Many of the partners were former Supreme Court clerks, presidents of their law reviews, or law school valedictorians. Caplin tends to be less concerned about personality in making its hiring decisions than other firms. Before the callback interview, students generally specify an interest in either tax or litigation, but not always. If they do indicate a preference, they are interviewed primarily by attorneys in that area. Candidates typically meet with four to six attorneys at their callback interviews, and lunch or dinner is generally included in the process.
Interviews primarily focus in a candidate's interest in the firm or a particular subject area.
Substantive questions are not usually asked, especially because many students have not yet had the opportunity to take any tax law classes. The firm's only potential drawback is that it is not the place to come if you are not a 'self-starter' or if you are looking for a place with a large number of associates or frequent social functions.