Interviewing Tips
Mike’s guide for first year law students is a worthwhile read. It reminded me of a problem I have encountered when second and third students seek references from me for jobs. I require a writing sample, transcript, and a chat before I agree to write a letter or even be a reference. The chat may be the most important part of the process. For one I enjoy the chance to learn more about my students than I normally do in class. More importantly, it forces students to articulate what it is they wish to do and why they want a particular job. Of course many law students have no clue whether litigation or transactional work is what they want to do. And really how could they? Unlike medical school, unless one works in a clinic or had some exposure to a law firm prior to law school, the practice of law is opaque. Nonetheless, building on some of Mike’s points about knowing who you are and my own conversations with law students, I think there is a way for students to do well in interviews and maybe even know better which jobs to go after.