Questions Not to Ask in a Big Law Interview

As a lawyer currently practicing at a “Big Law” firm, and someone who often finds themselves on the other side of the interview table, I’ve observed that the questions candidates ask can be just as revealing as the answers they provide. Effective questions can demonstrate your insight, passion for the law, and understanding of our firm’s culture and work. Conversely, missteps in this area can leave an unfavorable impression, regardless of the stellar credentials listed on your resume.

Here are some questions to avoid when interviewing at any Big Law firm during OCI interviews this year:

1. “Why should I choose this firm?” While it’s good to understand why you might want to work somewhere, this phrasing can come off as arrogant. Reframe the question to show you’re trying to gather thoughtful information, such as asking what stands out to interviewers about the firm’s culture or what keeps them motivated to stay at the firm.

2. “What’s your typical day like?” I often dread this question because it can be so open-ended — my days can vary from drafting long documents to juggling emails and dealing with a client emergency. If you want to get to know the interviewer or their practice area better, consider asking about a recent challenging task or a common assignment that they handle regularly.

3. “What are the hours like?” This question can be interpreted as a lack of willingness to work hard, which is crucial in Big Law. Instead, phrase your question in a way that reflects your understanding of the demands, such as asking about the typical workflow or how the firm supports its attorneys in managing their workload.

4. “Will I have to do a lot of grunt work?” Early in your career, you will inevitably have to engage in some routine or less glamorous tasks. This is a natural part of the learning process as a junior associate and an integral step to proving your reliability.

5. “What’s the firms in-office policy?” In the current post-pandemic era, remote work policies remain a delicate topic. Almost all Big Law firms offer some sort of remote schedule, typically 2–3 days are required in-office. If remote work is important to your decision, ask about work-life balance or the firm’s policies for supporting flexible work environments.

6. “What kind of social events does the firm hold?” Though team building and networking events are key aspects of firm life, asking this can seem superficial. Save these inquiries for later stages or during informal meetings, and instead focus on questions about the firm’s commitment to training or community involvement. Every Big Law firm offers programs and events, both official and unofficial, and once you join a firm you will get to experience those events firsthand.

Good luck with your interviews, and remember: your questions can be just as impactful as your answers!