Big law interview Forum

[Anonymous User]

I will be interviewing for a big law firm. Currently, I am at a smaller firm looking to trade up for something better.

Looking for advice on how to handle the interview.

Thank you!

[lawhopeful100]

I lateralled from a small firm to a large firm about two months ago. I don’t think you need to treat the interview any different really just because you are moving to a bigger firm. Is it the same practice area? Just have down your answer as to why you are leaving and be prepared to talk about the type of work you have been doing.

[SFSpartan]

Not sure what you're really looking for people to say - just go to the interview and act like a normal human being.

[Anonymous User]

Op here. Thanks for the responses. I will be in the same practice area. I am normally pretty decent at interviews but wasn’t sure if I should proceed any differently with a bigger firm.

What types of general questions should I ask toward the end of the interview?

Thank you.

[SFSpartan]

Treat it the same as you would treat any other interview

[Anonymous User]

At my firm, lateral interviews are 50% "Do I like this person?" and 50% "Do they have the necessary experience?" Be prepared to talk about your resume is great detail, and know exactly what type of position they're hiring for and be able to speak intelligently about your relevant experience. And then just be normal.

[gregfootball2001]

Think about how your experience has been different from the associates who have been there since they were summers, and play that up. If litigation, do you have stand-up experience that biglaw associates don't? Did you run deals? What did you do that differentiates you in a good way?

[magnum_law]

I have received a several Biglaw offers in the past, and in my experience, the callback phase of the interview process is almost entirely about "fit." Try your best to same eager/excited about the opportunity, but avoid coming off as nervous or too rigid. Some people simply try too hard to come off as impressive or intelligent and I think that can backfire big time.

What most firms seem to be looking for a sociable, enthusiastic, hard-working folks. If you were invited to a CB, chances are that your resume makes them believe that you are qualified enough for the position. Be sure to have some handy anecdotes ready about your current/past employment that demonstrates your knowledge/interest in the law, etc. but no need to gun too hard.

Also, I always found it helpful to start off interviews with a light-hearted joke or a compliment about their office view (if in NYC, etc.) just to get the ball rolling and hopeful cause them to be more comfortable.

Please note that my opportunities came from OCI, not lateral interviews. I am not sure to what extent that changes things, so take with a grain of salt. It could be the case that a firm knows they are "investing" in a law student that knows nothing yet and therefore they look for certain qualities; whereas for laterals, they need someone that is knowledgable in a specific area and is ready to fill a need. But nonetheless, I'd be surprised if the process differs by much -- especially if you are still a junior lawyer.

[Anonymous User]

Op here.

Thanks for the responses all.