I have a zoom interview with a managing partner at a small lit boutique tomorrow. It’s my first interview since interviewing at my current firm for my summer associate position! What kind of questions should I expect?

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Ask about work flow and what it takes to make partner.

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Ask about billable requirements, benefits. They may ask what type of motion work you have done. Be prepared to spit out the types you have filed. May ask about how many cases you handle now. Might ask why you’re leaving your current job (default is looking for a better financial fit)

Whatever you do let them throw the first ball for salary. They will ask what you expect I always say “that’s actually a question I has for you; what are you all offering for the position” If they don’t budge you can say 1) I’m looking for something in this range and it would depend on benefits or 2) I would need more info on the position and benefits offered but I would love to get more clarification on that. Worst case you say “I’m making between x and x (always fluff), and will need to be above that at the minimum”

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What are some professional goals that you are looking to achieve?

Purpose of practice/profession questions like: Why our firm? What drew you to litigation? What do you like about XYZ type of litigation?

Experiential questions like tell me about a memorable depo/brief/trial experience?

Do you enjoy business development/interacting with clients/investigating new cases?

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What’s a case you saw from start to finish?

What’s a difficult problem you faced in (specific area of litigation), and how did you solve it?

How do you view working on a team?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

A good resume prep tip is to have a personal copy with a few notes for talking points in the margins of each entry. Also think of an interesting thing that humanizes you; smaller boutiques value independence but also personality if you’re not a cog.

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Y’all are so amazing!!! Thank you so much for your responses. I feel much more prepared now. Interviews after practicing are a totally different beast than interviewing in law school.

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Also be ready for the possible “what’s your biggest strength and weakness” had that thrown at me the other day. Make it real and human

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