Everything You Need To Know About Law School Interviews

A law school application is a rigorous process. The goal of law schools is to accept only students who have the potential to become great lawyers. An interview with an admissions officer may be part of the application process.
 

What is a Law School Interview?

An interview is a meeting between an applicant and an admissions officer to discuss factors such as the applicant's history, experiences, and qualifications. These interviews give law school admissions committees a chance to learn more about applicants and determine whether they have the right personality to pursue law. During an interview, you need to demonstrate to admissions that you possess the skills and motivation to attend law school.
 

Importance of Law School Interviews in Your Admissions Decision

A law school interview provides the admissions committee with more context about who you are, how you have pursued your commitments, and how you would fit into the school. Be sincere and specific in your answer to the interview questions, and elaborate on your interests and goals. 


Interviews are required for schools like Harvard and UVA. You have the opportunity to make an impression once you have been invited, and you are one step closer to confirming the school's initial interest in you. Sadly, if you do not receive an interview for these schools, you are out of the running. In order to avoid falling into that pile, you should focus on the preliminary components of your application, such as your grades, LSAT score, resume, and personal statement.

For schools that do not interview all applicants and still consider candidates they have not interviewed, your law school interviews are just another component of your application. You may get the interview and it is all the more positive, but it is not the end of the world if you do not. You will not be able to make or break your Columbia application if you do not hear back about an interview. A member of the school's admissions committee has the right to refrain from inviting you to an interview, according to the school's policy. The invitation to an interview is in no way a guarantee of admission. Even if you do not get an interview invitation, your application could be considered favorable.
 

Topics Law School Interviews Might Cover

Interviews are used by law schools to learn about each applicant. An applicant's personality and confidence are important to them. During an interview with an admissions officer, an admissions officer may address the following topics:
 

Personal Questions

You will be asked to tell the admissions officer a little about yourself during the interview. This is your chance to share your interest in legal studies and your other interests outside of school. You will be asked some other questions to determine if you are a well-rounded candidate. Your personal information, such as your strengths, weaknesses, and the reasons you chose law, should be provided in your application.
 

Resume and College Transcript

You will be asked questions about your undergraduate experience and your resume during this part of the interview. Make sure you are prepared to deliver a thorough explanation of everything you submitted for your law school application.
 

Knowledge About the Law School

You should thoroughly research the law school you plan to apply to before your interview. Your reasons for attending the school should be ready. The program you are interested in should also allow you to explain why it will help you in your legal career.
 

Legal Reasoning and Thinking Skills

Legal reasoning and thinking skills may be tested during the interview. You will be asked fair questions by most admissions offers, and they will not try to trick you. It is important for them to see how well you can respond to questions in real-time, as this is a big part of being a successful lawyer.
 

Current Events

Prepare for your interview by staying current on current events. It is possible that the interviewer will ask for your opinion on something current in the news. Make connections between legal studies and current events.
 

How To Prepare For Law School Interviews

 

1. Learn About the School

You should research the law school as much as you can. Visit the school's website and social media accounts to learn about its values and specialties. It will be necessary for you to explain why you would like to attend this school, so use your research to provide a thoughtful answer.
 

2. Practice Answers to Common Questions

Similar questions are asked by most law schools. Your background, your reason for attending law school, your interests in law, and other questions will be asked to determine your level of thinking. Preparing your answer beforehand will assist you in providing a quality response when you are interviewed.
 

3. Think of Questions to Ask

At the end of your interview, you will have an opportunity to ask the interviewer any questions you may have. When you prepare questions, you show admissions you are serious about this opportunity. You might want to ask these questions:
 

• What kind of academic support do students receive?
• What is the job outlook for students at this institution?
• Why do students at this school stand out to employers?
• Are professors easy to contact?

 

4. Practice Speaking and Body Language

In front of the mirror, practice speaking with clarity and confidence. You should also practice sitting up straight and making eye contact with those you are speaking to. In addition to looking personable, you can make your impression by learning how to shake someone's hand.
 

5. Do a Mock Interview

Practice with a friend after preparing for questions. Feeling prepared and relaxed can be a result of practicing. Provide your friend with a series of questions and respond to them as best you can. Ask your friend what you can improve on after the mock interview. Being interviewed becomes easier with practice.
 

6. Print a Copy of Your Resume

Though you are most likely to have your application on hand for the interview, be prepared for anything by bringing a professional-looking copy of your resume. When you have to wait for the interview, you can review your resume for ideas on what to say.
 

7. Plan to follow-up afterward

Thank the interviewer for their time after your interview by shaking his or her hand. Within the next day, send them an email or a handwritten letter thanking them for their time. If they need more information, let them know they can reach out to you. Finally, let them know you look forward to hearing from them and sign your name.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

 

Common Interview Questions for Law School

Questionnaires are prepared by admissions committees to evaluate applicants' suitability to their school. Set yourself apart from other applicants by preparing thoughtful answers to common law school interview questions.

Here are some common interview questions for law schools:
 

• Why do you want to become a lawyer?
• Why are you interested in our school?
• What kind of law interests you the most?
• What is your dream job in law?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
• How would you contribute to your class?
• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about an experience you had in an internship, or job that makes you proud.
• How do you spend your free time?
• What is one thing that you might be scared of or hesitant about in law school?
• What has been your biggest challenge so far?
• What kind of law student do you expect to be?
• If you had a chance to have dinner with anyone alive or dead, whom would you choose?
• Share a book that influenced you.
• Explain your journey from your previous career to law.
• What excites you the most about moving to this city?
• Tell us more about a particularly meaningful extracurricular activity.
• What would you tell the US President?
• What was the best part about your summer job last year?
• What kind of student do you expect to be?

 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

 

Other Questions You May Get While Interviewing at Law Schools

 

• If you were an animal, what would you be?
• Tell me one thing about yourself you would not want me to know.
• What is your greatest hobby? What do you like the most about it?
• Is there anything in your life you are particularly proud of? And is there anything you are particularly ashamed of?
• What books are you currently reading?
• Law school is difficult. What do you plan to sacrifice in order to successfully finish this school?
• Tell us about the biggest ethical dilemma you faced in your life.
• Describe a situation in which you demonstrated creative thinking.
• How would you describe a great law student?
• Does your academic record accurately reflect your capabilities?
• What does integrity mean to you?
• After everything that has been said in this interview, do you want to add something, or do you have any questions?

 

Conclusion

Your law school interview may ask questions about time management, leadership, or your undergraduate experience. Depending on your application, you may also be asked about an event that has recently occurred or the components of your resume you mentioned, such as your musical career or junior year internship. Cornell, for example, has previously asked its applicants, "What is your opinion regarding the Burka ban in France?" You could also be asked about the school itself to inquire whether you have done your research, such as what electives you would take or what classes you are most excited to take. The University of Chicago has asked interviewees in previous years what excites them about Chicago. 

Most interviewers will ask whether you have any questions at the end of the interview. Ask specific questions to avoid appearing uninterested and uninformed. You might ask about courses, the school culture, or the location of the law school. An engaging response should be encouraged by it. You should not ask yes-or-no questions or questions that you came up with on a whim. You should ensure that you have gotten plenty of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and are ready to express your passions at the end of the day.

Ensure you present yourself as a motivated, committed, and likable person when you begin your law school interviews. Also, research each of the schools you are talking to and be prepared to explain why you are interested in them and what you hope to gain from their resources. A school's interview decision can make or break your application if you have applied to one that only invites top candidates. Even if a school does not interview all applicants, a successful and impressive interview can definitely help you achieve your goal of getting a JD.

See the following articles for more information:
 

• Big Law Interview Tips and Law Firm Interview Preparation
• The Five Musts of Interviewing
• Employers Want to Hire You
• The Law Student Interview Cheat Sheet
• Off The Record Interview Tips from Law Firm Interviewers
• The Art of Interviewing: Tips for Converting Interviews Into Offers
• Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews
• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question
• Had a Great Interview But Have Got No Response to My Thank-You Emails
• What Does It Mean if I Haven't Heard Anything Back from an Application/Interview in a Couple Weeks?
• What to Wear to a Lunch Interview?
• How to Effectively Interview Lateral Candidates: Pointers for Law Firms
• The Interview Post-Mortem: Don't Forget Your Thank You Notes!
• The Secret to Effectively Sharing Concerns about Your Current Employer without Committing the Most Common Interview Blunder
• How to Conduct Yourself During a Lunch Interview

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.

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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.