NYC Administration for Children's Services Lawyer Interview Questions
& Process

Two interview rounds for an attorney position. The first was in the Manhattan office with two ACS attorneys. The atmosphere wasn't super friendly, but it was alright. Questions were pretty much what I expected - why ACS, what attributes you have, and your strengths. The second round involved observing a child proceeding and reviewing a movie. It happened in the same building. The questions weren't too hard, and the atmosphere was casual.

The process kicked off with a 30-minute court observation session where taking notes was key. After that, we headed back to the office for the actual interview with two attorneys, one of whom was more senior. They both had a list of questions they took turns asking. Towards the end, each attorney presented a hypothetical scenario and asked me to explain my approach. I didn't get an offer, but I suspect a second interview would have involved discussing my court observations. Oh, and remember to bring a writing sample and contact info for three references.

There were two interviews for the position, and both were panel interviews. The first interview had me meeting with three supervising ACS attorneys. They asked about my background, my motivation for working at ACS, and presented hypothetical scenarios to gauge my reactions. These questions touched on common sense and FCA, but they didn't penalize for not knowing the statute. Knowing the removal standard (imminent danger -- Article 10 of the FCA) is key. After the questions, I observed court proceedings for about 30 minutes. It's crucial to note observations as they might be discussed in a second interview. The first interview was about 30 minutes, or an hour with the observation. If a second interview was offered, they'd request a transcript and three references. They check grades and contact references, so ensure they are strong references, as the role is highly competitive. The second interview, also about 30 minutes, involved meeting the Deputy Commissioner of FCLS and his Chief of Staff. We discussed my court observation experience, my interest in the organization, a legal writing assignment, and my preferred placement borough (though they have final say across all five). I could also ask questions. Both interviews were about a week apart, and an offer came three weeks after the second. A strong desire to work there is paramount; they can tell if you're not genuine. Accepting an offer comes with a minimum three-year commitment, so it's not suitable if you don't plan to stay long. An extensive background check follows an offer.