The first interview is over the phone with HR. The second interview is a panel via zoom. The third interview is in person with the hiring manager and various staff.

During the initial phone interview for an attorney position, the interviewer asked me a variety of questions about my experience, such as do you have a J.D. to how many mediations have you handled. Given my extensive background of over a decade, it was a bit challenging to provide exact numbers which frustrated the interviewer. I also found the interviewer’s insistence on immediate responses rather than allowing time for thoughtful answers to be off-putting and reminiscent of an interrogation. It seems the interviewer was focused on covering a checklist of questions rather than delving into a deeper understanding of my background and skills. This approach left me feeling somewhat disconnected during the interview, as the questions didn't seem tailored to my expertise, and it appeared the interviewer may have lacked a nuanced understanding of the legal field. Something else I found peculiar was that the interviewer called me the day before the interview to schedule it. Unfortunately, I didn't catch her name, and I lack her contact details to send a follow-up or thank-you note. Her manner appeared rushed and somewhat irritated. I was initially excited about the prospect of this position and the chance to be a part of such a reputable company, but after that experience, I'm no longer enthusiastic about it. For those preparing for similar interviews, here are some of the questions I encountered: 1. What types of cases have you handled? 2. What injuries have you dealt with? 3. How many death cases have you handled? 4. How many amputation cases have you handled? 5. How many TBI cases have you handled? 6. How many court appearances have you made? 7. What types of hearings have you attended? 8. Describe your experience as first chair and second chair in trials. 9. What would your current firm say about you if I contacted them? 10. What do you like most and least about your current firm? 11. Can you describe a challenge you've faced and overcome? 12. Are you comfortable with a hybrid schedule? 13. How do you feel about a support staff to attorney ratio of 3:1? 14. How many mediations have you handled? 15. How many expert and non-expert depositions have you taken? 16. How many arbitrations have you participated in? 17. Do you have a J.D. from an accredited law school. 18. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you. 19. Are you in good standing with the bar?

Relaxed and informal. They were truly interested in hearing my answers. However, they did ask questions of a more standard nature that were abstract and hard to answer. They were looking for concrete examples of situations from real life interactions with clients and other counsel.