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November 15, 2006
Interviews with Prosecutors & Public Defenders
Hypothetical questions distinguish job interviews with prosecutors and public defenders from other types of positions, such as law firms or other public sector positions. Hypotheticals are used to assess the student’s ability to spot issues and analyze legal and ethical questions. While you want to show you understand both or all sides of a particular issue or question, you may also need to reach a conclusion – and be prepared to back it up if challenged. Hypotheticals may involve Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure. Of course as with most legal questions, there isn’t necessarily one “right” answer; you’ll be doing well if you can spot issues, demonstrate your analytical skills, and withstand follow-up questions which may be challenging and designed to see how you respond to pressure!
Other likely areas of questioning:
• Why do you want to be a prosecutor/public defender? Be prepared to discuss coursework, internships, clinic, etc.
• Why do you want to be a prosecutor/public defender for this particular office? Know the office you are interviewing with!
• Where do you see yourself in five years? Interviewers are looking for a genuine commitment to public service and their organization.
• Questions and lines of conversation to get a sense of how you will deal with a heavy workload and lower pay than what some of your peers are earning. (Let the interviewers get to know you and see that you have a sense of humor.)
Posted by smp20 at November 15, 2006 09:42 AM