US Department of Justice Legal Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 12 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at US Department of Justice.
US Department of Justice
Law Clerk
Entry Difficult Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Panel Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Had a 30-minute interview that felt pretty formal. They wanted me to break down a legal idea or concept and also went over my 1L brief. It was challenging overall and not super conversational. There was a panel involved.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Which law school class did you like the most?
- Which law school class did you like the least?
US Department of Justice
Law Clerk
Intern Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Panel Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
You start by submitting a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript online. Then there's one virtual interview round where you'll talk with three different attorneys. They want to know why you're interested in working for the USAO and which specific department within the Southern District of Texas sparks your interest. You'll get an offer via email within a few days, and you'll have a week or two to accept or decline.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What makes you want to work for the USAO?
- Are you leaning towards civil or criminal law?
- What division within the USAO appeals to you the most?
US Department of Justice
Law Clerk
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
It was a pretty standard interview process. They asked about my application and writing background. They wanted to know if I was interested in helping with the component's goals and the overall mission. Nothing too unusual. I met with several attorneys from different practice areas. Some seemed more engaged than others. The questions were very by-the-book, like they were reading from a list.
Confirmed questions5 questions
- What is your understanding of the mission?
- Can you discuss your experience with applications?
- Could you elaborate on your writing experience?
US Department of Justice Legal Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from US Department of Justice interview reports.
“Could you update us on general admin and environmental law statutes?”
Read reports →“Which law school class did you like the least?”
Read reports →“How do you go about handling a legal research question?”
Read reports →“Which law school class did you like the most?”
Read reports →“What division within the USAO appeals to you the most?”
Read report →“Which part of federal government law interests you?”
Read report →“What extracurricular activities are you involved in at school?”
Read report →“Are you leaning towards civil or criminal law?”
Read report →“What classes or internships have provided you with experience in environmental law?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 12 US Department of Justice interview reports.