What are some questions to ask in an interview to assess culture and WLB without sounding like you don’t want to work hard or put in long hours when it’s needed? And what are some red flags?

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I like to ask whoever will be supervising me how they would describe their management style. My favorite answer was from one partner who said “I don’t give a shit when or where you get your work done and I will not micromanage you. I am always available if you have a question but try to figure it out on your own first.” Best partner I’ve ever worked for. Red flag answer from someone else “I’m old school.” He was indeed old school in the worst way possible

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I often will ask people what their favorite thing about the company is - usually the way they answer, not what they say, is telling. Once I was in an interview and asked someone this question. She paused, spent WAY too much time thinking, and landed on “the office is really nice.” After that, I was on red alert.

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That is a good one! I’ll use that. Thanks for sharing!

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If they treat you negatively for asking about WLB, that’s a huge red flag.

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Agreed but I think it’s overwhelmingly the case that they will think negatively about the question even if they offer great wlb

I like to ask what they do for fun, hobbies, any weekend plans. If they’ve got nothing, it’s a red flag.

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I was very blunt about it coming from an ID firm. They completely understood and I got the job. I don’t think we need to hide the importance of WLB anymore. If they hold it against you, it’s NOT the culture you’re looking for.

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Ask to independently meet with some attorneys at your prospective level that aren’t involved in recruiting if possible. If they don’t let you, that’s a red flag.

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Haha definitely a risk. I got lucky at my current firm talking to the more junior associates in private who were straight up with me.

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If the company is remote or hybrid you can ask how they’ve navigated that shift (assuming it wasn’t like that pre-pandemic). Some companies have instituted company wide “off day” or at least “no meeting” day. But something to show the company values your time. Also, if they’re not remote friendly maybe that’s a question to ask about.

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