1L Interview Workshop

We help students from diverse backgrounds prepare for professional careers through the firm’s annual 1L Interview Workshop—2022 was our 20th Anniversary! Promoted through minority student organizations at various law schools, the program brings students together with lawyers from a wide range of working environments. Our attorneys are joined by lawyers working for public and private companies, government agencies, legal organizations and the military.

It has long been recognized that the effort to increase diversity in the legal profession must extend to building a pipeline of quality candidates who are able to succeed in college, can compete for entrance into law school and are prepared to continue into a professional position. The 1L Interview Workshop is a key element of our commitment to building the pipeline.

This half-day workshop includes a seminar that provides practical skills and best practices on topics such as initiating a job search, targeting appropriate employment opportunities, drafting application materials and preparing for interviews. After the seminar, each student participates in at least two practice interviews with volunteer attorney interviewers. 

The program was born out of a conversation in 2002 between a Hanson Bridgett partner and a first-year law student. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college, let alone to attend law school, and she expressed intimidation about applying for a job in this new context. She was unfamiliar with the types of jobs available, what to expect in an interview or how to prepare. The 1L Interview Workshop was our response.

Comments from Workshop Participants

I recently accepted a summer position at [an AmLaw 100 law firm], and I believe your program had a substantial role in helping me get such an awesome opportunity. Not only was I prepared for the endless interviewing process, but also your program introduced me to an incredible mentor."

I appreciated your presentation; it provided a helpful overview of the many things we should be thinking about before, during, and after interviews. The practice interviews focused my attention to where I need work. This is a great service your firm provides."

I found the material covered to be incredibly helpful, and more importantly, I feel a lot more comfortable about the entire interviewing process."

It is extremely endearing to know that there are people like you who have been where I aspire to be and are genuinely committed to my success and the success of my peers."