How Attorneys and Law Students Should Respond to Oddball Questions in Law Firm Interviews

Law firm interviewers sometimes ask “oddball” questions because they believe that they somehow reveal valuable information about a candidate.  Because they are so unpredictable and “tricky” by nature, they can be very difficult to answer effectively.  Moreover, the best answer to these questions is not necessarily the “correct” answer.  The best answer is the one that makes you look good, which is the whole point of the interview.  Below is a description of some of the most common oddball question categories with several (real life) examples, followed by suggestions on how to handle oddball questions in each category.

1. Trivia questions.


“Calculate the angle of two clock pointers when time is 11:50.”

“How many quarters would you need to reach the top of the Empire State Building?”

“Name 3 previous Nobel Prize Winners.”

I was once asked in a law firm interview to name the original five members of baseball’s Hall of Fame.  Fortunately, I happen to be a baseball trivia buff, so I knew the answer.  This illustrates the general nature of most trivia questions, which is that you either know the answer or you don’t.  If you don’t know the answer, admit you don’t know and move on.  There are some trivia questions, however, that don’t have a clear answer, such as the second question.  With these questions, your actual answer isn’t important, since nobody knows the correct answer anyway.  What matters is how you come to your estimated answer, and how good (or smart, or creative) this effort makes you look.

2. The “really get to know you” questions.

“What songs best describe your work ethic?”

“What do you think about when you are alone in your car?”

“If you could be anyone else, who would it be?”

These questions are intended to reveal “deeper” information about you.  Again, what matters is whether your answer makes you look good.  For example, for the second question you should not tell the interviewer what you really think about when you are alone in your car.  Instead, you could say that you think about work when alone in your car to show your dedication.

3. The “what if and why” philosophical questions

“If you were to get rid of one state in the U.S., which would it be and why?”

“If you could pick two celebrities to be your parents, who would they be and why?”

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

“What kitchen utensil would you most like to be and why?”
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

Once again, your literal “correct” answer is unimportant.  What is important is that your answer reflects good things about you.  For example, when asked to choose celebrities for some purpose, do not pick your favorites.  Choose highly impressive celebrities that share some positive trait or traits with you (intelligence, integrity, hard work, etc.).  Sometimes you can use humor in responding to oddball questions.  This can be risky, however, as the success of this tactic depends on the sense of humor of the interviewer.  For the most part, people who ask oddball questions take them seriously.  You should too.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.