Small Firm Hiring Partner Here For Any Questions. Forum

[drdolittle]

Thanks for answering questions. You've been a great resource.

You've mentioned on a number of occasions now that mentoring plays a key role in the early training and ultimate success of beginning lawyers. From your position as an insider, what are some indicators that a positive mentoring environment exists within a firm? Are there specific signs to look for, or questions to ask regarding this during interviews?

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

What is diversity like at your firm? Do you find that minority attorneys tend to fit in with the firm culture? Do you have different gpa cut offs for minority attorneys?

We have not had that much interest in us from minorities from attorneys and law students, and of course, it is difficult to tell from the cover letters and resumes. Half of our attorneys are female though. We have had one AA summer associate who was great and spent a 1L summer with us but opted for the big firm ultimately and had multiple big firm options as she had the full package - grades, personality, work ethic, etc. Would have been a good fit with us but could not blame her for exploring all the options she had. We had another Asian attorney who made it to the callbacks this year. She was a little too nervous and we were concerned with her ability to speak on her feet. We would not have any different gpa cutoffs but again, we take more of a totality approach.

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

Thanks for answering questions. You've been a great resource.

You've mentioned on a number of occasions now that mentoring plays a key role in the early training and ultimate success of beginning lawyers. From your position as an insider, what are some indicators that a positive mentoring environment exists within a firm? Are there specific signs to look for, or questions to ask regarding this during interviews?

I would ask how the summer associate program operates and if there is a specific mentor assigned to you. Also ask how often does the associate typically report to the mentor. We meet with each SA every morning and make them keep a assignment chart by client, matter, general description of assignment, deadline and assigning attorney. It helps the SA learn how to juggle multiple balls and get organized. If you don't get specific and direct questions, then I would have some concern. We let our prior summer associates with us participate in all 2nd interviews so that the applicants can ask those questions and others with people in our office who can tell them directly from their own experience.

[newyorker88]

What is diversity like at your firm? Do you find that minority attorneys tend to fit in with the firm culture? Do you have different gpa cut offs for minority attorneys?

We have not had that much interest in us from minorities from attorneys and law students, and of course, it is difficult to tell from the cover letters and resumes. Half of our attorneys are female though. We have had one AA summer associate who was great and spent a 1L summer with us but opted for the big firm ultimately and had multiple big firm options as she had the full package - grades, personality, work ethic, etc. Would have been a good fit with us but could not blame her for exploring all the options she had. We had another Asian attorney who made it to the callbacks this year. She was a little too nervous and we were concerned with her ability to speak on her feet. We would not have any different gpa cutoffs but again, we take more of a totality approach.

Thanks!

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

How about my turn for a question or two. Anyone ever have a Skype interview and what did they think of interviewing that way?

[drdolittle]

How about my turn for a question or two. Anyone ever have a Skype interview and what did they think of interviewing that way?

I haven't interviewed through Skype yet. My conference call interviews were incredibly uncomfortable and I don't think helped either party. On the few occasions I've heard of Skype being used for an interview it seemed to work well. And made at least the student happy, probably because the exchange was more personal than a simple phone call.

[Flash]

How about my turn for a question or two. Anyone ever have a Skype interview and what did they think of interviewing that way?

I had a Skype interview a month or so ago. There were a few technical difficulties getting it setup on their end, but once it was up and running it went pretty well. I enjoyed it a lot more than just a phone interview.

[illiniguy1551]

Bump, but would anyone be willing to look at a cover letter for a person targeting St Louis, but without super concrete ties? PM please!