how to interview lateral attorney

12 Lateral Interview Tips from a Legal Recruiter Know your resume and deal sheet/representative matters sheet cold and be able to talk intelligently about anything on them, even if it was years ago. … Do as much homework on the firm and on your interviewers as you can. …

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How do law firms hire lateral lawyers?

Dec 20, 2017 · Here are eight tips to ensure you are on your “A” game during a lateral interview. Take a trip down memory lane- Go through your resume, old work documents, emails, memos, etcetera and thoughtfully review what you’ve done while at your current firm. You may think that you remember the details of that case that consumed your life last year ...

What is the interview process like at a law firm?

Lateral hiring, also referred to as lateral recruitment, is a hiring process that involves hiring someone who has a certain amount of experience as opposed to hiring someone who recently passed the bar exam and who has practically no experience practicing law. A lateral hire could be an associate or staff attorney.

When do lateral attorney candidates start job searches?

In contrast to summer associate interviews, lateral hiring interviews are more substantive. You should be prepared to demonstrate what you have learned during your time at the firm. Your legal experience and the basic information about the group and the firm you are interviewing need to be committed to memory.

How do I prepare for a lateral interview?

Here, attorneys and legal hiring experts talk about what you definitely shouldn't say in your lateral hire interview and why. 'My Boss Is a Jerk' There may be plenty of reasons you want to leave your current firm, like the people you work with or the lack of opportunities for you to grow your practice, but experts say you should be careful not to

What questions should I ask in an attorney interview?

Litigation-related questions to ask a lawyer in an interview include:How many court and jury trials have you done and what is your win percentage? ... What is the chance that I receive a favorable outcome? ... What are the risks if the case does fail? ... What are the odds of a settlement? ... How long should I expect this to take?

What are lateral interviews?

Essentially, you are preparing for 30–45-minute micro-interviews with each person or group of people on your interview schedule. Though each interviewer is unique, you can expect common themes and similar questions when meeting with most of the attorneys.

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

Is it hard to lateral into big law?

The current Biglaw lateral market is overwhelming. There are more variables influencing associates' career planning and strategic decisionmaking than ever before. A byproduct is that getting started on a lateral search can be intimidating.Dec 3, 2021

How do I prepare for a lateral interview?

12 Lateral Interview Tips from a Legal RecruiterKnow your resume and deal sheet/representative matters sheet cold and be able to talk intelligently about anything on them, even if it was years ago. ... Do as much homework on the firm and on your interviewers as you can. ... Do not sound negative about your current firm.More items...

How long does it take to get a lateral offer?

According to Caravello and other recruiters, most partner-level lateral moves take a minimum of six months from the start of discussions to finalizing the move. For groups or particularly high-earning partners, that figure will often hit nine months.Jul 29, 2020

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer?

The 5 Best Questions to Ask in An InterviewWhat do you expect from team members in this position? ... Will those expectations change over time? ... What is a typical day like at [company name]? ... Where do you see the company in five years? ... What are the next steps in the job process?

What are 10 most common interview questions and answers?

top 10 most common interview questions and answersTell me about yourself.What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest weakness?Why should we hire you?What's something positive your boss would say about you?What are your salary expectations?Why are you leaving your current role?More items...•Mar 2, 2021

What are some illegal interview questions?

Illegal Interview QuestionsAge or genetic information.Birthplace, country of origin or citizenship.Disability.Gender, sex or sexual orientation.Marital status, family, or pregnancy.Race, color, or ethnicity.Religion.Nov 17, 2021

What do large law firms look for?

Law firms want attorneys who fit in with their cultures and with the cultures of their clients, and who have good social skills. Some law firms are known for having certain types of clients and, because of this, they tend to hire attorneys who look and behave in a certain way.

What is a lateral attorney definition?

Lateral Hire — someone who enters the law firm, typically from another firm, at the same level as they were in their old firm. For example, attorney X, who was an associate at one law firm, joins another firm as an associate.

Is Bracewell a top law firm?

Bracewell Ranks as a Leading Law Firm in 2021 Midlevel Associates Survey. HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP nationally ranked among the top 25 law firms in The American Lawyer's 2021 Midlevel Associates Survey.Aug 27, 2021

How long is a micro interview?

Essentially, you are preparing for 30–45-minute micro-interviews with each person or group of people on your interview schedule. Though each interviewer is unique, you can expect common themes and similar questions when meeting with most of the attorneys.

What is a reputable recruiter?

A reputable recruiter should be knowledgeable about the particular firm’s and practice group’s structure, culture, and work assignment system and should be able to provide insight and intel based on their strong relationships with the firms and from the experiences and feedback of past-placed attorneys and interviewees.

Why is the role of an interviewer important?

First, the goal of the interviewer is to gather enough information to properly evaluate the candidate and determine if he or she is a good fit.

What does it mean when a candidate feels comfortable at a firm?

If a candidate feels comfortable at a firm, he or she is much more likely to look favorably upon an offer from that firm. In addition, a candidate who is at ease in an interview is much more likely to speak freely and share information that will help the interviewer in making his or her evaluation.

Why do open ended questions start with "how"?

Open-ended questions – typically questions that begin with "why," "how," or "what" – are designed to allow the candidate to express themselves more fully, and enable the interviewer to gather more information on the candidate.

Do attorneys interview experts?

DURING THE INTERVIEW. As discussed above, most attorneys are not interviewing experts and could benefit from receiving some general guidelines on how to conduct interviews. Specifically, they should be encouraged to: Build a rapport with the candidate.

Is it advantageous to select attorneys who have both the time and the desire to conduct an interview?

However, to the extent that there is some flexibility, it is advantageous to select those attorneys who have both the time and the desire to conduct an interview and to present the firm in the best possible light.

Should interviewers have access to and review as much information about the candidate as possible prior to the interview?

Interviewers should have access to and review as much information about the candidate as possible prior to the interview . Some recruiting companies, including BCG Attorney Search, prepare detailed cover letters explaining very relevant information, such as the candidate's reasons for seeking a change, performance reviews, etc.

Is it helpful to provide information to an interviewer?

However, if the position requires particularized knowledge, experience, or skill levels, and the job description is detailed and lengthy, it is helpful to provide this information to the interviewer —especially if the interviewer is a junior associate and is not as familiar with the firm's hiring needs.

What is a good legal recruiter?

A good legal recruiter will work with you throughout the entire lateral process. At the interview stage, your recruiter should help you to determine how to best articulate your story, to anticipate the interview ers’ questions, and to be ready for any curve balls they may throw at you. Sponsored.

What to say when asked a question and you don't know the answer?

Always be positive about your experience and interests. If you are asked a question and you don’t know the answer, it’s fine to say, “I don’t know,” but follow it up with something you do know and can talk about articulately. Be prepared to ask your interviewers a few questions. Memorize these questions.

Do lateral candidates have to be interviewed?

Most lateral candidates have not interviewed in years. Interviewing is just like test-taking: no matter how well you know the substance, you still need to practice the execution. Ask a friend or your legal recruiter to do a mock interview with you. You do not want to sound rehearsed, but you do want to sound prepared.

How many attorneys are in a second round of associate interviews?

Most firms have a two-round process. The initial interview is typically with one or two practice group leaders followed by a second-round interview with four or five additional attorneys, including a mix of partners and associates. Essentially, you are preparing for micro-interviews ...

Why is it important to not be anxious before an interview?

It is common to be nervous before an interview, though when overtaken by anxiety, it can affect our memory and ability to appear confident and knowledgeable.

How long is a micro interview?

Essentially, you are preparing for micro-interviews of 30 to 35 minutes with each person or group of people on your interview schedule. Though each interviewer is unique, you can expect common themes and similar questions when meeting with most of the attorneys.

What is a reputable recruiter?

A reputable recruiter should be knowledgeable about the particular firm’s and practice group’s structure, culture, and work assignment system and should be able to provide insight and intel based on their strong relationships with the firms and from the experiences and feedback of past-placed attorneys and interviewees.