Most law schools don’t interview their applicants. But among those who do, an admissions director or alum will typically conduct a 20 to 30-minute behavioral interview where they will assess your interpersonal traits, commitment to and aptitude for the study of law, and your interest in and potential to contribute to the school/community. They will also want to ensure that your interview is consistent with your application.
Here’s what you’ll want to demonstrate:
Overall:
Consistency between application and interview
Interpersonal:
Professional manner/maturity
Clear communication style
Leadership/influence
Confidence
Intellectual curiosity
Collaborative
Commitment and Aptitude:
Clear understanding of what a legal career entails
Goal orientation/motivation
Time management
Perseverance
Integrity/ethics
Community
Interest in school/excitement about offerings
Willingness/ability to contribute to the school community
Fit with student body/diverse elements you will add to the community
Begin preparing for your interview by thinking through your most meaningful experiences that will help demonstrate your skills and abilities in the areas of critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork, as well as those that reinforced your commitment to the study of law. As with your personal statement, you’ll want to show the interviewer your strengths and potential through specific examples, rather than limiting your content to claims.
Check back throughout the week, we’ll share a list of common interview questions, by type, to help you with your preparation.