specialization and make you appear unfocused.
 

Example: The Resume That Didn’t Work
I once encountered a candidate who was applying for a corporate law position but had a resume filled with experiences in environmental law, public interest work, and even a stint in journalism. While these experiences were impressive, they were irrelevant to the corporate law role he was targeting. Despite his strong qualifications, his resume created confusion and raised doubts about his commitment to corporate law. After revising his resume to focus solely on his corporate law experience—eliminating the unrelated work—he began receiving more interviews and eventually secured a position.

 

Example: The Healthcare Attorney
In another instance, a healthcare attorney had an impressive resume detailing her experience in healthcare transactions. However, she made the mistake of listing extensive pro bono work and involvement in various unrelated activities at the end of her resume. While she was proud of this work, it complicated her resume, making it seem like her focus was divided. After removing these unrelated details and streamlining her resume to emphasize her healthcare law expertise, she saw an immediate increase in interview invitations.

 

3. Answering the Tough Questions: Strategies for Success

Legal interviews often include difficult questions designed to test your judgment, personality, and fit with the firm. How you respond to these questions can significantly impact your chances of getting an offer.
 

a. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Position?

This is one of the most common and critical questions you will face. Your answer needs to be carefully crafted to avoid any negative implications.
 

• Stay Positive: Never criticize your previous employer or colleagues. Even if your reasons for leaving are related to a negative experience, focus on the positive aspects of your move.
• Focus on Growth: Frame your departure as a desire for professional growth. For example, "I’m looking for an opportunity to take on more complex cases in corporate law, which I believe your firm offers. I’m eager to continue developing my skills in this area."

 

Example: The Misstep
I once worked with an attorney who had left her previous firm due to a toxic work environment. In her interview, she mentioned the challenging atmosphere and difficult partners. While she was being honest, this response raised concerns for the potential employer about her ability to work well with others and her resilience under pressure. We later worked on crafting a response that focused on her desire to find a firm that offered more collaborative opportunities and better alignment with her career goals. This reframed her departure in a positive light and helped her secure a new position.

 

b. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Similar to the question above, this is designed to probe your motivations and see if there were any issues with your previous employment.
 

Example: The Strategic Relocation
One candidate, a healthcare attorney, relocated from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin, because her wife, an emergency physician, took a job there. In her interviews, she framed this move as a family decision that also aligned with her professional desire to bring her healthcare law expertise to a new market. Employers appreciated the transparency and the logical reasoning behind her move, which helped her secure a position quickly.

 

c. Where Else Are You Interviewing?

This question, though often inappropriate, is commonly asked to gauge your marketability and interest in the firm.
 
Be Strategic: Your answer should not disqualify you. If you’re interviewing at smaller firms, emphasize your interest in the specific practice areas or the collaborative culture they offer. If you’re targeting larger firms, focus on the more complex work or higher-profile clients that attract you.
 

Example: The Misjudged Response
I once advised a candidate interviewing for a small firm in a regional market. When asked where else he was interviewing, he mentioned several large, prestigious firms in major cities. The small firm immediately questioned his commitment to staying in the region and ultimately did not extend an offer. After this experience, the candidate learned to tailor his response, highlighting his genuine interest in the smaller market and the specific opportunities the firm offered.

 

4. The Role of Thank You Notes: A Double-Edged Sword

Thank you notes can be a valuable tool in the interview process, but they must be handled with care.
 
a. The Pros: A well-crafted thank you note can reinforce your interest in the position and leave a lasting positive impression. It shows that you are courteous and genuinely interested in the opportunity.
 
b. The Cons: However, poorly written thank you notes can backfire. Typos, poor grammar, or overly enthusiastic language can make you seem desperate or unprofessional. Additionally, if the note is unnecessary or feels obligatory, it might not add any value to your candidacy.
 

Example: The Overeager Candidate
A candidate I worked with was interviewing for a position at a top law firm. After the interview, he sent a lengthy thank you note expressing his enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the note was overly effusive and included a few minor errors. The firm, which was already leaning towards another candidate, interpreted this as a sign of desperation and poor attention to detail, ultimately deciding not to extend an offer.

 

Example: The Strategic Thank You
On the other hand, I once assisted a candidate who was interviewing with a smaller firm that she felt might be concerned about her interest level. After a positive interview, she sent a concise thank you note that reiterated her excitement about the firm's unique culture and the specific projects they discussed. The firm appreciated her enthusiasm and followed up with an offer.

 

5. Navigating the Interview Process: From Screening to Final Rounds

The interview process at a law firm can involve multiple rounds, each with its own focus and challenges.
 
a. Screening Interviews: These are typically brief and conducted by a recruiting coordinator or junior partner. Their purpose is to determine if you meet the basic qualifications for the position.

 

Example: The Quick Dismissal
I once worked with a candidate who had an impressive resume but was eliminated after a screening interview. The feedback was that she seemed uninterested and unprepared. It turned out she had not done enough research on the firm and failed to ask insightful questions about the practice areas she was applying for. After refocusing her approach, she was better prepared for future interviews and eventually secured a position at another firm.

 
b. Callback Interviews: If you pass the initial screening, you’ll likely be invited for a series of more in-depth interviews. These are usually conducted by partners or senior associates and are designed to assess your fit with the firm’s culture and your technical expertise.
 

Example: The Associate’s Influence
During a callback interview, a candidate I was coaching met with several associates at a mid-sized firm. One associate was particularly influential in the hiring decision. The candidate wisely focused on building rapport with this associate, discussing shared interests in a specific area of law and how they could collaborate on future projects. This connection proved crucial, as the associate later advocated for the candidate during the hiring committee’s deliberations.

 
c. Final Interviews: In the final stage, you may meet with the firm’s hiring committee or key decision-makers. At this point, the firm is seriously considering you, but there may still be concerns that need to be addressed.
 

Example: Overcoming Doubts
I recall a candidate who, despite strong credentials, had been unemployed for several months before his final interview at a prestigious firm. The firm was concerned about the gap in his employment. During the interview, he openly addressed this, explaining that he had taken the time to further his education, complete a certification relevant to the position, and stay up to date with the latest developments in his field. His proactive approach and honest explanation helped alleviate the firm's concerns, leading to an offer.
 

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See Related Articles:

• How To Prepare A Legal Writing Sample For A Legal Job Interview
• How Attorneys Can Answer the 'Do You Have Any Questions for Me?’ in Law Firm Interviews
• Interview Preparation Techniques​

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6. Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most prepared candidates can make mistakes during interviews. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
 
a. Arriving Late: Punctuality is non-negotiable in legal interviews. Arriving late signals a lack of respect for the firm’s time and can irreparably damage your chances.
 

Example: The Los Angeles Traffic Jam
One candidate, who was interviewing in Los Angeles, underestimated the city's notorious traffic and arrived 20 minutes late for her interview. Despite her apologies and attempts to recover, the interviewers had already formed a negative impression. She was not invited back for further interviews. The lesson here is to always plan for the unexpected—give yourself plenty of time to arrive early.
 

b. Asking the Wrong Questions: While it’s important to ask questions during an interview, make sure they reflect your genuine interest in the firm and the work you will be doing.
 
Example: The Misguided Inquiry
A candidate once asked about the firm’s response to a recent negative news story during his interview. While he framed it as a concern for the firm’s reputation, the question was perceived as confrontational and left the interviewers feeling defensive. The candidate did not receive an offer, illustrating the importance of focusing on positive, constructive questions during an interview.
 

7. Handling Unexpected Situations: Staying Calm Under Pressure

Interviews can sometimes take unexpected turns, and how you handle these situations can speak volumes about your professionalism and composure.
 
a. Handling Personal Questions: Although certain personal questions are illegal, some interviewers may still ask them, either out of ignorance or an attempt to gauge your reaction.
 
Example: The Marriage Question
One candidate was asked about her marital status during an interview. Rather than reacting negatively, she skillfully redirected the conversation, saying, "I prefer to keep my personal life private, but I can assure you that I am fully committed to my career and the responsibilities of this position." Her response was both respectful and professional, allowing the interview to proceed without awkwardness.
 
b. Dealing with Criticism: Sometimes, interviewers may challenge your experience or qualifications to see how you respond under pressure.
 
Example: The Bricks Question
During an interview with a famous hedge fund manager, I was once asked a seemingly irrelevant question about how many bricks were on a building across the street. The interviewer wasn’t interested in the actual number—he wanted to see my problem-solving skills and how I handled an unexpected question. I quickly did some mental calculations, explained my reasoning, and provided an estimate. This response impressed the interviewer and led to a job offer. The key takeaway is to remain calm, think critically, and approach unexpected questions with confidence.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Law Firm Interview Resources
• What Should I Bring to a Job Interview?
• Off-the-Record Interview Tips from Law Firm Interviewers

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8. Leveraging Your Network: The Power of Connections

 
Networking is an essential aspect of the legal profession and can be particularly valuable during the interview process.
 
a. Referrals: A strong referral from someone within the firm can significantly boost your chances of getting hired.
 
Example: The Personal Connection
A candidate I worked with was applying to a firm where his best friend’s father was a partner. During the interview, he mentioned how much he admired the firm based on stories he’d heard growing up and expressed his long-standing interest in working there. This personal connection resonated with the interviewers, helping him stand out and ultimately secure the position.
 
b. Following Up: After your interviews, it’s important to follow up with your contacts at the firm. This can be a simple thank-you email that reiterates your interest in the position and your enthusiasm about joining the team.
 

Example: The Strategic Follow-Up
Another candidate who had a positive interview experience sent a brief follow-up email to the managing partner she had interviewed with, thanking him for his time and expressing how excited she was about the prospect of working on specific cases they had discussed. This small gesture kept her top of mind and contributed to her receiving an offer.

 

9. Final Thoughts: The Holistic Approach to Interviewing

 
Interviewing is both an art and a science. It requires thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to different situations. By focusing on your strengths, being clear and concise in your answers, and showing genuine enthusiasm for the position, you can greatly increase your chances of success.
 
Remember, an interview is not just about proving that you are the best candidate—it's about demonstrating that you are the best fit for the firm. The strategies and examples provided in this article are designed to help you navigate the complexities of legal interviews with confidence and poise. By mastering these techniques, you can position yourself as a standout candidate and secure the position that aligns with your career goals.
 

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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.