Here's the setting: I'm a 2L law student at The University of Texas. I've got a fairly high GPA - 3.65, which is in the top 1/4 but not the top 10%. They don't give out class rank, so it's hard to tell exactly. I had a couple of fly-in interviews last semester. That generally means that the job is "yours to lose," but I've managed to lose both. One, I'm pretty sure I lost because I couldn't think of any really persuasive reasons that I wanted to live in Amarillo. Not sure about the other one. After a mock interview at our counselor's office, I was told that I'm a decent, but not great interviewer. I'm not going to lose a lot of jobs there, but nor will I impress all that much. I do research, fairly extensively, the firms that I interview with. I know the type of clients they represent, what work they do with them, the firm culture, etc. I'm short on work experience, but my academic qualifications are good. I'm on a law journal and am getting some practical experience in a clinic right now, though it's a criminal defense clinic, and I want to work civil (no good civil clinics available). Besides the obvious "dress well" and "brush your teeth" suggestions, does anyone have any tips? This isn't the first place I've come (interviewing guides, etc), but I've always been surprised how good the advice is here, sometimes. I have several interview awards coming up in a few days - supposedly when you go through the school, that means they're fairly interested and like your resume. Now I need to do a few things to impress. Gulp. I really need a summer clerkship to make sure I get a good job right out of law school next year. Thanks for any advice .
Check out some of the interview advice on vault.com. Personally, all I can say is a pretty evident advice anyway...be yourself, not sure if that will help in your case or not , but it should be better than trying to pretend you are someone that you are not, because that comes across very fake very fast. And if it does not, you might end up getting a job where you are expected to be different from how you really are. Just show them that you are willing to rack up millions of hours and work as their slave, but don't do it too humbly because they want to see that you are greedy and evil enough to rip off their clients .
Practice interviewing more. Recall some of your favorite law work experiences so that they know that you know what the job entails and you can reinforce your resume in their mind. Ask them what they are looking for in an employee. Some times, though, interviewees ask me this, and then I hear them parrot it back later in the day, so YMMV.
Haven, Beyond the standard stuff & the research you'll do on the company/firm you're interviewing with, I've always put a premium on the questions asked by the individual being interviewed. It gives good insight into their values, their knowledge base and can really engage the interviewer. It's a great chance to show your stuff, kind of on your terms. Best of luck. D R
Ahhh... the rub... I don't really have any law work experience. My first summer, I could have taken a judicial clerkship... but would have had to rent an apartment in another city, not been paid, etc... and figured I couldn't afford it. Essentially, my work experience sucks... and that's probably the #1 thing I'm trying to get around. That, and the fact that at first I was looking to go into criminal law(which I've found doesn't suit me at all), and my resume reflects that. I've taken civil law courses the past semester, and done well, but I'm still trying to overcome a shortage of experience. Any suggestions for explaining that ?
One more question that I forgot: At an interviewing tips session, one interviewing partner said that the *only* good answer to "where do you want to be in 5 years?" is "at a partnership track at your law firm." Is this really true for most interviewers? It seems a bit cheesey, to me, but if it's the best answer, it's the one I'll give.
I'd probably say it in a similar way: "Right now, my mindset is that I would like to be at a partnership track at your law firm. I realize that one cannot predict what will happen during five years and that getting there will require hard work and very good performance. But it is my goal. I know I have the potential, and I am willing to work hard to get there." This way you stress again how much of a workhorse you are (they must love that). You also feed their "we only hire people who have the potential to become partners" lie. Finally, you show a little bit of a humble side (which they like when you talk to THEM) by saying no one can know for sure what will be in 5 years.
Be relaxed and yourself. Maintain eye contact. A firm hand shake. Address them as Mr. or Mrs. unless told otherwise. Research the firm. Have some good questions to ask related to the practice. Be friendly and smile. Be confident but not cocky.
Haven, go in there with a hidden arrogance. From your posts you seem like a very smart nice guy with good values. You are really too good for a typical civil law firm. The guys and gals at the firm are not Gods. Just some maniacally hardworkers who are often ethically challenged, willing to work at anything no matter how boring and into money. Screw them if you don't get the job. This should help you relax. If needs be, make some good money during your civil internship summer and then focus on doing something wothwhile that is really exciting with your law degree after you graduate. Remember you will have more than enough money for a good life, if that is what you want so you don't have to buy into all the hype and hysteria. Try to hangout or work with some ordinary lawyers in real life who work for themselves and don't have to kiss corporate butt. It will change your whole perspective.
borrowing from glynch: you have nothing to lose...truly. you're clearly very intelligent and can find a job at another firm if the one you're interviewing for won't hire you. but don't use that arrogance to be condescending to the people you're talking to...there may be a sense of culture or family at the firm they really value..to have you spit on that would be offensive. i think you just go in with a smile...tell your story...and leave with the confidence of knowing you WILL find a job..whether it's with them or someone else. and if they hire someone else...beat their ass in court!
What Max, said. One more thing. If you could put on a convincing case for why you were just dying to live in Amarillo, I think you missed your calling. Maybe pr for the tobacco companies or Bush Whitehouse Press Secretary. Max, might disagree with this, though.
i don't disagree at all....if you don't want to live in amarillo, don't pretend you do. no need to base the beginning of a relationship on a lie. never a good idea. just be honest..."hey..i'm not in love with amarillo, but i really want this job...and maybe i'll learn to really like it there." honestly, how many young attorneys are clamoring to get to amarillo? i think they'd appreciate the honesty from the beginning...i certainly would.
