Tips from a Judge Apply Beyond the Courtroom

Although interviewing isn’t the same as appearing before the court, I see many parallels. You have to present a story with themes, highlight strengths of your case, and minimize weaknesses.

Judge Angela Bradstreet in a recent interview with The Recorder gives a host of good tips for attorneys appearing before her that would apply equally to interview situations. These tips seem obvious, but I have seen anxious (or overzealous) interviewees violate them all:

1. Arrive on time.
2. Come prepared.
3. Treat staff courteously and professionally.
4. Listen to the judge/interviewer, and don’t be annoyed if you are interrupted: “[Y]ou’re never going to be able to give your entire speech, so practicing too much can be a problem, because if you’re dead set on giving a particular speech in terms of citations and how you present your argument, you’re very unlikely to be able to present it how you wish to present it, because the judge is probably going to have questions. Welcome those questions. Don’t look annoyed, like, ‘[W]hy are you interrupting me?’”
5. Know when you’ve made your case, when to stop, and certainly don’t argue.
6. Don’t make demeaning comments about anyone (especially your employer!).