The right questions could clinch the opportunity

Today marks the day of your crucial interview for that highly sought-after training contract. This event is the result of immense effort, persistence, and countless restless nights. You may feel a unique blend of pride for having successfully navigated through numerous preliminary stages, alongside a sense of anxiety about facing the final hurdle: the intimidating partner interview.

While it’s easy for others to advise you to “stay calm and composed,” putting that into practice when seated opposite a partner who has the power to change your career trajectory is a different story. Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take to ease your nerves during the partner interview. One effective strategy is to prepare insightful questions to ask at the end—essentially giving you the opportunity to interview the partners in return.

However, not all inquiries are equally effective. Some demonstrate your curiosity, confidence, and awareness of the business landscape, while others may reveal a lack of research on your part.

Here are some suggested questions, along with those you might want to steer clear of.

If you have prior knowledge of your interviewers

Some law firms provide the names of your interviewers ahead of time, while others do not. If you are given the names, seize this chance to conduct some background research. Check their firm profiles and LinkedIn pages to learn about their practice areas, recent cases, accolades, and participation in professional networks—essentially anything that gives you insight into their work and interests. Use this information to formulate relevant questions.

1. ‘How has your practice been influenced by [insert current news topic here]?’

Posing a question about a recent news event and its impact on their clients—and consequently their work—indicates that you are well-informed. Relevant topics might include changes in the Employment Rights Bill (for an employment partner), the growing importance of private credit as a funding source for significant transactions (for a finance partner), or the decline in the commercial real estate market and what it means for office spaces (for a real estate partner).

2. ‘What do you perceive as the major opportunities or challenges for your practice area in the next five years?’

This question showcases that you are considering the long-term outlook, demonstrating genuine interest in the future direction of the practice and how it plans to adapt.

3. ‘What skills or qualities tend to set trainees apart early in their time with your team?’

This conveys that you are focused on making a strong start, not just on securing the position. It signals to the partner that you are invested in developing the right habits from the outset—something valued by any team.

Questions that are universally applicable

These inquiries are ‘safe bets’: reliable, partner-neutral questions you can keep handy, even if you don’t know who will be interviewing you until you meet them.

4. ‘What has been the most rewarding moment in your career at the firm thus far?’

This question typically elicits a thoughtful and genuine reply. It adds a personal touch to the interview and offers insight into what makes the work significant for the interviewer.

5. ‘What aspects of practicing here do you find most enjoyable, and what has motivated you to remain at the firm?’

This classic question remains effective for a reason, and it provides a subtle way to inquire about the firm’s culture.

6. ‘What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges facing the firm in the coming years?’

This question parallels the earlier one regarding their practice area but takes a broader view of the firm as a whole. It reflects strategic awareness of the legal sector at large.

7. ‘How is the firm adapting to AI and legal technology, and what impact do you foresee this having on the roles of trainees in the next few years?’

This question is forward-thinking and demonstrates that you are aware of one of the most significant transformations currently occurring in the industry. Most partners at major firms are likely to have experienced the influence of AI or have been part of legal tech initiatives implemented within the firm.

Questions to steer clear of (both subtle and overt)

Some questions are bound to raise eyebrows or, worse, jeopardize your chances of success.

8. Avoid asking: ‘What’s the work-life balance like?’

It’s a common desire for individuals to enjoy the ideal scenario of leaving work early, avoiding weekend disturbances, and being able to disconnect without waking up to a flood of emails the following morning. This sentiment is true for the partner interviewing you as well. However, inquiring about this during a final interview might send the wrong signal. The hours in this profession can be demanding, and hard work is expected—this is simply part of the job. While conditions may vary by firm, department, and between city and regional practices, it’s crucial to have contemplated this aspect well before entering the interview room. You want to project yourself as the ideal candidate who has thoroughly considered the decision to pursue a career as a solicitor.

9. Refrain from asking questions that can be quickly answered by a brief visit to the firm’s website

Avoid wasting the partner’s time with questions that are redundant or could be easily clarified through a quick online search.

Examples of such questions include:

• “What practice areas do you provide?”
• “What is the salary structure?”
• “In which countries do you have offices?”

The list could extend indefinitely, but each of these questions reflects a lack of customized research into the firm you might soon join.