Casting a broader net While continuing to actively recruit at the nation s Top 30 law schools, Paul Hastings seems to be broadening its net. As for activities during school, the firm law review or moot court, with a heavier emphasis on law review. As for what constitutes a noteworthy candidate, insider suggest only those from the top 25 percent of their class need apply. Centralized hiring process Insiders warn that the hiring process may take longer than at other firms, as satellite offices need to go through Los Angeles to make decisions. Callbacks to Paul Hastings involve a half-day of interviews.
Associates say that the firm is generally looking for personality fit during the interviews.
I think that we don t fly people back who don t have pretty good grades, reports one insider. We just try not to take real jerks we had somebody who whipped out a cell phone in the middle of an interview. The cell phone enthusiast did not get an offer. It s a question of whether a person can handle themselves well, maintains a contact. Says one associate who has had a hand in interviewing candidates, We re looking for leaders, so I look at what have they done in the past, try to see if they ve had responsibility for running things.