Law School Interviews: What To Expect & What To Ask

While not all law schools offer them, interviews can be a strong opportunity to strengthen your candidacy for a school.

“Law school interviews are an added component to provide the admissions committee with more context on who you are, how you’ve pursued your commitments, and how you’d fit into the school,” Padya Paramita, of InGenius Prep, writes.

But how can you make the most of an interview opportunity? Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently went over what to expect during an interview and good questions to ask admissions officers.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Many interviews will be virtual and fairly standardized depending on the law school.

“Each school might conduct group interviews or individual interviews, have recorded or live questions and be highly structured or more free-flowing in style,” Kuris writes. “Generally, applicants should be prepared to answer questions about their resume, transcript, interests and career goals, along with job interview-style questions about personal strengths and weaknesses and challenges faced. Interviewers might ask questions about how you would approach a particular situation or hypothetical problem.”

WHAT TO ASK

Interviewers will usually leave time at the end of the interview for applicants to ask questions.

Kuris recommends preparing at least three to five questions in advance. Generally, applicants will have enough time to ask two or three.

One strong question, according to Kuris, can focus on asking about the law school’s specific strengths and offerings.

“Not only do such questions provide helpful information and give the interviewer a chance to brag about the law school’s selling points, but they show genuine interest,” Kuris writes.

Questions should show that you have serious intent to attend the law school.

“Without needing to work out all the details in advance, you might like to ask questions like: What student housing arrangements are available and what are they like? How would you describe the campus culture or environment? What resources are available to help first-year students succeed?” Kuris writes.

It can also be helpful to ask questions about the admissions process.

“Admissions officers should be able to answer questions like: How do you evaluate candidates? How can I best position myself as a candidate? What is the usual timeline for admissions decisions?” Kuris writes.

Sources: US News, InGenius Prep