Preparation
Research the Employer
- Read recent news and case announcements
- Understand their practice areas and major clients
- Know the attorneys you'll meet (check bios)
- Understand the firm's culture and values
Know Your Story
- Be ready to walk through your resume
- Prepare concrete examples of your experience
- Know why you want this specific job
- Articulate your career goals clearly
Logistics
- Confirm time, location, and who you'll meet
- Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Dress professionally (when in doubt, overdress)
- Bring extra copies of your resume
Common Questions
"Tell me about yourself"
Prepare a 1-2 minute summary connecting your background to the position. Focus on relevant experience and what draws you to this opportunity.
"Why our firm/company?"
Show you've done research. Reference specific practice areas, cases, or aspects of culture that appeal to you.
"Why this practice area?"
Connect your interests and experience to the area. Be genuine about what draws you to this work.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Show ambition aligned with realistic progression at the employer. Don't say "partner" on day one.
"What's your greatest weakness?"
Be honest but strategic. Choose something genuine and explain how you're working on it.
Behavioral Questions
Prepare examples using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Common Topics
- "Tell me about a challenging situation and how you handled it"
- "Describe a time you worked on a team"
- "How do you handle competing deadlines?"
- "Tell me about a time you made a mistake"
Prepare Stories About
- Leadership or initiative
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Managing difficult situations
Questions to Ask
Always have questions prepared. Good options include:
- "What does a typical day look like for associates in this group?"
- "What types of matters is the group working on right now?"
- "How do associates get training and feedback?"
- "What do you enjoy most about working here?"
- "What qualities make someone successful in this role?"
Questions to Avoid
- Anything you could easily find online
- Salary and benefits (save for later stages)
- Vacation time or work-life balance (can seem unmotivated)