You’ve made it past the psych test, wrestled with CV formatting, and convinced someone that your passion for law started before Suits Season 1.

Now comes the real test.

The interview.

We’ve done countless interviews across Australia’s leading law firms and made it out the other side. Now we’re ready to help you nail it.

If we had to do it all again, here’s what we’d do.

Let’s cut to the chase.

Interviews can feel intense, unpredictable, and sometimes awkward.

Not everyone’s a natural on day one. But you will improve each time you show up.

So if you have multiple interviews lined up (well done), don’t schedule your dream firm first. Book the firms you care about most after you’ve warmed up on a couple of back‑ups. 

OK, it’s interview time.

Most interviews start with a flavour of “Why us?” or the classic “Tell me about yourself”. 

Have a polished pitch locked and loaded. Remember, you’re not reciting your autobiography. 

Keep it punchy, but keep it human.

We used this simple framework:

You’ll be asked different types of questions – behavioural, motivational, situational and the like. 

You don’t need 50 memorised answers for every imaginable question. Just have 5 or 6 solid scenarios ready to go – the kind you can draw on for various questions.

The key is for your examples to showcase how you interact with people at all levels.  

These examples are your Swiss army knife. Pull the right blade for the question. But remember, no need to script it word-for-word. It’s a conversation, not a TED Talk.

And don’t force an answer if it’s not what they’re really asking. It will come across, well, forced.

Everyone says they’re a “hard‑working team player”. Yawn.

The best way to stand out? Be genuine.

Interviewers remember candidates who sound like people – not cover letters.

Skip the clichés. Speak like yourself.²

Our friend Gary is mid-interview, and the interviewer asks: “Your application says you’re interested in the Engineers case, tell me what sparked that interest”. 

Gary’s palms become sweaty. Knees weak. Mom’s spaghetti, etc. 

He racks his brain but can’t remember what he said about the Engineers case. He fumbles his way through his answer. And yep, it was noticeable. 

Don’t be like Gary. 

Before your interview, know your application for that firm inside and out. 

Some firms purely ask questions based on what your application says. You’ll come off as inauthentic if you can’t answer a question that goes to your application. 

There’s an easy fix. Don’t bullshit it. 

Only includes things you’re genuinely interested in.

We cannot stress this enough. 

Yes, they’re assessing you. But you’re also assessing them. Firms do have many applicants to pick from. But you also want to know if that firm is the right fit for you. 

Sure, you don’t get to turn the tables. But you can ask genuine questions to help you differentiate between each firm that says they “do things differently”. 

Back yourself, ask the question – not a generic one. One you actually want the answer to.

Don’t wait for the end of the interview. The best interviews feel like a conversation, not a Q&A.¹

And here’s a bonus tip: remember your interviewers’ names. Use them naturally when wrapping up or thanking them. It shows respect – and that you were paying attention.

Good luck.

-Team PB