How do you stand out against the competition when you're in the running for a hiring decision? What traits and habits are interviewers looking for...or what should you be looking for if you happen to be on the other end of the table?
Whether you're a young attorney gearing up for your first interview, a mid-career lawyer contemplating a lateral move, or a partner pondering what to look for in candidates, one thing is certain: Interview skills are important to hold onto. But as times and technology change, interviewers are starting to look for more qualities than just "getting the job done." In the legal field, clients and firms are looking for competence, character, and compatibility. Your interview is not simply a chance to show what you know, but to show who you are as well.
Without further ado: Here's what lawyers—hiring partners, supervisors, and legal recruiters—are really paying attention to when they interview candidates or build their teams. Do you have what it takes to nail the interview and score the job?
Work Ethic. Yes, it might go without saying, but we'll say it anyways: everyone wants someone who will work hard. You must be able to show up consistently, reliably, and take ownership of your actions. But this doesn't mean logging long hours (that's a recipe for burnout).
In this day and age, it's all about sustainable performance. You need to be able to prioritize tasks and anticipate roadblocks so that you'll be at your most efficient. You also need to have a sense of professionalism and show a track record of follow-through. Before interviewing, think through a time in your school or work history that best demonstrates your strong work ethic.
Communication Skills. Law is all about communication. Judges, clients, witnesses, colleagues—no matter who, you've got to be clear and concise. Avoid using "legalese," especially when dealing with a client, and strive to tailor your explanations to your audience. Excellent communication skills also involve listening. A great lawyer is just as good at listening as speaking. You can demonstrate both of these skills easily in an interview. Show that you can translate complex ideas into clear communication, even when under pressure!
Sound Judgment. Reciting rules and knowing the ins and outs of your practice area isn't enough. Interviewers want to know if you can evaluate risks, identify relevant facts quickly, recognize when you don't know the answer, and articulate the why behind your thought process. So be ready to walk through your reasoning when challenged with hypothetical situations.
Emotional Intelligence. IQ might soak up all the glory, but EQ (your emotional intelligence) matters just as much, especially in the legal field. Technical skills can be taught, but EQ is more difficult to train. Hiring lawyers will be wondering...how well do you work with others? How do you handle conflict or criticism? Can you build trust with your clients quickly and effectively? Do you maintain your professionalism under stress?
If you're wondering how you can demonstrate such a thing in an interview, you absolutely can. Be attentive to the conversation. Acknowledge your weaknesses without being defensive and suggest how you can grow from them. EQ is about how you make people feel and can be the deciding factor when it comes down to you and another candidate.
Want to learn more about EQ? Check out this past blog post...one of our most popular posts to date!
Thoughtful Preparation. Every interviewer has had that candidate who didn't read the job description, didn't bother to look into the firm, or can't explain why they even want the role. Preparation is everything in the legal field. Before heading to the interview, you must arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Take time to research the firm, understand your role in the context of the team, and prepare thoughtful questions about their goals, culture, or expectations. Taking the time to prepare will help you stand out and shows that you're someone who will always put in the time and effort.
Tip: Always ask questions. Interviewers always remember the questions you ask because it shows curiosity and engagement. If you're struggling, here are a few ideas on what you could ask:
What helps someone thrive at this firm?
What's the team's biggest challenge right now?
What is your favorite part of working here?
How is feedback typically given and received?
How do you support professional development?
Adaptability. Law practice changes fast. New rules and technology are showing up all the time. On top of that, you never know what twists your case could take. It's hard to always know what tomorrow will bring. This is why interviewers are looking for someone who can adapt, learn, and evolve. Show them the evidence that you can learn quickly, pivot when needed, and balance attention to detail with big picture thinking. Being flexible is a practical quality in lawyers.
Work Culture Fit. Finally, employers want someone who can align with their core values and bring positivity to the work environment. You should also be able to collaborate across generations and backgrounds. Your attitude and decision-making will have a direct effect on client retention, firm reputation, and your workplace. So don't be afraid to be yourself, but always keep it respectful and professional.
Remember: Legal excellence isn't built on knowledge alone. There are many pillars that hold up a successful career in the legal field: how you think, how you communicate, how you work under stress, and how you get along with others. Firms aren't just looking for more lawyers. They're looking for colleagues, collaborators, leaders, and most importantly, people they can trust. So don't hesitate to show them exactly who you are and what you bring to the table.
