National Jurist - October 2007 - (Page 46) OFFTHEBENCH The truth about those interviews Why you shouldn’t say what you really think ver wondered what it would be like if you could really tell those law firm interviewers the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Here’s how it might sound. “So why did you decide to go to law school?” Model answer: Long story. My interest in jurisprudence started in pre-school on a field trip to… by Fred Dahr Truth: I get arrested a lot and figured that I could save money by doing my own criminal defense. Truth: Anywhere that’s 9-5. Even if that means real estate. “What are your extracurricular activities?” Model answer: Recently, I set up a mock trial tournament for underprivileged inner-city kids. Truth: I collect t-shirts from Hooters and have one from almost every location in the contiguous U.S. “Who else are you interviewing with?” Model answer: I have several callbacks at the biggest firms in all the major legal markets… Truth: I’m waitlisted for a callback at a small firm in Texahoma. They are on the Texas side of the border. “And how did you hear about our little firm?” Model answer: This summer, when I completed the first-ever 1L clerkship with the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Rehnquist said to me, you have to work at …. Truth: Give me a break! You’re the biggest firm in the state. Everyone knows who you are. “What specifically interests you about our firm?” Model answer: I want to work with the best lawyers possible… Truth: I want to date your recruiting coordinators. “What do you think your strengths are?” Model answer: I just love legal research and writing memos. The blue book is my Bible. Truth: Most law students will quit the pub crawl around 2 or 3 in the morning. I keep crawling. “What are your weaknesses?” Model answer: Workaholism is a disease. I am a workaholic. Truth: Blondes, beer, brunettes, wine, redheads, mixed drinks. All other women and spirits, I guess. “Do you have a question for me? Model answer: Yes, I do. Is it true that your firm is consistently recognized by American Lawyer as one of the best firms in the United States? Truth: No. I got all my questions answered by the last three associates I had to talk to. “What area of law do you wish to practice in?” Model answer: I would be happy to pitch in anywhere the firm needs me. 46 “Just one other thing, one of our associates heard that you were in ‘Law Students Gone Wild.’ Is that true? Model answer: Of course not. Truth: Objection, hearsay! Fred Dahr is a 2004 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. Got something funny to say? E-mail Jack@Cypressmagazines.com THE NATIONAL JURIST October 2007
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