Interview Tips from Big to Mid-Size Firms

In case you missed the panel last week, here are some tips from the attorneys at Miller Nash, Tonkon Torp, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Watkinson Laird Rubenstein, and Hershner Hunter. These tips actually apply to all interviews, be they small or large or public interest or private firm.

The attorneys emphasized knowing the firm and knowing the interviewer(s). It is important not to just know the information off the website but to take a deeper look. You can do a Martindale firm search and a google search to see where the attorney is from, what undergrad they went to, what cases or pro bono or volunteer work they do or have done. Do the same for the firm. What pro bono cases, community work have they done or are engaged in? Use this information to learn more about the firm and to have talking points during the interview. Please note though, it was mentioned that you shouldn’t just ask question(s) to show you’ve done the research, but ask a question and be engaged in that conversation because you care.

Know your writing sample. If at all possible make it a work product. Get the "ok" from the attorney/firm you wrote it for. Redact if necessary. But know your writing sample. Know any updates or changes on the law/issue, or case. You don’t want to get caught not knowing your work.

Obviously, check for typos on your cover letter and resume.

Have some humility. You are not the most, or the only, amazing person the firm has ever or will ever interview. Even to large firms, grades are not the only thing. They are looking at the whole person. They are looking for a colleague, someone they look forward to working with.

Your interview begins from the moment you meet the receptionist to the moment you walk out the door of the firm. If you have a dinner or a lunch you are being interviewed then. Specific tips included: Don’t drink too much alcohol at dinner. And a very practical tip of: careful what you order (for example spaghetti, or some other food item that can be messy, might not be a such a good idea, especially if you have a long day ahead of you).

Remember that your interview begins from the second you meet the “non-lawyers.” So be respectful of everyone. The secretary, librarian, receptionist, or janitor might be a good friend with someone you are interviewing. At the very least, they will tell the interviewer what their impressions were of you. If you are “too good” to talk to them or not respectful of them and their role in the firm, then you mostly likely will not get far past that first and final interview.

Have a good reason why you want to be at Fancy Pants Firm. “I like contracts,” “I want to work for a big firm, in a big city,” is not enough. Make sure you have an idea of the type of environment, the kind of clients, the kind of pace you want to work in.

Be yourself. They want to know who you really are.