THE LAW STUDENT’S INTERVIEW CHEAT SHEET - Practical Advice for Washington, D.C. Interviews

Sep 27, 2026

Practical guidance for law students preparing for interviewing with Washington, D.C. law firms, written from the perspective of attorneys and recruiting managers. Covers self-awareness before interviews, researching firm bios, preparing questions for every interviewer, and matching your interests to specific practice areas. Emphasizes etiquette and first impressions, including professionalism in dress and materials, respectful behavior toward support staff, and positive, confident communication. Provides coaching on handling difficult questions, discussing resume details, avoiding certain topics in early interviews, and managing conversations during lunch.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Self-awareness and firm research

Questions, writing samples, and career services support

FIRST IMPRESSIONS/ETIQUETTE

Professional materials and appearance

Communication during the interview

INTERVIEW DISCUSSION STRATEGIES

Start conversations and avoid negative topics

Practice-area interest and location connection

Handling unknown answers and nervous interviewers

QUESTIONS AND TOPIC GUIDANCE

Benefits and perks to avoid early

Partner perspective and firm fit

| THE LAW STUDENT’S INTERVIEW CHEAT SHEET | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Practical, Real-World Advice from Washington, D.C. Law Firm Attorneys and Recruiting Managers | | | | PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION “Self-awareness is critical. You need to show that you have really evaluated yourself, your skills, and your interests. For example, if you are interested in litigation, be able to explain why you are interested in it and WHY you think you would be good at it. Give specific reasons!”
“Have questions for every interviewer, even if it means asking the same questions multiple times. Interviewers always comment negativelyon candidates who do not have any questions. To interviewers a candidate with no questions isnot interested in them or the firm.”
“The most impressive interviewers are those who can clearly articulate why they are interested in our firm, with specific reasons that are based on research.”
“Know our bios. If you can’t take the time to research us, that’s a sign of a bigger problem.”
“I am always impressed with students who can explain why they went to law school and, more importantly, where they see themselves in five years. I’m not really that concerned about the actual answer, but it’s important to me that a student takes his/her career seriously enough that he/she has given this some thought.”
“Do not discount the importance of writing samples. Those that review them take them seriously. Make sure you are providing your best possible work and triple-check for typosand Bluebooking.”
“Take advantage of your law school career services office. They are experts and can really help you make sure you are preparing the right way.” FIRST IMPRESSIONS/ETIQUETTE
“Don't come in empty handed-carry a professional-looking portfolio containing an easily accessible pen and notepad.”
“Turn off your cell phone. Get a haircut. For men, wear a dark suit, a white/blue shirt and red/blue tie. Take off that strange looking highschool ring. No one will appreciate your unique fashion sense. Don't give people something weird to remember you by two months later when they're trying to remember who you are and whether you deserve an offer.”
“Do not look at your watch during the interview and turn your cell phone off. A firm handshake, smile, and good eye contact are critical.”
“Do not speak negatively about attorneys, professors, career services personnel, other firms or anyone else in the legal community. The legal community may seem very large, but it is actually very small.”
“Be polite and courteous to support staff such as secretaries, front desk receptionist, etc.
They often have the ear of decision makers andwill not hesitate to provide informal feedback on you, especially if you are not respectful.” | “Read a book on interviewing etiquette before your interviews. You will pick up helpful tips you would have never thought of.”

“Start a conversation with your interviewer before they have a chance to ask a question. Facilitate a conversation and not an interrogation or deposition.”
“Be able to explain your connection to and interest in practicing in Washington, D.C.”
“Don't ask about benefits, vacation, parttime, flex scheduling, billable hour minimums, perks, maternity/paternity policy, free lunches, summer associate events, computers, scheduling time for your honeymoon, taking a year off after law school to go hiking, etc. in your first interview.”
“Remember that the easiest topic to ask someone (interviewer) is about him/herselfpeople naturally like to proselytize about their own accomplishments. Ask why we joined this firm, why we like it, etc.”
“You will be asked to talk about your prior experiences, so be prepared to discuss each and every detail of your resume.”
“Some of us are not good interviewers and we get nervous as well. If necessary, it never hurts to take the lead and help carry the interview with somebody that is not doing a very good job.”
“Please don’t tell me

FAQs

What should law students focus on during pre-interview preparation?

Law students should evaluate their own skills and interests, be able to explain why they want specific practice areas, research the firm and know bios, and prepare questions for every interviewer. They should also ensure writing samples are polished with careful proofreading and proper Bluebooking.

How should candidates handle first impressions and professional etiquette?

Candidates should arrive with a professional portfolio, turn off cell phones, make strong eye contact, and use a firm handshake and smile. Dress appropriately, avoid speaking negatively about others in the legal community, and be especially polite to support staff because they can provide informal feedback to decision makers.

Which topics should candidates avoid in their first interview?

Avoid asking about benefits, vacation, part-time or flex scheduling, billable-hour minimums, perks, maternity/paternity policies, free lunches, summer associate events, and other administrative or personal-timing topics. The guidance also advises against saying you’re interested in “international law” as if it were a distinct category and against criticizing your choice with comparisons that suggest you do not know what you want.

Sep 27, 2026

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