Supporting law students as they prepare for their transition into practice is something we are passionate about at Chisholm Clarke.
Recently, Search Partner Sam Lindsay had the opportunity to deliver an interviewing workshop to students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Law School, sharing practical insights gained from working with lawyers and law firms across New Zealand every day.Rather than focusing on theory alone, the session centred on the real conversations that take place during graduate recruitment, what firms are genuinely looking for, and the small details that often separate strong candidates from the rest.
The workshop explored the importance of preparation, structure and confidence before stepping into an interview. Students were encouraged to think beyond simply answering questions correctly and instead demonstrate curiosity, professionalism and self-awareness. Practical examples illustrated how preparation allows candidates to communicate naturally while adapting to different interview styles.
One of the key themes of the session was that interviews are two-way conversations. Students discussed thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in a firm, including asking what success looks like during the first year, how graduates are supported, and what distinguishes the firm's strongest junior lawyers. These conversations help candidates gather valuable information while signalling maturity and engagement.
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Sam also highlighted several common mistakes seen during graduate recruitment. These included relying on overly rehearsed responses, failing to understand their own CV in detail, arriving without prepared questions, overlooking the value of non-legal experience, and not having references organised. While these issues are easily avoided, they can significantly influence an employer's impression.
Students then worked through practical exercises with one another, giving them the opportunity to apply the concepts immediately. This interactive approach encouraged discussion, critical thinking and confidence, allowing participants to refine both their answers and the questions they ask prospective employers.
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Chisholm Clarke is grateful to Auckland University of Technology Law School for the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of its students. Workshops like these form part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of lawyers as they begin their careers.
As a specialist legal search firm, we work exclusively within the legal profession and regularly speak with employers and lawyers throughout New Zealand. Sharing current market insights with students helps bridge the gap between legal education and practice, giving graduates practical tools they can use when the interview opportunity arrives.
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Recruitment season can be an intense period for penultimate and final-year law students. There’s pressure, uncertainty and often a lot of comparison. Strong interview performance rarely comes down to having all the answers. It comes from preparation, clarity, and confidence in communicating who you are and what you can offer. Hopefully the workshop helped make that process feel a little more approachable for those attending.
Wishing all students heading into interviews the very best.
Chisholm Clarke is a dedicated legal search firm, synonymous with expert and confidential legal career guidance in New Zealand. More than just finding and securing qualified lawyers new jobs, we provide detailed market information, sound advice and smooth private job searching services tailored to each individual.
We also produce the What a Lawyer podcast, founded the New Lawyer Fund (launching in 2027) and provide interviewing workshops for graduates and new lawyers entering the profession. We also sponsor an annual charity golf tournament for lawyers and recently formed international partnerships to support lawyers heading overseas. These partners have been vetted to our standard of service-providing and we have regular meetings with them to ensure compliance and shared market information.
Chisholm Clarke was founded in 2022 and is led by Sam Lindsay who offers ten years worth of New Zealand legal recruitment market experience, a relaxed yet professional approach, with 50+ public reviews to back it up. If you would like to start a confidential conversation about your options or how to structure your job search, reach out to Sam today on 0275665707 or sam@chisholmclarke.co.nz.
