What Not to Ask

Questions about how a firm has dealt with racially offensive comments or insensitive employees may be legitimate. But, for your offer's sake, go easy with these types of questions. If you really must know an answer before deciding whether to join a firm, your law school career services may help by asking this question on behalf of the student body. Alternatively, if you are interviewing as a lateral attorney, try to find an insider within the firm who can give you straightforward answers without letting it affect your chances of an offer. The interview is not the right place to ask about firm scandals.

One year, a major international law firm experienced two cross-cultural scandals shortly before the interviewing season. First, one of its lawyers sent a firm-wide e-mail asking if anyone would like to adopt some puppies. A partner in that firm apparently replied (also in a firm-wide e-mail), “Please don't let these puppies go to a Chinese restaurant!” Next, when the firm's Hong Kong office closed down later that year, another attorney e-mailed everyone at the firm a music parody titled “So Solly” (to be sung to the tune of “Hello Dolly"). Rob had an interview with that firm. The interview was dry and boring, and Rob decided to spice things up. So, when the interviewer asked if Rob had any questions about the firm, guess what? Rob asked about the firm's lack of sensitivity towards Asians. The partner turned bright red and, clearly trying to contain his anger, replied that the firm was working on improving its image. Rob's phone was not ringing with a callback from this firm.

Also keep in mind that many firms have dirty laundry of some sort, and that the firm management and your interviewer cannot do much about those scandals. Do not automatically judge an entire firm based on rumors about one or more of its bad apples, and do not ask questions about scandals if you can help it.