Do Law School Interviews Really Matter?

Myths vs. Reality in Law School Admissions - A Closer Look at Interviews

Let's tackle a common misconception: do law schools really require interviews? Some do, but many don't! Typically, a law school interview is a chance for a familiar face to understand more about you—a step that comes after you've already shown promise. It's not as selective as the "interview" stage in medical school admissions.

Now, do you think you can become a lawyer without being assessed on your character, intelligence, and your lack of a criminal record? Of course not! However, interviews are an important part of the training and career lifecycle for aspiring lawyers. Volunteers as an alumni, I'm part of the interview process at Georgetown Law, and I share my insights on why and how these interviews work.

Understanding the Purpose of Interviews

At Georgetown, the interview is about personalizing the school experience and answering questions about the community and school life. We don't have access to application transcripts or LSAT scores—this casual approach allows interviews to focus on the candidates' personalities and interests. Often, interviewees submit their resumes well before the interview, making the conversation more engaging and relevant.

A key point to note is that admissions officers do value our opinions on candidates post-interview, although we may not have any formal say in the decision-making process. This is merely a gesture to keep alumni connected to the process and shows the importance placed on the alumni community. In today's competitive landscape, top law schools are grappling to maintain their positions in the US News World Report rankings, which are often influenced by factors like LSAT scores and GPA. Interview performance, thankfully, is not a factor in these rankings.

Why Interviews Matter

Interviews at law schools, like all others, are a considerable part of the selection process. They provide a deeper insight into the candidates' suitability for the rigorous demands of legal education and practice. Interviewing prospective students ensures that law schools admit individuals genuinely eager and capable of handling the work involved in law. Handing over a degree to someone disinterested not only devalues the education but also fails to meet societal needs.

During these interviews, candidates can also gain invaluable insights into the local legal community and the school's student body environment. While the information gathered during these sessions is not formally used in ranking decisions, it offers a human touch to the often cold, statistically driven admissions process. It's an opportunity for both the interviewee and the interviewer to learn from each other, potentially laying the groundwork for a future legal career.

The Bottom Line

While law school interviews are not always a determining factor, they certainly offer a unique opportunity. They allow a chance to meet prospective local lawyers, understand the dynamic legal community, and gain a more intimate understanding of the law school environment. Whether or not an interview is required might depend on the school, but understanding the value of these interactions can certainly enhance your application process and future legal education.