It’s easy to tell a young lawyer to remain calm when going for an interview. But legal interviews can be tense. Usually, the only sure way to pull through is to know what you’re about and be confident about it. This can take many forms, from throwing on your most valuable Louis Vuitton suit to rehearsing world stage lines. If you’re unsure how to go about things, check out the below interview tips for an impressive career in law.
Seek relevant advice and information.
Practicing law is a strict knowledge journey and you won’t know it all. So sending a quick message to a seasoned colleague’s inbox can be a great way to access critical information for acing your interview. But remember, the world of legal work is a broad area. Asking a human rights lawyer about the ins and outs of labor law may not churn the best results. Unless the person is a seasoned professional like Malliha Wilson who has extensive experience in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Malliha Wilson is currently a partner at the esteemed Nava Wilson LLP law firm. She was called to the bar in 1983 after obtaining her undergraduate degree from Mcgill University and her law degree from York University in Canada. Wilson started her career as the senior counsel for the Ministry of Government Services and later became a special legal advisor to the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO).
She’s a prolific legal personality, having handled many notable cases in Canada’s international human rights space. Between 2008 and 2016, she served as the assistant deputy attorney general of the government of Ontario. She happens to be the first visible minority to achieve that feat.
Malliha received a distinguished career award from the South Asian bar association in 2009. She also wields a gold key award bestowed by the board of the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association for her service in the public sector. Furthermore, she’s a champion of diversity, having worked with several team members in a growing number of countries. Wilson has also garnered significant experience sitting on the Supreme Court of Canada representing workers and pushing for the advancement of parliamentary democracy regarding immigration.
Try to look the part.
First impressions always count. There’s no field of work in the world that upholds this saying more than the legal industry. This is the time to show off your designer ties and spotless Zegna shoes. So, heading to tiedeals.com for the best Briolli ties can never be a miss. First-time shoppers can enjoy free shipping on luxurious brands and other popular high-end Italian neckties. Generally, dressing to impress can give you an edge in your legal interview.
Research the company beforehand.
Legal companies have different philosophies and cultures. Some of these intangible assets have been woven into every staff from the legal director to the paralegal. Performing a quick background search can be a great way to get you in good standing in what your interviewers believe in. Beyond specific legal knowledge, your interviews may also test your knowledge of the general rule of law history and trends. Therefore, as you prep yourself for the opportunity of your lifetime, do well to keep up with the times.
Sell yourself as best as you can.
Efficient organization skills are a hallmark of good lawyers. Knowing how to organize your professional experience can help you show what you are made of. Often, when compiling information for resumes, many young lawyers leave out the minor scale and volunteering activities. But some of them can be essential to get you through the door.
Experts say firms who review resumes before interviewing give candidates higher recruiting possibilities. Therefore don’t refrain from adding related soft skills like entrepreneur abilities to your resume. You may never know what catches your interviewer’s eye.