New York Interviews:
Advice on Best Practices
If you have been granted an interview in New York, how are
travel and accommodation arrangements organized?
Student #1:
Through the firms’ travel departments. You can also book yourself and you can
get reimbursed, but I found this to be easiest.
Student #2:
Travel and accommodation arrangements are very easy, so there is no need to
worry. This question becomes more complex if you have multiple visits to New
York. I had four interviews and scheduled them all in one week (which I don’t
advise). If you intend to do more than one interview on a single trip, you will need
to designate one firm as your “host.” That firm will arrange for your flight, and
hotel, and will compensate you for your taxis to and from the airport (in Toronto
and in New York), and will also reimburse you for breakfasts, lunches and
dinners (though a firm will take you out for lunch or dinner, depending on the time
of day). Be sure the keep all of your receipts neatly organized if you want to be
reimbursed. I had four lunches, scheduled, so I don’t know what the budget was
for lunch, but if I recall correctly the limit was $25 for breakfast and $50 for
dinner. Keep organized records, and everything you will be reimbursed.
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Student #3:
You will not be responsible for paying for your own travel and accommodation.
The firm that has invited you to New York will take care of these arrangements.
Each firm has its own travel department. You will be expected to call the travel
department and communicate the details of your interview time with them, and
they will take care of the rest. You will probably have some options about exactly
what time to arrive in/depart from New York.
Firms have designated hotels that they send interviewees to; you will not have to
pay out of pocket. Occasionally, these designated hotels will not be available
when you come to New York. In that case, the firm will probably send you to
another hotel where you will have to pay for your room, and the firm will
reimburse you later.
In addition, firms will reimburse you for reasonable expenses associated with
your interview. If you arrive in New York the day before your interview, take a cab
to your hotel, and have dinner, you will be able to submit an expense report to
the firm. They will pick up these costs entirely, assuming they are reasonable
(each firm has different guidelines in this area).
Student #4:
Travel and accommodations arrangements were all arranged by the firms. I was
simply asked to call the travel department of each firm, and a person would walk
me through the process of scheduling a flight and arranging for a hotel. All flights
and hotel stays were paid for in advance by the firms. Within New York, I
travelled by taxi. Candidates should keep taxi receipts and charge the respective
firms upon returning to Canada.
When meeting with more than one firm during a visit, one firm should be
designated as the host firm and all expenses should be billed to that firm. Then
the host firm will make arrangements with the other firms to distribute costs.
What advice would you give to a student when scheduling their
interviews?
Student #1:
It is a personal preference – I did two on the same day and found it manageable.
Unless you want to take more than one trip to NY, it is good to get it done in the
same weekend.
Student #2:
Schedule your interview at the earliest possible date. Do not wait until you hear
from other firms. It is better to take 3-4 trips to New York to improve your
chances of getting hired than it is to wait and try and schedule them all in one
week (as I did). I don’t think this prejudiced me, as I still did well, but Canadian
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law school interviews are late compared to the American schools. Offers to my
knowledge are made on a rolling basis. As the summer class fills up, it becomes
more difficult to get the offer. Many people have offers before you even have
your OCI, so we are already a bit behind. For those reasons, scheduling your infirm interview at the earliest date offered to you is strongly recommended, even if
it means missing a few classes. I also would not schedule more than one in a
day, though two is feasible, I suppose.
Student #3:
I would recommend you try to schedule your interviews all within the same
couple of days so that only one trip to New York is required. It is possible to
schedule individual trips back and forth to New York for each interview, but this is
less convenient and more taxing for you.
If you interview with multiple firms on a single trip, the firms will contribute to
reimbursing the cost of your trip. Despite the fact that the firms are competing to
attract talent, there is also a high level of cooperation surrounding helping
interviewees make their arrangements. You will be able to designate a host firm
to submit your expenses to, and that firm will work with the others to reimburse
your expenses.
Unlike Toronto, where all in-firm interviews take place within the space of a
couple of days, in-firm interviews in New York stretch out over the course of
several weeks. You will likely have significant flexibility in choosing when to come
in for an in-firm interview. I would recommend students try to schedule an
interview at the earliest possibility opportunity. Firms in New York make job offers
on a rolling basis, and Canadian law students are typically invited to in-firm
interviews fairly late in the recruiting season, so the earlier you schedule your
interview, the more job openings they will have when considering whether to
extend an offer to you. I would also recommend that you plan to arrive the day
before your interview rather than the morning of. It is more relaxing and allows
you some time to familiarize yourself with your new environment.
It may not always be possible to coordinate your interview schedule, as different
firms will invite you to in-firm interviews at different times. It is not like Toronto
where all the firms call you at a specified time on a specified day. If you are
unable to schedule all your interviews in one trip, that is nothing to worry about.
Student #4:
Candidates can make multiple trips down to New York. Some might want to
avoid doing so, but this can be difficult. Firms may not pay for hotel stays over a
long trip if the candidate is not interviewing on each day of the trip. And
interviewing on successive days can be draining. If possible, the candidate could
try to stay with friends or relatives for a longer stay in order to avoid making
multiple trips while still having a manageable interview schedule.
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Of course, candidates should ensure that their passports are up to date so that
they can travel to the USA.
How did you prepare for your interviews in New York? What sort
of research and resources did you find helpful? What was
unnecessary?
Student #1:
I made sure to have compelling and thoughtful answers to the question of why I
specifically want to work in New York. Interviewees will almost always be asked
this question. It is helpful to understand what makes each firm and New York
firms in general unique and different from the firms in Toronto.
When given the names of my interviewers, I researched them so I could ask
about their specific paths and practice groups. However, it is not necessary to
know everything about the interviewer’s bios – they aren’t interested in seeing
that you stalked them!
It was helpful to know about what areas the firm is known for and any recent
newsworthy deals – however, it is not necessary to namedrop all of their recent
deals.
Overall, everything you need would be on the firm’s website.
Otherwise, it is important to know your own resume in great detail, so you can be
prepared to sell yourself and answer questions about yourself.
Student #2:
First, research the firms’ websites. They offer a wealth of information. Each firm
is quite different, contrary to what you might believe, so learn about those
differences. Learn also about what are the strengths of the firms you are at. What
makes them different? Second, reach out to your law school’s alumni and other
students who have been through the process. We are all hear to help, and I
found speaking to other law students who had received offers was extremely
helpful, as was speaking to current associates in New York. They can convey an
immense amount of information to you, and you can rely on them as a resource
throughout the process. Third, schedule a mock interview with your law school’s
career office. That was an absolutely fantastic element of my preparation for New
York OCIs. Follow up again with the career office if you are selected for in-firm
interviews. Fourth, read up on the firms on the following websites: Vault.com,
nalp.org, chambersassociate.com (the most useful I think). Fifth, thoroughly read
the New York Memo provided by your law school’s career office. Make sure you
double back after following these steps and chat with those of us who have been
through it.
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Student #3:
It’s very unlikely your interviewers will ask you substantive questions about US
law. I would not spend time trying to learn it. It is also unlikely you will be
expected to know anything specific about recent firm news. However, it is
probably a good idea to be informed about recent major matters the firm has
been involved in, if only to educate yourself and possibly generate some
questions for you to ask. More broadly, it is a good idea to educate yourself
about the firm’s reputation and accolades, not because you’ll necessarily be
expected to know them, but because it will help you form an answer to a question
that is probably inevitable: “Why do you want to work at this firm?”
If you know your interviewers’ names in advance, it is a good idea to go on the
firm website to find out their practice area. This is again to enable you to ask
informed questions; they will not expect you to know their career history in
exhaustive detail, and I think it would be a waste of time to try to learn it.
Student #4:
Candidates should stay up to date with current business news by reading the
Wall Street Journal and other similar materials. While it is unlikely that candidates
will be “quizzed” on current developments, big-picture issues in the news are
excellent fodder for questions that they can ask their interviewers.
Of course, candidates should also know how each firm structures its summer
program and have a good sense of the type of work that each firm does so that
they don’t ask questions in interviews that they could answer themselves.
Depending on the firm, it may be helpful to know its general history, but
candidates need not study it in depth.
What should a student bring to New York for their interviews?
How should they dress?
Student #1:
I would advise bringing an extra suit, shirt and, (for females) more than 1 pair of
stockings.
Without question, I would advise dressing business formal. Both males and
females should wear full suits, and for females, either pant or skirt suits are
appropriate. It’s better to be safe than underdressed. For females, be sure to
wear comfortable, broken-in heels, as there is nothing worse than being
distracted by foot pain!
Student #2:
Depending on the number of interviews you have, bring a few outfits. Wear an
outfit on the plane that is suitable for an interview – you never know if your
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luggage will get lost. Bring your research with you to New York, but not
necessarily to the interview. I find you’re walking around the firms quite a bit
during the interview and walking to lunch or dinner, so better not to carry too
much in my view.
Dress professionally, obviously. That means newly dry-cleaned clothes, a crisp
shirt, et cetera. I personally found the firms to be somewhat conservative, so I
tried to dress somewhat conservatively, but not overly so. No loud ties or jewelry.
For men, I’d advise against cuff links, I personally think they are not suitable for
interviews. Suit and tie is a must for men.
Student #3:
Students probably don’t need to bring anything beyond what the firm requests,
which will probably be nothing more than pieces of identification. However, it is a
good idea to bring a binder with a copy of your resume, transcripts, and any other
documents you think might be relevant. Chances are no one will ask you to
produce these documents (they likely have them on file from your application),
but it shows you are well prepared in the event that you are asked. It is also not a
bad idea to bring some of your research about the firm with you in the same
binder, in case you want to do some last-minute review.
Students should dress in formal business attire. Many firms have a business
casual dress code in the office, but for a first impression you want to make the
best impression possible. It is better to err on the side of more conservative
where possible. You can’t really go wrong with a dark suit and a white shirt.
Student #4:
Dress in business attire. Bring copies of resumes, cover letters, etc. in a
briefcase or something similar.
Please describe a typical in-firm interview. If you have been
through Toronto interviews, what are the differences?
Student #1:
The in-firm interviews seemed to function somewhat similarly to Toronto. Some
might involve a cocktail reception or a small lunch with one of the associates.
However, with NY firms, the in-firm interview is a one-time event and you are not
expected to ask to return again the following day, as is the case in Toronto in-firm
interviews. As with Toronto firms, NY in-firm interviews can be a mix between
casual chatting and formal interview questions. I was personally not asked any
behavioural or substantive questions – I had the opportunity to talk a lot about
myself and my experiences, as well as to chat about interests and hobbies
unrelated to law. It is important to be prepared with questions for each lawyer
that you meet with.
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Student #2:
A typical in-firm interview starts the moment you walk into the firm. How you
speak to the receptionist, administrative assistants, and everyone you meet
matters. Generally you arrive early, and will wait in the waiting area. Someone
will come get you, and take you to meet with different lawyers – partners and
associates. Some firms have scheduled time frames, i.e., 20 minutes per lawyer.
In other cases, you speak with the partner for as long as he or she pleases –
sometimes up to an hour. Your in-firm experience will be between 2-3 hours, and
will end with a lunch or dinner. One firm in particular has a full-day interview
process, but most are just 2-3 hours, including a meal. I would not advise doing
more than one per day, though I’m told it happens.
In-firm interviews in Toronto are much shorter. You can do 4 in-firms in one day
in Toronto. That is impossible in New York. Generally, though, they are pretty
much the same. You talk to partners and associates and go out for a meal.
Student #3:
Plan to arrive early—you never want to be running late. When you do arrive, you
will probably be asked to present identification at a front desk. This will grant you
a visitor’s pass to access the main building. You will probably end up traveling to
a different floor where you will present yourself to the main desk, at which time
they will direct you to a waiting area. You may have to fill out some paperwork at
this time.
You will be meeting with a combination of associates and partners at the firm for
a series of one-on-one interviews. The length of time for these interviews varies
but will probably not be less than half an hour each. After each interview, you will
be escorted to your next interview, either by the previous interviewer or by an
individual who is serving as your liaison for the day.
Depending on the time of day of your interview, you will be taken to a meal at
some point by two junior associates. This meal is not technically part of the
interview, but there’s no reason not to treat it just as seriously and professionally
as the in-office interviews. With many firms, the meal will be a lunch at the end of
your interview, but sometimes you will resume interviews after the meal.
Student #4:
Most firms have set interview schedules and times, which the candidate will know
in advance. The entire interview period for most firms is likely to be a few hours
in length with individual interviews of 30 minutes in length.
Other firms have less structure. Do not always expect to know who will be
interviewing you or how long each individual interview will last in advance. Expect
to be at some firms for up to 7 or 8 hours.
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Without naming names, do different firms have different
practices students should be aware of?
Student #1:
Not that I am aware of.
Student #2:
One firm will almost certainly ask a “behavioral question”. For example: “give me
an example of a time where you overcame failure/adversity.” This can come as a
surprising question to those who are unprepared. I was prepared for this solely
because of my mock interview with my law school’s career office, and I honestly
think it helped me get an in-firm interview. So be ready for it.
I found the interviews, with that exception, to be straightforward and similar.
Student #3:
Every firm conducts their interviews a little differently. It would be a good idea to
reach out to fellow students and alumni who have worked at the firm to find out
precisely what to expect. Some firms will start you off with a tour of their offices,
while others won’t. Some firms have a pre-determined schedule for their
interviews, while other firms do not set a schedule and are content to let the
interviews run on as long as the interviewer wishes (it is possible to be with a
single interviewer for over an hour, if the conversation is good). Some firms will
let you know in advance who your interviewers will be, while others will literally
have you interview with whoever happens to be free when you arrive.
Student #4:
As mentioned above, some firms will advise candidates of their interview
schedule and some will not. The length of interviews also varies.
Some firms take candidates out to lunch or dinner in groups, while others will
take candidates out individually.
Some firms may expect the candidate to initiate conversation within minutes of
the interview starting by asking questions of the interviewer.
Some firms will focus on substantive law more than others.
Please describe the sorts of questions you were asked. Are
interviews with partners and associates different? What was the
most challenging question you were asked?
Student #1:
I was not asked any questions more challenging than why I want to practise law
in New York. It is important to have a convincing and original answer to this
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question. I did find interviews with associates to be a bit more casual, but it
depended more on the individual’s personality than their rank at the firm.
I was mostly asked about specific things on my resume and what my practice
group interests may be.
Student #2:
Foremost, if you do not have a compelling answer to the question “why do you
want to practise in New York,” you are not prepared for the interview. Find clear
way of expressing why you want to practise in New York. This should be
connected to your experiences. This is the most fundamental question you’ll be
asked, so don’t gloss over it. They will ask you about your CV, mostly – in fact,
some will have been presented with your CV for the first time as you walk into the
room! So make sure you have a solid answer to explain each entry on your CV.
Interviews with partners and associates are somewhat different. Associates tend
to be closer to your experience, but don’t confuse that with a license to become
informal. Generally, if an associate is interviewing you it is because he or she is
relatively senior and well-respected. So, do not let your guard down. But the
questions will be substantially similar.
Student #3:
Generally speaking, the kinds of questions asked will not be dissimilar to those
asked at any law firm interview. Be prepared to speak to your law school
activities, your favorite classes, and anything that appears on your resume.
However, coming from a Canadian law school, there will be some different sorts
of questions.
Your interviewer may not know that much about the Canadian legal system and
may thus be curious about how Canadian law and government operates in
comparison to New York law. You should be prepared to speak to these issues
to the extent you can. You will almost certainly be asked why you want to come
work in New York. You should have a well-thought out answer to this question,
but there is no right answer. Students are hired at New York law firms every year
without any family or educational connection to New York, so do not feel
discouraged if you do not have these connections (though feel free to mention
them if you do).
Partners are actually sometimes less interested than associates in talking about
legal issues, and more interested in having a conversation to feel out your
personality. Generally speaking, it is better to ask questions about what life might
be like as a summer associate to the associates you speak to, while it is better to
ask strategic, big picture questions about the firm and various practices areas to
partners.
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The most challenging question I was asked was when I was presented with a
hypothetical legal dispute and asked to analyze. This was not a typical question,
and my interviewer was not expecting me to actually know the correct law to
apply, but she did want to know what principles and strategies I would apply to
the situation. In this case, I found it necessary to ask additional questions about
the “facts” in order to give a competent answer.
Student #4:
Candidates should know why they are looking to work in New York. This is a
question that will almost certainly be asked of someone who attends law school
in Canada. It is not a difficult question to answer, however, because interviewers
have a general understanding of what attracts candidates to the city.
Some firms may test a student’s understanding of substantive law in an informal
manner. Candidates should have some understanding of the differences
between Canadian and American business law.
Generally speaking, the interviews are very conversational. Do not expect them
to follow a set Q&A pattern. Indeed, at some firms you should expect to ask more
questions of the interviewer than the interviewer asks of you.
Interviews with associates and partners may be different, but not drastically.
What do you think impressed your ultimate employer? What
made them want to hire you?
Student #1:
I think that because I didn’t have all of my eggs in the NY OCI basket and
because I knew that there was always Toronto OCIs, I did not make myself
nervous about the interviews and didn’t spend too much time prepping or thinking
about them. I believe that my calm and confident demeanour was an asset, and
because I was not nervous, I was able to behave truly as myself. I did not let
myself become intimidated by the size and prestige of the firms and their
lawyers. It is cliché to tell students to “be yourself,” but that is truly the most
important advice. Be calm and self-assured and do not pretend to be someone
that you are not. If you do, you may end up at a firm that is not a good fit for you.
Otherwise, I found that most lawyers were particularly impressed by my
extracurricular involvement; especially how varied it is and how passionate I am
about each student organization in which I am involved. I think it is helpful to
show how you are unique, and to show what your interests and passions are,
even where they have nothing at all to do with law. I had previous legal
experience working in house at a bank, and this was also helpful in terms of
demonstrating a true interest in business law. However, this type of experience is
certainly not necessary to land a NY job.
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Student #2:
I think my firm was impressed by the diversity of my resume. My grades were
excellent, but probably not as high as some other applicants. I think I made up for
that (marginal) deficiency with a very interesting set of extracurricular
engagement—academic and otherwise. I had the grades to get me in the door,
but I seemed to tick a lot of boxes they like to see: law journal, moot court, pro
bono work, research assistantships with professors, business school, et cetera.
Participating in high-level sports probably helped, as did MBA studies. I think
they liked to see people who have a competitive streak in them, and are not only
academically gifted, but are multi-dimensional with diverse interests. Remember,
law firms are businesses, after all, and not just repositories of academic thought.
I suspect there were candidates with as strong, perhaps stronger academic
credentials than myself, who did not get hired at my firm. That said, if your CV is
academia heavy, you’ll probably be fine.
At another firm I was offered a position at (but did not accept), one partner was
quite impressed with my knowledge of the structure of law firms and the nature of
practice. For example, he had spent some time in-house, and asked me whether
that’s something I’d consider. I remarked that I’d prefer to be more of a
specialist/expert rather than generalist, and for that reason, no. I also managed
to connect his practice with some recent developments in American law
(discussing Dodd-Frank—recent American legislation). Those two things
probably sealed the deal. The fact that I am a baseball/sports fan also seemed to
help.
Student #3:
All candidates who make it to the stage of in-firm interviews are intelligent,
talented individuals. Rely on your strengths and weave them into a narrative
about how your skills relate to working at a New York law firm. I think it can make
a different to demonstrate that you actually have a strong desire to work in New
York and that you are not just interviewing because it would be a cool thing to do
for a year or two. I think I was able to communicate that to prospective employers
and get across the message that I really want to be there as a life goal.
Student #4:
Grades are important throughout the process, but they will generally become less
important as the candidate advances from the OCI to the in-firm interview. Some
firms want to ensure that there is a very strong cultural fit between the firm and
the candidate before extending an offer.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate clearly why they are interested in
practising American law. It is not enough to have a general interest in living in
New York, etc.
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What happens after an interview is over? When do students find
out the results? What happens when you receive an offer? How
should you handle more than one offer? If you have been
through Toronto interviews, what are the differences?
Student #1:
I always sent thank you e-mails to those with whom I met, not only those who
interviewed me but also those with whom I had conversations at cocktail
receptions (where there was one). The time can vary, which is the most
frustrating part about NY as opposed to Toronto interviews. I interviewed with two
firms: one called me with an offer the following day (about 24 hours after my
interview) and the other firm sent me a rejection letter in the mail that I received
about a week later. My understanding is that that firm also took a week or two to
get back to those to whom they extended offers.
I was specifically interested in splitting with a Toronto firm. Initially, the NY firm
told me I had about a month to hold my offer open. After a couple of weeks, I
decided it was too risky to accept this offer before I finished Toronto OCIs, so I
spoke with the student recruiter and spoke with her about my interest in splitting
and how I felt it would be wise of me to secure an articling job here. She
understood the situation and after speaking with the hiring partner, she allowed
me to extend my offer for a total of about 2 months, so that I could get through
Toronto OCIs first and see what my firm in Toronto says about splitting. When I
was doing my Toronto OCIs, I thought it would be best to be upfront and bring up
the potential NY split once I knew a firm was interested in me and vice versa. At
the end of my second day, when I knew that I was most interested in Torys, I sat
down with the student recruiter and told her about my offer to split with New York
and inquired about Torys’ policy. She told me that the split would be fine,
particularly since I was sure I wanted to return for articling. As soon as I got an
offer from Torys, I got back to the NY firm (Shearman & Sterling) to let them
know I would be splitting. It is likely unusual how accommodating S&S was, and
this might not always be the case for everyone. My best advice in terms of
splitting is to be honest and not be afraid to ask questions. My sense is that not
all Toronto firms are open to splits nowadays, but that New York firms are
generally fine with it.
Student #2:
First, you should send thank you emails to every person who you met with, and
the student coordinator. Students can find results out on the spot, or it can take
several weeks (it is generally all over by Thanksgiving). Double check this, but I
believe offers must be kept open for at least 30 days [Career office comment: it
is actually 28 days, according to the NALP Recruitment Proceudres], but you can
request more time if you are waiting to hear from other firms. This is a rolling
process, so offers can come at any time. My first offer was three days after the
interview, and the second was two weeks after the interview. I accepted the
latter.
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Handling two offers can be simple or complex. If you are legitimately torn,
however, there are lots of things you can do. Generally, the firm will invite you
back to New York to meet with more people if you need help deciding.
Alternatively, you can talk to more people on the phone. Ultimately, you need to
make a decision before the offers expire. I think there is also a rule that says you
are not allowed to hold more than five offers open at one time. Out of courtesy to
other students, if you do not intend to accept an offer, you should decline it
immediately.
Toronto was quite different. Toronto offers happen simultaneously at a predetermined time and minute, whereas New York offers can be extended at any
time. Toronto offers are good for 24 hours, I believe, whereas New York offers
are open for 30 days. In both cases, it is advisable that you take a few minutes to
consider. If you have told a firm that you would accept an offer, however, you can
certainly accept it immediately (and in fact you ought to).
Student #3:
Some firms are known to give offers on the spot at the end of the interview. Other
firms will call you on the phone a few days later. Some firms take longer than
others. If you are not offered a summer position, that will be communicated by a
letter in the mail. Until you receive that letter, you are still in contention for a
position, though if it has been more than a week since your interview, your
prospects are increasingly unlikely after that point.
Unlike in Toronto, where students are required to accept an offer within a very
short time period after receiving it, students who receive offers from New York
firms are allowed to hang onto their offers for weeks before making a final
decision. Usually, you will be invited back to the firm for a “second look”—the firm
will again reimburse you for the cost of this trip. Since you have a guaranteed
offer at this point, some students use the second trip as an opportunity to ask
more searching questions to figure out whether they really want to work at this
firm.
If you have multiple offers, the second trip is a good way to work out which firm
you would truly prefer to work at.
Student #4:
Some firms will make offers at the conclusion of the interview. Some will make
offers within a few days of the interview. There is no set structure as there is in
Toronto.
Candidates have a long period of time to decide which offer to accept.
Candidates will have an opportunity to meet with firms again after receiving offers
if they need more information to make their decisions.
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What else do you wish you had known before doing your
interviews? Is there any other information or “best practices”
you want to impart to future students?
Student #1:
Nothing really. It is hard to know why I succeeded in getting a NY job and why
some qualified students did not. It’s very much about luck at the end of the day,
so my best advice is to go in with a positive but laid-back attitude and to be one’s
self. Try your best, but don’t try too hard.
As well, there is no reason not to apply to NY OCIs. I recall spending a few days
stressing out about whether or not I wanted to apply and whether or not it was
even worthwhile, when I thought my grades would not be good enough. My best
advice to anyone is to just apply, no matter what. The worst case scenario is that
you have gotten a head start at working on your resume (and potentially some
cover letters) that will be useful to your subsequent Toronto OCI applications,
and/or that you will gain some interview experience and possibly even a free trip
to New York. Nothing negative can come out of applying for, and participating in,
NY OCIs, so I would advise any interested student to apply. Don’t let anyone tell
you that you don’t have the grades for it, either – someone tried to tell me that,
and I ended up with a New York job in the end!
Student #2:
I wish I knew the importance of the fact that offers are made on a rolling basis. It
is therefore in your self-interest to schedule second interviews immediately after
they are offered. Do not wait and try and “bunch them.” Fly to New York as many
times as you need to in order to give yourself the best chance. Also, don’t be
intimidated. A Canadian law student with a callback interview has as good a
chance as any American candidate. They take some of the best from Canada, so
if you’ve made it that far, there is nothing to be nervous about.
Student #3:
I would advise students to really get a handle on why different firms are hiring
summer students and what their expectations are. Specifically, some firms
encourage students to use the summer to explore a variety of practices areas,
while other firms really prefer it if you know what area you want to practice in at
your interview. Understanding what a firm wants of its summer students should
influence how you approach your interviews.
Student #4:
Be confident in yourself and your application. Do not be intimidated by lawyers at
the firm or other American candidates. Many of them will have attended very
strong American law schools, but recognize that Canadian law schools are also
good. Do not downplay your application in front of the lawyers or other applicants
because you are coming from a Canadian school.
CLCDN Shared Resource Collection: New York Interviews: Advice on Best Practices 14
The CLCDN would like to thank students from Osgoode Hall Law School for the
information contained in this document.
CLCDN Shared Resource Collection: New York Interviews: Advice on Best Practices 15