Law Firm Interviewing Tips for Summer Associate Positions

If you are looking to put your best foot forward when you apply for summer associate positions, please check out these law firm interviewing tips. These are all critical steps to follow ahead of your interview for your 1L or 2L summer associate position.

Law Firm Interviewing Tips for Summer Associate Positions

Remember that a law firm will be looking at a number of things including your communication skills, if you will be a good fit for the firm, and if you will add value to their firm. They will also be looking to see if you have a true interest in their firm based on your knowledge of the firm, the attorney doing the interviewing, and the questions you ask. These law firm interviewing tips will help you put your best foot forward in all of these areas!

Be able to answer the question: Why our firm?

You need to know how firms distinguish one another. It may be difficult to tell from a firm’s website. (We admit, they all look pretty similar!). But know what they are proud of, what their culture is like, what clients they have, and how they are different from other firms. This will help you stand out from the crowd when you interview. You want to convince the recruiter you really want to work for that firm!

If you are struggling to figure out what differentiates one firm from another, this is where it helps to do some online research beyond just the firm’s website. Ask your network. Talk to students, professors, lawyers, and others who have worked with the employer. Reach out to members of the firm. Get to know as much about the firm as you can.

Be able to answer the question: Why you?

Why should a firm choose you over a different candidate? Make sure to have a good command of your personal story. Go into the interview knowing 4 or 5 points you want to communicate over the course of the interview.

When you do this, remember it is better to show the firm what kind of person and worker you are rather than just telling them. For example, rather than saying you work hard, give an example of when you did this.

Make sure you know your resume inside out.

You may be asked about something on your resume. Make sure it is updated, polished, and most importantly, accurate!

If you do not speak Spanish, do not write it on your resume. A firm may very well have someone speak to you in Spanish and if you cannot respond appropriately, you will likely not be getting that job! (This has actually happened before! Do not let it happen to you!)

We assist students in resume prep and you can also go to your Career Services at your law school.

Look up the person who is interviewing you ahead of time.

Oftentimes you will be informed of who is interviewing you ahead of time. If that is the case, look them up. See what interesting cases they have worked on. What have they accomplished at the firm? Bring this up during your interview. It will go a long way toward showing that you care and that you are well prepared for the interview.

Do mock interviews before your real interview.

Make sure you do mock interviews. You should know your elevator pitch and be able to make your points with ease. This will help you stand out and it will also calm your nerves a bit during the interview process. Make sure that if your interview is in person (as many now are) you practice interviewing in person. You do not want to limit your practice to just virtual interviews.

Be engaged!

Make eye contact. Smile. Be as confident and polished as you can be. Try to avoid fidgeting. Remember to take deep breaths.

If you are asked a question that you need a moment to think about, it is okay to be silent for a few seconds as you are formulating your answer. You do not need to say “um” or “uh” to fill in the gaps. (Though we understand that this can be a hard habit to break!)

Ask questions.

You may be in a position where you have multiple offers from law firms and have to choose one. If that is the case, you want to make sure you have all of your questions answered. Make sure that you have a list of questions you are interested in knowing the answers to. And ask the recruiter your questions at your interview. This will help you differentiate between firms and ultimately land at a firm that is the best option for you.

Do not ask questions about salary, perks, billable hour requirements, etc. This is all available online.

You may want to ask questions about whether mentors are available, the kind of responsibility you will have, and whether you will have client contact.

Some questions you could ask are:

What is the firm’s culture like?
What do the junior associates on your team do?
What kind of mentorship opportunities are available?
What kinds of responsibilities do summer associates have?
Will I have client contact?

You can also ask personal questions to the person interviewing you – like why they chose this specific firm or this specific practice group.

Show up on time.

Plan to arrive early.

This should go without saying but occasionally a student will be late for their law firm interview. Sometimes there is a good reason for this. After all, life happens! However, if you are in the unenviable position where you must be late to an interview, please give notice to the firm. If you are late without notice it communicates that you do not care very much about the position or you are lacking to some degree in professionalism.

Dress appropriately.

Wear a suit and dress conservatively for your interview.

What questions will a firm ask me during my law firm interview?

A firm will likely want to know answers to questions like:

Why did you go to law school?
Why do you want to practice law?
Why do you want to work at our firm?
What practice areas are you interested in? (It is okay to be open to different practice areas but it is best if you have a few you are specifically interested in!)
What office areas are you interested in? (Be honest!)
What are your interests and hobbies?
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Remember that the firm is going to try to get to know you. But at the same time, you should try to get to know them!

Keep these law firm interviewing tips in mind and you will surely put your best foot forward in your summer associate interviews! Happy interviewing!

Seeking Success in Law School?
- Benefit from personalized one-on-one tutoring by our seasoned law school tutors.
- Explore our NEW and highly acclaimed law school study aids, available for a free trial.

Law Firm Interviewing Tips for Summer Associate Positions