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Just wanted a sampling of some questions that you all have asked when this question is posed to you ... just thought it would be interesting.

jlockhart6 wrote:Just wanted a sampling of some questions that you all have asked when this question is posed to you ... just thought it would be interesting.

What do you think the firm's greatest strengths are?
-----> appropriate follow up questions regarding strengths.

What is the time-line for the decision?

You need to have a mixture of questions. Some need to be "I know what I'm talking about" questions. "I heard you were involved in the latest merger of donuts'r'us & coffee bucks, how do you sleep at night?" or something. But also ask a lot of questions to help you get a feel for the firms - "How did you pick your firm?" "What's a usual day like for you?" "DO you interact much with other practice areas?" "As a summer, would I get to rotate between practice groups?" "What practice areas have a lot of work these days - and which are slower?" etc.

Definitely be ready, I had an interview start with the interviewer going "So! What can I tell you about name, ampersand, and name?"

jlockhart6 wrote:Just wanted a sampling of some questions that you all have asked when this question is posed to you ... just thought it would be interesting.

Can you solve the following differential equation?

u_t=u_xx
u(x=0,t)=0
u_x(x=1,t)+a(t)*(u(x=1,t)-uo)=q(t)
u(x,0)=f(x)

Prepare a mix of firm-specific questions and general qs. Seemed to work for me.

For example:

(1) I saw that you are a [corporate] associate. What is it like working in the [corporate] practice at X firm?
(2) Follow-up: why did you choose X's corporate practice over other firms?
(3) [if a mid-level associate] How has your work responsibility increased at the firm?
(4) [if a first-year] What type of work are you doing in your group?
(5) I saw that one of X firm's strengths is [white collar litigation]. Is the firm looking to expand its practice in that area?
(6) [Interviewer-partner is in the corporate group.] I read that the firm is working on the ZBT deal. How is that going?
(7) I noticed that the firm just opened a Hong Kong office. Is the firm looking to add any other offices?

Not saying these are the best questions ever, but some I asked. Also, pay attention to what the associate is saying and ask follow-up questions. My best interviews were the ones where I got the associate talking about something that interested him, and I could sit back and relax.

this is why you research a firm. you need to have ACTUAL QUESTIONS you want answered. i used to think this was "dreaded" myself. but if you do some research and really think about why you want to practice what you want to practice, and why you want to practice where you want to practice, the questions should come relatively easy. it takes work, and a fair bit of soul-searching, but it's far from impossible. firms will generally know when you ask a generic question you ask everybody, and while it's better than saying "nope, i'm good", it won't distinguish you in the slightest.

I just go with

"could you describe your ideal candidate?"

and

"is there any potential for long term employment?" (i guess this is a given for 2L OCI, but i used this in several of my 1L summer interviews)

blurbz wrote:

jlockhart6 wrote:Just wanted a sampling of some questions that you all have asked when this question is posed to you ... just thought it would be interesting.

What do you think the firm's greatest strengths are?
-----> appropriate follow up questions regarding strengths.

What is the time-line for the decision?

These are fucking terrible questions to ask, no matter what kind of job you're interviewing for.

Do you generally know who will be conducting the interview?

chicoalto0649 wrote:Do you generally know who will be conducting the interview?

It's usually posted well ahead of time, but last minute changes are fairly common (since attorneys are busy folk).

jlockhart6 wrote:Just wanted a sampling of some questions that you all have asked when this question is posed to you ... just thought it would be interesting.

How would you describe the perfect candidate for this position?

How much $ will I make?
I notice all of the associates drive Beamers and Range Rovers. Are they all show or do they make enough to cover a 1k a month car payment?
How hot on a scale of 1-10 are the firm's secretaries/paralegals?
How often do we get to leave early on Fridays?
Can we face our computer screens away from the door so we can click off of facebook when you knock on my office door?

A'nold wrote:How much $ will I make?
I notice all of the associates drive Beamers and Range Rovers. Are they all show or do they make enough to cover a 1k a month car payment?
How hot on a scale of 1-10 are the firm's secretaries/paralegals?
How often do we get to leave early on Fridays?
Can we face our computer screens away from the door so we can click off of facebook when you knock on my office door?

Questions shouldn't be feared, they should be relished! This is your chance to take command of the interview, and a candidate that seizes the opportunity will stand out. As has been discussed, this is why you thoroughly research the company you are interviewing. Try not to ask the standard questions, but probe deeper and prove you've done your homework.

Also, I know it's not sales, but I recommend closing the interviewer for the offer, or next known step in the interview process.

He/she who hesitates, masturbates.... while unemployed.

Yes, Mr. Hiring Partner, if you could tell me why you think i'd make a good fit with your firm and why you decided to interview me, i'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Mr. Matlock wrote:Questions shouldn't be feared, they should be relished! This is your chance to take command of the interview, and a candidate that seizes the opportunity will stand out. As has been discussed, this is why you thoroughly research the company you are interviewing. Try not to ask the standard questions, but probe deeper and prove you've done your homework.

Also, I know it's not sales, but I recommend closing the interviewer for the offer, or next known step in the interview process.

He/she who hesitates, masturbates.... while unemployed.

Just like hamburgers.

Also:

"Third prize is: you're fired."

.