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Hi,

how do you practice your interview when you were told that you either talk too much with too many details? I may come off like this because I want to be extra genuine, which comes off as "not structured and not how attorneys speak" (my attempt at not trying to sound cliché but it ends up being too casual)? I have issues giving too much details because I can't stand generic responses such as "I value skills such time management because big law firms for young associates can be demanding and thus, it is extremely important to prioritize blah blah..."

For instance, how do you say you are flexible with either transaction and litigation without saying canned answers such as "I am open to either practice groups as I have valued my experiences working as a ____ in litigation and also enjoying _____ from some of transactional work experiences"

HELP

If your law school has a mock interview program, in which either alumni or career services personnel do a practice interview with you, I would strongly recommend that. I did a few mock interviews, and they were a huge help. I currently work at the firm where I did a mock interview with an alumnus, so it was a positive networking experience as well. You will learn a lot from the feedback of the interviewer--if they are helpful.

Go to firm receptions and talk to people. What you talk about at a cocktail reception and what you talk about at a screener are basically the same.

Also don't be afraid to set up followup questions for your interviewer. It gives them the opportunity to ask more if they want, or take the conversation in a different direction.

stoopkid13 wrote:Go to firm receptions and talk to people. What you talk about at a cocktail reception and what you talk about at a screener are basically the same.

Also don't be afraid to set up followup questions for your interviewer. It gives them the opportunity to ask more if they want, or take the conversation in a different direction.

In my limited experience I think the best interviews are either (1) a relatively normal-feeling conversation or (2) the interviewer (not the interviewee) talking the entire time. For non-social people going to a cocktail reception isn't necessarily great practice for an interview but going to mock interviews or going to your career services or professors to talk might work. It's a more controlled 1on1 environment where you're forced to sort of become comfortable engaging in a conversation (and keeping one alive if needed).

lolwat wrote:

stoopkid13 wrote:Go to firm receptions and talk to people. What you talk about at a cocktail reception and what you talk about at a screener are basically the same.

Also don't be afraid to set up followup questions for your interviewer. It gives them the opportunity to ask more if they want, or take the conversation in a different direction.

In my limited experience I think the best interviews are either (1) a relatively normal-feeling conversation or (2) the interviewer (not the interviewee) talking the entire time. For non-social people going to a cocktail reception isn't necessarily great practice for an interview but going to mock interviews or going to your career services or professors to talk might work. It's a more controlled 1on1 environment where you're forced to sort of become comfortable engaging in a conversation (and keeping one alive if needed).

I don't see how a firm reception is not a good place to have a relatively normal-feeling conversation. I think that's what makes it great practice for screeners. Of course if you spend the whole time talking to your friends or snacking on hors doeuvres, you won't get much out of it. But if you spend the time talking to attorneys about law school, their firm, the Yankees, etc. it's a great opportunity.

stoopkid13 wrote: I don't see how a firm reception is not a good place to have a relatively normal-feeling conversation. I think that's what makes it great practice for screeners. Of course if you spend the whole time talking to your friends or snacking on hors doeuvres, you won't get much out of it. But if you spend the time talking to attorneys about law school, their firm, the Yankees, etc. it's a great opportunity.

Agreed. My best connections definitely came from the less formal reception setting rather the more structured interviews. Either way, you have to lean into the awkwardness of the contrived setting.

IMO, food at those things is a trap. I refuse to eat unless peer pressured and make sure to always have a beverage in hand.