Law School Interviews Offered by the Top 20 Institutions
Not all institutions offer law school interviews. It’s rare for a school beyond the top 20 to offer interviews. Some of the most well-regarded schools around the country invite all students to interview, some send invitations depending on the limited number of interview slots, and some invite only the top candidates.
Some Schools who do offer Interviews
- Lewis and Clark
- UC Hastings
- Elon Law
- Santa Clara
- NCCU Law
- Villanova
- Washington University
- Florida State
Interviews may be conducted in-person, online (via video calling tools such as Skype, Zoom, and Kira) or over the phone with an alumni or admissions committee member.
Why are Law School Interviews Given?
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. In your interview, try to answer the questions authentically and specifically, and expand on your goals and interests. Mention how the school’s unique resources help as you pursue your legal career.
It gives admissions a chance to get to know more about you and to elaborate in detail about specifics (e.g. low stats, bad grades, C+F addendum) on your application.
What Schools are Looking for During Interviews?
Believe it or not, the committee is generally not interested in further exploring your academic ability during an interview. Rather, they are trying to determine whether you have the temperament and psychological strengths to be a successful attorney. The interview is used to predict which applicants would be best suited to handle the rigors of law school on a personal, academic, physical, and psychological basis.
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They are judging you on:
- Professional experience
- Knowledge of the field: (e.g. current events)
- Personality
- Motivation
- Balance
- Leadership potential
- Honesty
Prepare to Talk About the Following in Your Law School Interview:
RESUME AND EXPERIENCE
You should come with stories prepared, including what on your resume is most meaningful to you. When possible, you should have narrative prepared for each aspect of your resume, and should connect back to your legal motivations.
YOUR INTEREST IN LAW
You should come prepared to speak clearly about your interest, along with how long you’ve been drawn to this field. What about this particular law school is special to you (professors, classes, extra-curriculars)?
WHO YOU ARE
You should be prepared to talk about ancillary details about who you are and what led you to this decision. This can include, but isn’t limited to, an academic or professional accomplishment; a mistake, failure, or weakness; or, a time you worked on a team.
Common Questions
Interview Questions
- Why law and why now?
- Why X school?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- Is there any crime you would have trouble defending?
- How did you select your undergraduate university?
- Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
- Why do you want to be a lawyer? • What type of lawyer would you like to be? Why?
- What do you think are a lawyer’s social responsibilities? How do you plan to personally contribute to society as a lawyer?
- What would you tell the US President?
- Do you think college grades and LSAT scores are an accurate yardstick of your aptitude?
Questions to Ask Interviewer
- What does the review process look like?
- What are some of the competitive advantages of your school?
- What percentage of students who apply for XX clinic get it?
- What’s your favorite part about the law school?
- What does X School do to promote a sense of community in its large student body?
- What was most surprising about your law school experience? (Student)
- How supportive was the law school during the job search and what resources did you use? (Alumni)
- how competitive are students?
- Are the mental health services frequently utilized?