I know within two minutes after meeting an attorney if he or she will interview well. All of the key elements for a successful interview show up quickly and naturally: self-confidence, likeability, presentation, etc. Winners are engaging from the outset. Consciously or not, you also draw early conclusions when interviewing an attorney for an opening in your law department.

“Trusting your gut” is a litmus test that matters. You should feel good about a new hire.