How to Stand Out in Legal Interviews: Lessons from My Internship at a Leading Middle East Law Firm

When I first started applying for internships, I underestimated how different a legal interview in the UAE feels compared to what you read about online.

During my internship at one of the region’s top firms, I realised the process isn’t just about legal knowledge. It’s about clarity, composure, and cultural awareness. The advice I received there reshaped the way I prepare for interviews, and these are the key lessons I still use today.

1. Start with Research

Before any interview, research both the firm and the role.

Understand their key practice areas, recent cases, and regional projects. Then link what you learn to your own skills and experiences.

Ask yourself:

• How does this firm’s work align with your interests?

• Which parts of the job description genuinely excite you?

• What can you bring that reflects the firm’s values?

2. Know What Interviewers Value

Interviewers in leading UAE firms tend to look for:

• Presentability: speaking clearly and coherently under pressure.

• Communication: expressing complex ideas simply.

• Research: showing awareness of both the firm and the wider legal landscape.

• Self-awareness: understanding your own career story and motivation for pursuing law.

💬 If you mention that you’re bilingual, especially in English and Arabic, be prepared to demonstrate it. Interviewers may switch languages mid-discussion or ask you to translate a short legal phrase to gauge fluency. It’s completely normal - just stay calm and confident.

3. First Impressions Matter

Before the interview even begins, your professionalism sets the tone. Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to demonstrate respect for your interviewer’s time.

Dress smartly in formal business wear, maintain neat grooming, and carry yourself with confidence. For women, it’s also appropriate to wear local dress such as an abaya, provided it’s professional and neutral in colour.

A firm handshake (if culturally appropriate), good posture, and steady eye contact convey reliability and composure. In line with Islamic cultural tradition, women are not expected to shake hands with male interviewers, and this is fully understood and respected across the UAE’s professional environment.

These small details often matter as much as your answers, as they show you understand what professional conduct looks like in the legal world.

4. Structure Your Answers

Strong answers have structure.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep responses clear and organised. You can also use the Rule of Threes to make points memorable:

“I believe I’m a strong fit for this role for three reasons: firstly … secondly … finally …”

Structured answers make it easy for interviewers to follow your reasoning and remember what you said.

5. Keep It Professional and Positive

When discussing past experiences, stay positive.

Never criticise individuals or organisations - the UAE’s legal community is smaller than it seems.

Focus instead on what you learned and how it developed your skills. Professionalism always leaves the better impression.

6. Use AI Tools, Smartly

AI can make preparation far more efficient:

• Try Google Interview Warmup (free) for realistic practice.

• Record yourself to catch filler words and pacing issues.

• Ask a friend or mentor to conduct a mock interview using the STAR method.

• Use ChatGPT to generate tailored practice questions (upload your CV and the job description for realistic prompts).

  
  

AI won’t replace practice, but it helps you track progress and polish your delivery.

7. Practice Thinking On Your Feet

Not every question can be rehearsed.

Train yourself to think aloud logically and calmly, as the ability to reason under pressure is a key differentiator.

Avoid over-rehearsing; it often makes you sound robotic. Authentic, reflective answers always resonate more.

Final Thoughts

Legal interviews are about more than knowledge - they’re about how you think, communicate, and present yourself. Prepare thoughtfully, stay composed, and focus on demonstrating both professionalism and personality.

💡 Have your own interview experience or advice to share?

We’d love to feature your story. Email info@halalaw.ae to contribute to the Hala Law Blog.