Eight Tips for Preparing for In-House Legal Interviews

1. Understand the business

   Familiarise yourself with the company’s history, mission, values, products or services, and industry positioning. Know their competitors. Understand the company's legal challenges, including regulatory issues, compliance needs, and any recent legal developments relevant to their business/industry.

2. Do the research

   See if you can find any relevant legal information about the business (Regulatory Status, Funding Rounds, T&Cs, etc) online - this can make for an interesting conversation piece and make you really stand out as a candidate. Dig deep. Articles published on their website, social media, or LinkedIn page could share valuable information.

3. Review the Job Description

   Identify the key skills and experiences required for the position. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with these needs. Think of specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities related to this in-house position. For any gaps in experience, plan how you will approach this.

4. Prepare for Common Legal Questions

   Expect questions about handling legal challenges, working in teams, and resolving conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Be ready to discuss relevant legal topics, or developments in your practice area.

5. Prepare for Common Questions

   Be ready to discuss why you’re interested in the company and the specific role. Articulate how the company’s mission, values, and projects resonate with you, and explain how your skills and experiences align with the position. Additionally, reflect on how you can contribute to the company’s culture and success.

6. Develop Your Own Questions

   Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture, career growth opportunities, the legal team’s role within the business, and how legal matters are prioritized. Have a few questions up your sleeve in case they get answered during the conversation, and remember to ask different questions in each round - a good hiring team will know if you ask the same question repeatedly.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

   Conduct mock interviews focusing on in-house scenarios with a friend or mentor. This helps you practice articulating your thoughts and reduces anxiety. Seek constructive feedback to refine your responses and body language.

8. Stay Positive and Authentic

   Authenticity resonates well in interviews. Be honest about your experiences and values. Approach the interview as a two-way conversation. Stay positive, even when discussing challenges or setbacks. Preparation is critical, but try not to sound too overrehearsed or scripted.

By following these tips for in-house legal interviews, you can effectively prepare and increase your chances of making a solid impression.

Good luck!