1. SD Legal Ltd.
Suite 137, 13/F
Somptueux Central
52 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 3752 0529
In-House – Senior Support
As a senior lawyer you have probably conducted multiple interviews for your own team and organisation, however
it is essential to understand that this is your turn to be on the other side. I am going to be direct and straight to the
point, please do not take offence I just know how busy you are.
Goal of this document – refresher and to get you thinking.
CV:
• For many senior lawyers it can be the first time they have interviewed in 5/10 years. It is essential you
refresh your CV and refresh how you articulate your background, the last time you did this was possibly for
the current role.
• Your CV is your life, feel free to add personality and life experiences that complement the technical side.
For example, I moved from Hong Kong to Singapore with my wife who had secured an internal transfer and
subsequently now have 2 children.
• Remember - High Impact!
• Remember - Do not drag the opening dialogue about yourself. I once had a CEO talk for 35 minutes before
coming up for air, it didn’t end well.
Motivations (hugely important):
• If you are happy in your current role and this is something that has tweaked your interest, think about how
you articulate that point. The interviewers are looking for the best people in the market but probably do
not want to feel you are window shopping.
• What drives you on a day to day?
• What kind of culture do you thrive in? What value can you bring to the table?
• Why would you leave? Are you in this for the long term? How can you get that point across?
Questions:
• You probably have 200 questions to ask, especially if this is something of serious interest.
• Before you go into the interview think about those questions and then work out which are critical (at this
first stage), relevant talking points and within the realms of a first meeting.
• In short, ask the critical questions first and the minor details will always come to the surface.
GOOD LUCK!
Nathan Smith - MD
SD Legal
+852 6508 2202
