December 17, 2024

Nail the interview, land the job: Arizona legal professionals share interview tips for future candidates

As graduates of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University step into the next phase of their careers, many will begin applying for jobs in fields they’re passionate about. We spoke with a few Arizona legal professionals to get their advice on acing the interview process. Here’s what they recommend for job seekers:

Danny Ray Abril Jr. - Senior Chief Counsel, Office of the Arizona Attorney General

“Don't think of it as an interview. Talk about yourself - what are the interesting things about you? You should have fun with it,” Abril advises.

Having interviewed ASU Law students for the past two years, Abril has hired about 10 so far. When it comes to interviews, he values personality, people skills and candidates who are comfortable engaging in meaningful conversation. He recommends avoiding short, non-descriptive answers, which tend to leave little impact.

“I always ask candidates what they wanted to do when they entered law school. I also want to know what your day-to-day looks like. Are you chatting with people at the court or are you more focused on quiet, independent tasks? That tells me a lot about candidates.”

Abril also emphasizes the importance of fit. He seeks candidates who will complement the office’s culture and maintain stability. “We’re not looking for someone who will upset the balance or ‘overturn the apple cart.’”

Caleb Lihn - Attorney at Lihn Law Group

“At Lihn Law Group, we prioritize effective communication skills,” Lihn explained. “Since we work closely with individuals and families, I always consider whether a candidate would be easy for our clients to talk to and work with.” 

Beyond communication, Lihn looks for candidates who are passionate about helping others. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are also key qualities. These attributes often appear in a resume or work history, but they also come through in interviews when candidates share their experiences and aspirations.

For those actively seeking jobs, Lihn offers the following strategies:

• Define your goals: Take the time to clarify what you want in your legal career. Are you drawn to a specific area of law? Would you prefer working at a large firm, a small firm or in government? Having a clear vision helps you focus your efforts.
• Network intentionally: Connect with as many professionals as possible in the areas of law or types of practices you’re interested in. Be genuine in these interactions, as authentic relationships often lead to opportunities.
• Prepare thoroughly: Research the firms or organizations you’re interviewing with, including their practice areas, culture and key people. Show your knowledge during the interview — it signals preparation and interest.
• Follow up: After interviews, send thank-you notes or emails to everyone you meet. If you’re particularly interested in a position, follow up with a thoughtful message to demonstrate your enthusiasm.

For students not yet graduating, Lihn suggests gaining experience through internships or clerkships. “Exploring different areas of law can help you refine your interests and discover the work environment that best suits your goals,” he said. “Building relationships and sharpening your communication skills will also pay off in interviews and beyond.”

The Lihn Law Group recently hired an ASU Law third-year JD student to be a law clerk as she finishes school. After admission to the bar, the student will transition into the role of an attorney at the firm. Her role as a law clerk will give her the opportunity to work in all areas of the law group’s practice,  including estate planning, elder law and life care planning, guardianship/conservatorship and probate/trust administration and litigation.

Abril and Lihn participated in ASU Law’s Career Services’ Inspire Interview Program, held in October. This program, which is part of ASU Law’s Career Services annual employment recruiting events, involves third-year JD students and recent graduates interviewing for post-graduate attorney positions.

Teri Adams - ASU Law Career Services Director

From their students’ first day, the Career Services office engages students in career development guidance and resources to contribute to their post-graduation success. This relationship with career services allows students to access a variety of resources, such as resume and cover letter reviews, interview prep, one-on-one counseling and access to an online job board.

Adams listed out top tips that they share with students preparing to graduate and interview:

• Maintain professionalism and attention to detail (punctuality, dress, topics, etc.)
• Research the employer and be able to communicate why you want to work there.
• Practice in a mock interview format.
• Showcase soft skills and let your personality shine.
• Highlight transferrable skills and relevant experience.
• Be prepared for behavioral interview questions (use the STAR technique).
  • The STAR interview method is a technique used to answer behavioral interview questions by providing real-life examples of past behavior. STAR stands for situation, task, action and result.
• Be sure to ask thoughtful questions at the end.
• Follow up with a thank you email within 24 hours.

Written by Crystal Jimenez