COVID-19 has transformed how attorneys are recruited and hired. Law firms are continuing to do business remotely. Some firms are going back to the office while others have fully embraced the virtual world.
Consequently, geographic barriers to recruiting top talent are breaking down. The good news is that law firms are drawing from a more diverse talent pool. Law firms can now attract talent from a diverse ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
RULES OF THE ROAD
- Understand what questions to expect so you can prepare detailed answers to leave a lasting impression to increase your chances of getting the job.
- Understand that your answers should be conversational, not “scripted”. How you articulate and respond to the questions is key. You will be evaluated on your reasoning and how clearly you articulate your response.
- Never be apologetic, defensive, or nervous. Convey confidence and concisely answer questions with cogent responses.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ATTORNEYS MUST ANSWER
Carefully study these interview questions.
Tell me about yourself.
This should be a narrative, no more than two-minute summary of who you are and what’s important in your life. Reference your humble beginnings and then close with recent cases that will get the interviewer excited about brining you on to the firm.
Why do you want to work here?
Articulate why your experiences and specific skills are well suited for this position. Why this firm and not the competitors.
- Clearly communicate who you are and why you are a good fit for the firm’s culture.
- What do you bring to the table and how you will contribute to the firm’s success.
- Talk about what are your expectations are of yourself and how you will excel in this new role at the firm.
- Do your homework: bring up landmark cases that the firm worked on or high-profile deals that the firm closed recently. Align past experiences and values with these cases.
What are your strengths as an attorney?
Relate your strengths and unique skills with specific examples that apply to the position. you’re applying for and the tasks you expect to be responsible for. Use the STAR technique to prepare for this question.
STAR stands for: situation, task, action and result. This method will help you prepare clear and concise responses.
- Situation or Task: Briefly provide context by citing a challenge you faced with details on how you solved the problem.
- Action: Detail each step taken to address the problem, highlighting your strengths and skills that are critical for the post at the firm.
- Result: Summarize the insights learned while addressing the issue.
Keep answers specific, focused, and succinct. Your responses should be as insightful as engaging to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.
What’s your greatest weakness?
Never come back with ‘I have no weaknesses’. Talk about a genuine shortcoming and then spin it. Show how you overcome this weakness and how you overcame this obstacle.
SUMMARY
Essentially all the answers to these questions are assessing your responses. You will be critiqued on your thought process as to how you approached solving each problem. Be prepared to be defend your approach and solutions. Prepare how you will frame your answers to these challenges.
Work with a legal recruiter to nail the interview. The best recruiters take a comprehensive assessment of your strengths, weaknesses and what firms are the best fit for your skill set.
About: On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises experienced attorneys at every stage of their career to take them to the next level. From making the lateral partner move to succession planning.
Shari takes a proactive approach to advising law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm. On Balance Search identifies opportunities that exist today, not down the road.
Contact us today. Call 516-731-3400 or visit our website at https://onbalancesearch.com.
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your specific circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
