The interview: A conversation

The interview is to help us and you decide if we are a good match. We'd like to hear what you can bring to our firm, and we'd like to share our values and direction to help you decide if you'd like to work with us.

We match everyone we interview with a buddy (one or our junior lawyers). You'll meet with your buddy a few days before your interview and have lots of time to ask any questions you have in a low key, informal setting. We do this to help put you at ease and give you a friendly point of contact – as your buddy will also meet you immediately before the interview and a familiar face can help put your nerves at ease. It also gives you the chance to ask any last minute questions. They have been in your position before and know how daunting the process can feel. 

Before the interview, we suggest you:

• Find out what you can about our firm, our culture, and the Partners who will be interviewing you. We will let you know who you will be interviewing with in advance. Knowing who you're meeting can help you build rapport.
• Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time so you are not rushing. 
• Think about the types of questions you may be asked and consider how you will respond. Be ready to discuss all aspects of your CV – the key is to be prepared, but not scripted. Practising what you might say with a friend or family member is a good way to prepare.
• Be prepared to talk about your work, university and personal experiences, and also have some questions ready to ask us.

Please let us know if we can provide with an assistance on the day of your interview (for example, assistance with accessibility to our office or any other support that you might find helpful).

Interview tips

The purpose of the interview is to get to know the real you – your personality, skills, experience and values – so be authentic and show us who you really are. 

You will be interviewed by two of our recruitment partners. Your interview will cover aspects of your CV as well as your knowledge of the law. 

You will also be asked during the interview to do an impromptu one-minute presentation on a subject we choose. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. No preparation for this part of the interview is required and we will choose a non-legal topic.

At the interview

Here are some tips our previous graduates have shared to help you feel prepared for your interview:

• Listen carefully to the question asked and answer it succinctly. If you're not sure how to respond, ask for a moment to consider it before answering – it's okay to pause. 
• Ask questions that reflect your values and interests – this will help you make your decision about where you want to start your legal career.
• Try to relax and be confident. We know that's easier said than done, but you will perform better and enjoy the interview more if you can relax and be yourself.

Emma Gilpin,  previous summer clerk (2026) "Although I was nervous about the interview, it was clear that the firm takes real care to ensure you feel comfortable at every stage. The interview felt more like an engaging conversation, and I appreciated being encouraged to ask my own questions about the firm."

After the interview

Thank you for taking the time, effort and energy to meet with us! After the interview our team of graduate recruitment partners get together to discuss all the candidates they have met across the country and decide who to offer roles to. One of your interviewers will call you on the "offer day" to let you know you are receiving an offer from us, and our HR team will be in touch with the paperwork.

Candidates that have been offered a role are invited back to our offices for a 'post-offer function' to get to know our teams and people further. This is your chance to see our office and to ask any questions you have about working at our firm, our practice areas, or anything else you would like to know about our firm. This function is usually held a few days before offers need to be accepted. We also arrange flights and accommodation for those who live out of town.

Connor Turton,  previous summer clerk (2025) now a solicitor "It was the way I was treated throughout the interview process that stood out to me. The communications were clear, the interview was engaging, and the post offer function meant that I got to ask questions of the partners whose teams I would work in. This made the decision to come to MinterEllisonRuddWatts easy for me."