Advice for lateral applicants Insiders warn of many potential stumbling blocks to getting hired as a lateral. Generally, everyone gets concerned if there are unexplained gaps in work experience. Similarly, having failed a bar exam doesn t go over well. If you haven t taken one yet, work hard to make sure you pass. It s not fatal, but it s better not to have that strike against you.
Preparation is of paramount importance in getting a foot in the door.
If you can talk to someone in the section you are interested in, you stand a better chance of getting an interview, says an associate. Candidates must undergo a pretty formal hiring process. If this person is interested, there will generally be a phone interview and then an office interview. The office interview will include time with attorneys from the section and attorneys on the recruiting committee. Fulbright is a very social firm, made up of a very outgoing bunch of people.