Paul Hastings Associate Interview Questions
& Process

So you apply online. Then there's a screening interview, which might be with two attorneys, or in smaller offices, maybe with partners. If they like you, you get a callback interview with a bunch of different people: partners, senior associates, junior associates, maybe even an of-counsel. The interviews can be different with each person. Partners mostly care about business stuff – like if you have other offers or can bring in clients. Associates are more focused on whether you're someone they can work with easily.

The process started with an on-campus interview, and I got a callback. The callback interviews were pretty easy. I met with about 5-6 attorneys, and one of those was a two-attorney lunch. We had conversations that ranged from casual chatting to some behavioral questions and questions about my past work experience. They also asked about what practice areas I'm interested in.

It was a typical on-campus law firm interview process. First, there was a 20-minute screener. Then, if successful, an in-office callback which involved four 30-minute interviews with associates from the local office. Everyone was respectful, interested in my background, and gave helpful answers to my questions.