Your hard work and perseverance have paid off, and you’ve secured a job interview at the law firm of your dreams. Now the real work begins.  

When it comes to interviewing at a law firm, preparation is key. For you, the goal is securing a job offer and evaluating whether the work and organization align with your career objectives. For the interviewers (and organization at large), the goal is to assess whether you are a good fit.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for lawyers is projected to grow by four percent from 2024 to 2034. With 31,500 openings projected each year in the United States and 38,000 law school graduates, the job market is naturally competitive.  

Whether you’re a recent law school graduate, you’re looking to transition to another practice area, or if you simply haven’t had a job interview in a while, this guide will help you stand out and—if all goes well—get a job offer!

Before the Interview 

Do Your Research 

When you arrive at your interview, you want to be as prepared as possible. But how do you actually prepare for a law firm interview? This is where your hard-earned research skills come into play.  

While reading and understanding the job description is crucial, you should also take the time to research the organization, its history, clients, and recent notable transactions. By understanding the type of work the organization does, you will have a better idea of the type of work you will be required to perform.  

If you know who will be interviewing you, look them up on LinkedIn and note any commonalities you may have with them—maybe you have the same alma mater or come from the same hometown. This will help you establish common ground and make the interview feel more like a conversation between two colleagues. Keep in mind that besides your professional qualifications, the interviewer is also evaluating if you would be a good fit for the organization and if you’re someone they would want to work with every day.  

While you shouldn’t act too casual or “chummy” in the interview, remember to relax and show your humanity. Rattling off stats and details like a computer without any personal insight might appear impressive at first, but it is not the best tactic to take.  

Seek Out First-Hand Information About the Organization 

Seek first-hand information from your network (classmates, professors, etc.) or from past or current employees of the organization. If possible, meet up in person and chat about the organization and its reputation. If you meet with an employee of the organization, ask them about what their day-to-day is like. This insight will go a long way once the day of the interview arrives. 

Understand the Job Description 

Read and understand the job description. Some job descriptions might be brief and vague while others will include copious details on what the role requires. No matter the case, use your research skills to gain a deep understanding of the role.  

The job may be for a specific practice area (litigation versus transactional) or a specific task (performing research versus preparing patent applications). Take note of what exactly the role requires and the needs of the organization. This way, you can focus and tailor your responses toward demonstrating how you can address those needs.  

Arriving at the interview without properly understanding the needs of the organization will make you appear disinterested. It can also distort your expectations for the role, resulting in a lose-lose scenario.  

During the Interview 

Listen Intently and Give Clear Answers 

Once you’ve introduced yourself and greeted the interviewer warmly with a smile (don’t forget a firm handshake!), it’s time for the interview to begin. Treat the interview like a conversation between two colleagues. Listen to the questions closely and give clear, effective answers. If you don’t know the answer immediately, don’t start rambling off nonsense; take a few moments to gather your thoughts before answering.  

Be Aware of Your Non-Verbal Communication 

Non-verbal communication (physical expressions, posture, etc.) can affect how your interviewer perceives you. Be conscious of your non-verbal communication and use your body language to show you are engaged in the conversation. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using an open posture will all work in tandem to make you appear approachable, engaged, and astute. 

This still holds true even if your interview is taking place over video chat. In fact, non-verbal communication is more crucial in Zoom or Teams meetings. Make sure to check out our guide on how to prepare for a successful remote deposition for some great insight on taking your video interview to the next level. 

Ask Questions 

Build upon your deep dive into the organization and the job description by preparing three to five substantive questions. Asking thoughtful questions will highlight your intellectual curiosity as well as your interest in the law firm. You can also take this opportunity to assess whether the firm’s unique culture is a good fit for you. If your interview includes people with varying levels of seniority, you can try tailoring your questions for each. This will allow you to gain more insight from their differing perspectives. 

Here are some question examples: 

• What differentiates a good associate from a great one? 

• What was the most difficult thing for you to adjust to when you first started? 

• What can I do to better prepare for starting this job? 

• How has the firm changed since you joined? 

• How does the firm plan to grow and develop in the next five years? 

Of course, these questions are simple and generic. Jot down a handful of questions that are tailored specifically towards the law firm itself. If something stood out to you during your research, make sure to bring it up to get further insight on the topic. This will make you stand out even more as it shows you actually took the time to look into the firm prior to the interview. 

After the Interview 

Send a Thank You Email 

Now that the interview has come to an end and you’ve thanked the interviewer for their time, that’s it, right? Wrong! There is one final step to take before you can wrap up your law organization interview experience, and that is sending a thank you email. 

The thank you email may seem inconsequential, but it can play a huge role in—say it with me—standing out from the crowd. Don’t forget to send a thank you email to your interviewers, preferably within 12-24 hours.  

Avoid sending a generic email; take the time to personalize it by mentioning something that you discussed during the interview, such as something you learned about the organization or the interviewer themselves. Remember to show appreciation for the interviewer’s time.  

Don’t wait more than 48 hours to send the thank you email as, by that point, the interviewer might have already submitted the interview evaluation. 

Reread your thank you email before sending. Right when you’re ready to send, go for a walk or do something relaxing so you can come back and read the email with clear eyes. Once everything looks good, click send!  

Closing Thoughts: Things to Keep in Mind for Your Law Firm Interview 

• Review your resume: Before heading into the interview, make sure to look over your resume with a close eye. Interviewers may use your resume as a guide for the interview. As such, you should be able to articulate clearly any prior experience and/or extracurricular activities listed therein. Carry extra copies of your resume, writing samples, and transcripts. Be prepared to respond to questions about low grades, gaps in your resume, lack of experience, and other “weaknesses” in your resume. 

• Research the organization: Learn all you can about the organization you will be interviewing with and the interviewers themselves. 

• Show genuine enthusiasm: Showing genuine enthusiasm during the interview will make you stand out from the crowd. 

• Develop the story you want to tell: Remember, the interview is an opportunity to advocate for yourself, so make sure to highlight the strengths and skills that will leave a lasting impression. 

• Dress accordingly: Unless you are told otherwise, stick to business attire. 

• Adapt your communication style to the interview: If your interviewer is talkative, listen. If in doubt, go with your instinct.  

Be prepared, stay curious, be genuine, and show you’re ready to learn and take the next step in your professional career. 

This blog post was based on the Job Interview Guide from the Texas Young Lawyers’ Association. If you’re a young lawyer or law student, make sure to visit TYLA for great insight and resources on all things Texas law.