Inside the Interview

On Thursday last week, I conducted my first research interview. It was at a medical malpractice law firm in Dallas, Texas with an experienced attorney. My main goal for the interview was to gain this attorney’s perspective on proposed tort reform solutions, as that is my current focus for ISM. I inquired into six different reform solutions: Cap on noneconomic damages, cap on punitive damages, limiting joint and several liability, abolishing the collateral source rule, limiting lawyer’s contingent fees, and creating a federal statute of limitations. This attorney very much supported tort reform. Their perspective generally made clear sense, but looking back, there are follow-up questions I should have asked. There were also other questions I could have asked to best further my research. I also feel as though I was a little timid, regardless of being as prepared as I could have been.

Overall, from this research interview, I gained a new perspective towards my topic of study and learned two things. First, in the future, I will make sure to ask clarifying questions when interviewing. I will also prepare more in-depth questions, so I can conduct the most extensive research possible. Secondly, I will try to make a conscious effort to relax when talking to professionals.