Thread by @JonahPerlin

⁉️This week many law students start On Campus Interviewing.Every single interview will end with “what questions do you have for me”?

Some of my favorites 🧵👇

0/ But before we start some reminders.
• Questions are part of the interview. You are still being assessed.
• This won’t be your last opportunity to ask questions so be strategic.
• Ask questions that show interest (ask questions that show hesitation post offer)
• YMMV

1/ Good “what questions do you have for me” questions
• Teach you about firm culture
• Show interest in firm
• Demonstrate you’ve done research in advance
• Lets the interviewer talk about their favorite parts of job
• Open up new opportunities for you to talk about yourself

2/“What would I see you doing if I followed you around for a day/week/year”?

This shows real interest in day-to-day of job. Also reframes the common what you do question from abstract to concrete. Plus interviewer gets to talk about themselves 👍.

H/T @BrantMartin5

3/ “What makes a junior lawyer at your firm stand out”?

This one helps in two ways. First it shows that you want to stand out (good for interview). Second tells you about culture at firm by what is prized and whether they fits your best qualities!

4/ “What kind of work product/writing do you spend most of your time on/do juniors spend most of your time on”?

This one shows genuine interest about *how* business is done. It helps you learn what your days might be like. And creates an opening for discussion of your experience

5/“What kinds of clients do you/your firm work with most frequently”?

This one is a bit lamer. You could get that answer on website. But it shows you one of the best differentiators between different firms that pay you the same to do the same work.

6/ “What is your favorite/most memorable case/representation/experience”?

This one might seem lame but can tell you a lot about whether people are selling a firm or truly find work rewarding.

7/ “What skills do you expect junior lawyers to come in with”?

This one shows interest, desire to learn, desire to do well, and tricks lawyer into saying what juniors really do. It also is great even if you don’t get the job as it shows what experiences at least some prize.

8/ “How does this firm/role/practice compare with your prior [specific experience]”?

This one requires research in advance and a light touch. But, for example, if interviewer worked in government and now works in private practice you can learn a lot.

9/ “Does your firm have a pro bono coordinator/committee”? (Or other specific interest)

Asking “does the firm do pro bono” doesn’t tell you enough. Gets platitude answers. Asking how they staff shows demonstrated commitment to the cause. H/T @tiffmgraves & @ProBonoQueen

10/ “I know your firm is strong in X. Where do you see the firm growing in the next decade”?

Again shows interest in being part of future! Also is a great data point in picking firms.

Those are just some of mine. Obviously you need to read the interview and your own interest in the firm. On balance, I’d ask questions that show research and show interest.

#lawtwitter / #appellatetwitter what did I get wrong. What would you add!?!