It is no secret that training contracts, apprenticeships, job opportunities and work experience placements are a competitive game in any industry, but especially in law.
Law firms are looking for the best, and they have a specific set of requirements that they are looking for people to meet. But try not to let that put you off too much!
Whilst skills, qualifications and experience are important, there are other things you can be doing in your interview to stand out from the crowd and ensure you leave a lasting positive impression that helps you secure your next role.
What is important in a law firm job interview is to showcase your skills, knowledge, and passion for the legal field.
In this blog post, we cover a few tips to help you make a lasting impression in your next law firm job interview.
It is better to be overprepared and know when the firm was established, the founder's name, recent successful cases, what service areas the law firm provides as well as a firm’s CSR initiatives. It is better not to be able to include everything in your answers than be underprepared for your law firm job interview.
Familiarise yourself with the firm's values, clients, and any recent cases and news. This will demonstrate your interest and commitment. By conducting thorough research on the firm, you will gain valuable insights into their areas of expertise, which can be beneficial during the interview process. Understanding the firm's values and clients will allow you to align your own goals and experiences with their mission, showcasing your dedication to the legal profession.
Emphasise your experience that aligns with the firm's practice areas. Discuss specific cases or projects you have worked on or the skills you have developed, whether this was in university, work experience, or day-to-day life.
By highlighting your relevant experience, you can demonstrate your ability to handle the types of cases the firm specialises in. This will not only showcase your expertise but also indicate your potential value to the firm. It helps to minimise any concerns law firm interviewers may have about you if they are not sure whether you possess the relevant skills.
Whilst it isn’t going to be the deal breaker that does or doesn’t get you the role (we hope!) make sure you have prepared some questions to ask about the firm based on your research. These should be intelligent and insightful questions about the firm's culture, career progression, or current challenges.
This shows you are genuinely interested in the role. By preparing thoughtful questions, you can engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewer. This will not only demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm but allows you to gather valuable information about what it is really like to work for the firm. It also gives you the chance to find out about potential career advancement opportunities.
Although we said it isn’t only about your skills, it is important to use concrete examples to demonstrate your analytical, research, and communication skills in your law firm interview. Provide evidence of your ability to work in a team and manage deadlines effectively. By showcasing your skills through concrete examples, you can provide the interviewers with tangible evidence of your capabilities. This will allow them to assess your suitability for the role and envision how you can contribute to the firm's success.
Commercial awareness is a hugely important trait of law firms. So you need to show that you understand the business side of law by discussing market trends, regulatory changes, or any relevant industry news. By demonstrating your commercial awareness, you can showcase your ability to think beyond the legal aspects of a case. This will indicate that you understand the broader implications of legal decisions, can provide valuable insights to clients and are genuinely passionate about the legal field.
These are the traits that help give you the edge over other people applying for roles. Whilst it is likely you will be nervous before your interview, this isn’t a bad thing. Channel these nerves in to displaying your passion for the law and the firm.
Maintain good eye contact, speak clearly, and engage in the conversation. By showing enthusiasm and confidence during the interview, you can leave a positive impression on the interviewer(s).
This will convey your genuine interest in the legal field and eagerness to contribute to the firm's success as well as show interviewers that you will fit the culture of their firm.
There are several other things you can be doing to prepare for your interview and ensure you make a good impression including:
Remember, standing out in a law firm job interview requires a combination of preparation, confidence, and a willingness to showcase your unique skills and experiences.
To find out which firms are currently hiring, head to our law firm jobs page.