Interviewing
Hunton & Williams LLP works hard to make the on-campus recruiting process as seamless as possible by interviewing centrally on campus for all offices that have a summer program. Candidates who have applied to us directly may be contacted for a preliminary phone interview. Students selected for call-back interviews after the initial on-campus screenings are contacted within a day or two by our recruiting staff in the relevant office(s) to schedule interview dates and make travel arrangements to the appropriate firm office.
Once a student arrives for an interview, he or she will spend approximately half of one day meeting with our attorneys and recruiting staff. If scheduling permits, a meal with additional attorneys may be included in the schedule. These visits allow the student to learn more about our firm culture and day-to-day life. We want all candidates to have every opportunity to explore the firm, ask pertinent questions, and meet as many of our lawyers as possible. When scheduling an interview, students should feel free to ask for accommodations for any special needs, or to request that specific attorneys or types of attorneys be added to the schedule.
Each office works to extend offers to selected candidates as quickly as possible after a call-back interview, usually within one week of the visit.
Interview Tips
Interviews are a two-way street: they allow a law firm to learn more about you, and are an opportunity for you to explore and compare the law firms that interest you. We also recognize that, in many cases, the person conducting the interview may have more experience in that setting than you. Since the ability to present yourself well in an interview is a skill that will benefit you throughout your career, we offer the following tips:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about potential legal employers and individual offices, if applicable, prior to your on-campus or call-back interview so that you know what differentiates them and can ask specific questions about the topics that interest you the most.
- Avoid back-to-back interviews. Interviewers make every effort to stay on schedule, but plan for the possibility that your interview, or meetings before yours, could run long. Even the most diligent law students can't be in two places at once!
- Arrive early. Your interviewer will be notified when you arrive, and that will encourage him or her to complete the current interview.
- Dress appropriately. If you have questions about attire, contact the firm’s recruiting staff.
- Respond to offers in a timely manner. When offered an interview, accept or decline the opportunity as soon as possible, and be sure to indicate any scheduling preferences. Even the smallest courtesies are rarely forgotten.
- Confirm your on-campus or call-back interview schedule before your arrival. This will give you a chance to research the attorneys with whom you will be meeting.
- Express genuine interest in the firm. Be prepared to talk about why you want to work with a particular employer.
- Relax and enjoy yourself! We know, that’s easier said than done, especially when multiple interviews are happening on top of your law school coursework. We’ve been there and survived the process, and you will, too. Be professional, but allow your personality to come through.
Be sure to comply with all NALP guidelines regarding timing of decisions and the number of offers that can be held open.
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