The 3 Surprising Elements Every Law Firm Wants to See in Your Video Interview

Dec 20, 2023

Written By Maddie Small

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, video interviewing has become a widespread recruitment tool for law firms. Law firms conduct them to assess whether a candidate is a good match before inviting them to an assessment centre. What makes a candidate a good match, though? This article will delve into video interviews as a recruitment tool and provide deep insight into the three essential and surprising elements every law firm looks for when conducting them.

What are video interviews?

Post-COVID-19, online interviewing methods have become the new norm, but automated video interviews have become increasingly popular as they save firms time and resources, enabling a wider pool of applicants to be considered.

Unlike live interviews, whether it be online or in person, once you begin a video interview you must work within a strict time frame and can not rework or rewind your answers.

Once candidates enter the video interview portal, a set of automated and pre-determined interview questions will appear on their screens, often revealed one at a time. Then, candidates will be given a set amount of time (often around 60 seconds) to prepare, immediately followed by a set amount of time to answer via recorded video.

Successful lawyers must possess a unique skill set that goes beyond what looks good on paper, which is why video interviews are so important during the initial screening process. When reviewing video interviews, recruiters can gain a better sense of an applicant and the qualities and skills they possess, allowing them to determine if they are a good fit for the firm before inviting them to the assessment centre.

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The technical aspects

There are several technical requirements and preparations that contribute to a successful video interview.

While video interviews may feel stressful and unnatural, they actually allow for more preparation and thinking time than live interviews do, giving candidates a better chance to construct their answers for success. This is why researching and practising potential answers beforehand is of utmost importance.

Applicants should ensure they have a good understanding of the firm and its values, as well as what skills they are looking for in aspiring lawyers.

Furthermore, applicants should practise answering interview questions under strict time limits until they are comfortable and confident in order to guarantee developed, clear and well-informed responses during the actual video interviews.

Just like in a face-to-face interview, applicants should be professional. Complete the interview in a location with good lighting, a plain or neat background, and no noise or distraction (make sure to silence your phone). Applicants should also wear professional clothing.

Technology can sometimes fail, so make sure to leave plenty of time to ensure internet stability, camera and microphone quality, and software proficiency as well. If something goes wrong, you want adequate time to fix it so it won’t impact the success of your interview!

During the video interview, ensure eye contact is maintained and speak at a good volume. Use the preparation time wisely and answer the question clearly and concisely. Try to relax, be confident and be yourself - firms want to see who YOU are.

Surprising Element 1 - Cultural fit

Like people, every law firm has its own unique culture and values that are key to its employee engagement, performance and productivity. A law firm’s culture describes its communication norms, time and output expectations, approach to decision-making, social connections between employees, and growth and development opportunities.

When reviewing video interviews, firms are looking for applicants whose values directly align with theirs.

For a successful interview, it is therefore very important for an applicant to have a deep understanding of the firm’s culture and values beforehand. Applicants should conduct an in-depth exploration of the firm’s website, deals and employee testimonials to do so.

During the video interview, applicants should keep the firm’s culture and values in mind at all times. Align responses and make sure to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for becoming part of the team.

Don’t just use phrases from the firm’s website. Recruiters are looking for answers with substance, style, and with clear alignment with the firm’s culture and values.

Surprising Element 2 - Problem-solving skills

Lawyers, faced with complex challenges daily, must be capable of coming up with different solutions to achieve their objectives. As a critical component of a lawyer’s job, firms value problem-solving traits highly.

Video interviews are a perfect opportunity to test an applicant's problem-solving abilities, determining whether or not they would be a successful lawyer at the firm. During video interviews, candidates might encounter questions that revolve around legal scenarios or general problem-solving challenges.

Example questions:

- Give an example of a time you used your ability to negotiate.

- In a client meeting your supervisor gives incorrect advice. What do you do? - Give an example of a time you dealt with conflict and how you resolved this. - Which three historical figures would you invite to dinner and why?

In order to successfully showcase your problem-solving skills during the video interview, it is essential that your responses to the questions clearly articulate your thought process, setting you apart from other candidates, and describe a systematic approach using critical thinking and attention to detail. All answers should demonstrate logical thinking that is backed up with an explanation. Preparation and research beforehand are essential to do so.

Surprising Element 3 - Adaptability and innovation

In a constantly evolving legal landscape, firms need lawyers who will find solutions to complex legal problems and adapt to new laws and technologies.

For example, the development of AI technology has brought on significant challenges in the realm of intellectual property law. IP lawyers around the world are forced to use their adaptability and innovation skills to address these challenges AI poses and find solutions.

Firms need to trust their employees to manage complex challenges in law, like AI, which is why they place such high value on adaptability and innovation skills when hiring. It is therefore essential that applicants showcase these skills during the video interview to be successful.

Applicants should ensure their responses are confident and have substance and style, conveying their ability to think and communicate on their feet and under time pressures.

When asked questions that allow for it, applicants should emphasise and describe their ability to take on and overcome challenges using their unique thought processes and methods.

Showcasing open-mindedness, flexibility, productivity and a positive mindset throughout responses will help to convey the adaptive and innovative character law firms are looking for.

Conclusion

Video interviews hold a lot of weight in determining if an applicant will receive an invitation to the assessment centre and are therefore essential for an applicant's success.

While the video interview process may seem daunting, understanding and showcasing the elements law firms are looking for is key. Ensure extensive research and preparation beforehand and let the cultural, problem-solving, adaptability and innovation qualities shine through during the interview.

Always remember that law firms conduct video interviews to learn about YOU. Don’t just showcase legal expertise, but instead present yourself as a well-rounded aspiring legal professional, ready to make a positive impact on the firm’s culture and success.

Selection & Assessment