Written by Nishara Fernando
8 Things I Learnt
Interviewing Lawyers
Interviews! Most of us know the feeling of sitting across from a person who’s about to ask us the deep and meaningful questions we tried to memorise the answers to hours before, like “What made you want to become a lawyer?” We know the feeling of rambling on because we couldn’t think of an answer, and the utter frustration when we finally think of a brilliant response five minutes after leaving the room.
If you’d have asked me 3 years ago if I’d ever see myself on the other side of the interview table, I would not have believed you.
However, as part of EncycLAWpedia’s mission to uncover the day-to-day realities of legal practice, I have had the privilege of getting to sit across from a range of incredible and inspiring people who give us the scoop on what it's actually like being a real-life Harvey Specter (or Sandy Cohen).
So here's 8 things I learnt interviewing lawyers.
1. There is no single “correct” pathway into law
Many of our lawyer interviewees wished that they could reassure their younger selves of this. Some landed jobs via clerkships, others by cold-emailing or cold-calling firms and some through networks outside of law school altogether.
My key takeaway? The legal profession is not like one big building with a single door. Instead, it's a field that connects with medicine, technology, music, politics and so much more. So if you bring your passions along with you, there's usually a way to weave them into your practice.
2. The Necessity of Networking
Yes, connections matter, but not only at formal events. Several interviewees stressed that everyday interactions (with colleagues, classmates, even your barista) are opportunities to build confidence and genuine and lasting relationships.
3. Personal brand is a must!
Our recent interviewee Mel Storey is a great example of an ex-lawyer turned career coach, who has truly found success and fulfilment out of building her own business and developing a brand that is well known amongst law students and junior lawyers Australia-wide. In fact, we were able to reach out to her by virtue of her social media presence and her warmth and generosity as a ‘Career Big Sis.’
As Penny Grant (former Family and Criminal Lawyer) put it, it all starts with your internal brand, that is, asking yourself why you do what you do, and what you stand for. That clarity then shapes how you present yourself externally to clients, employers, and the profession as a whole.
4. The Mum v Boss test
Mel also shared this simple but surprisingly powerful filter. Before posting something on your LinkedIn (remember shaping your brand) or preparing for an interview response, ask: What would my mum think of this? What would my boss think?
It’s a quick way to balance authenticity with professionalism. For aspiring lawyers, it’s a reminder that you don’t have to hide your personality — you just need to frame it appropriately.
5. The Lift Test
This one I credit to Gerry Farrell! Imagine you’re stepping into the elevator of the law firm or whatever building you work in. Imagine pressing the button to the floor you need to get to. If you don’t feel even a little bit excited about pressing that button, then it may be time to reassess. She emphasised to us the importance of curiosity, energy, or purpose when walking into work that builds fulfilment in your work.
6. Comparison is the thief of joy
As Ruchika Bilagi Sandesh explained, law school can feel like a pressure cooker where everyone seems to have it all figured out. She, like our other interviews, uncovered the reality that everyone, even the most established lawyers, don't always have it all figured out.
Ruchika’s advice? She suggests measuring yourself against your past self. Celebrating your growth is a much better use of your time than comparing yourself to others.
7. Every experience counts
One thing that stood out to me is how many of our lawyer interviewees credit experience in hospitality and retail. They stress not to discount non-legal experiences, especially those that equip you with communication, organisation and people skills that form the day-to-day for legal professionals.
8. You will never stop learning
Law isn’t a finish line you cross when you graduate — it’s an ongoing practice of learning. Muyang Tian highlighted that skills gained outside the classroom (through volunteering, part-time work, or side projects) are just as formative as what’s in the textbooks.
Adopting the mindset of “I may not know everything, but I’m willing to learn” not only counters imposter syndrome but also shows employers you’re adaptable.
Even with a degree in hand, there is so much more to the legal profession than knowing the law. Interviewee Muyang Tian taught me that every opportunity outside of law school is a step to growing your legal knowledge in a meaningful way. Adopting the mindset of “I may not know everything, but I’m willing to learn” builds flexibility and curiosity that employers look for in candidates. In addition, it alleviates the pressure of doing this “right” and can help to curb the imposter syndrome that many junior lawyers face.
As we continue to grow our interviewee network and uncover more areas of the legal industry I hope to continue this list of learnings from interviewing lawyers.
If you’re interested in learning more about what each of our interviewees have to say about the legal profession check out their pages here on the EncycLAWpedia website!