University of Texas School of Law J.D. · 2026-27 J.D. applicants (entering fall 2027)

Your Texas Law interview

Texas Law emails every J.D. applicant an invitation to complete a virtual interview once the application is initially processed. Applicants describe it as a short recorded session: a few video questions with timed answers and no one on the other end, then a timed written answer, usually on why you want Texas.

Sources (6)

Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions · Texas Law: First-Year Applicants · Reddit: UT Austin Interview (2025) · Reddit: Texas Law School Applicant AMA (2024) · 7Sage: University of Texas at Austin School of Law Application Requirements 2026-2027 - (2026) · Accepted: Is the University of Texas School of Law For You? [Episode 546] (2023)

100%of J.D. applicants are sent an email invitation to complete the virtual interview once their application is initially processed, Texas Law's FAQ says. Texas Law

Congratulations again: at Texas Law the invitation goes to every J.D. applicant, so it is a step in the file rather than a signal you've been singled out. The school says the interview is part of the Admissions Committee's evaluation, while its admissions dean has said not to stress about it. Older figures showing interviewees admitted at about 60% date from when invitations were selective (2022) and don't apply now.

Sources (4)

Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions · Texas Law: First-Year Applicants · Accepted: Is the University of Texas School of Law For You? [Episode 546] (2023) · Reddit: Is there a pattern to UT Austin's interview invites? (2022)

WhoEvery J.D. applicant is emailed an invitation once the application is initially processed Texas Law · Reddit · 7Sage

FormatRecorded, asynchronous video on VidCruiter with no live interviewer; earlier cycles used Kira 7Sage · YouTube · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit

How longApplicants report about 10 minutes of answering, with each video answer timed at roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute Reddit · Reddit

The questionsThe admissions dean said in 2023: four questions from a randomized bank, one of them written; the written one is a 'Why Texas' prompt Accepted · YouTube · 7Sage · Reddit

4 more: when, does it count, after, a second round

WhenApplicants report the invite arriving from the next day to about two weeks after applying; applicants report (2023) one week to complete it Reddit · Reddit · Reddit

Does it countYes, it is part of the Admissions Committee's evaluation, though the dean says not to stress about it Texas Law · Accepted

AfterApplicants report (2023) decisions coming anywhere from a few days to over 3 months later Reddit

A second roundApplicants report a rare invitation to a live interview with a dean after the recorded one Reddit

How you get an interview

You don't have to earn it. Texas Law's FAQ says all J.D. applicants are sent an email invitation to complete a virtual interview once the application is initially processed. Applicants report (2026) the email arriving shortly after they submit, often the next day; others report (2024) about two weeks.

This is a change. In earlier cycles invitations were selective, and applicants treated one as a strong sign of interest. A former senior director of admissions said in 2024 that interviews had been used selectively, often for "splitters" (high LSAT, lower GPA). Applicants report (2023) that Dean Le explained the shift: removing licensing limits and changing vendors gave the school the resources to interview everyone.

Waitlisted? The school does not meet with waitlisted applicants but may invite selected waitlisted candidates to interview.
Transfers too. The Admissions Committee also invites transfer applicants to complete a virtual interview.
Check your email. Applicants report (2023) having one week from the invite to record, at a time of their choosing.

Sources: Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions · Texas Law: Transfer Applicants · Reddit: Does UT auto invite for interviews for all applicants? (2026) · Reddit: UT Austin Video Interview (2024) · Reddit: Is there a pattern to UT Austin's interview invites? (2022) · Reddit: TexasLaw (UT Austin Law) online interview Kira Talent - good/neutral sign? (2023) · Reddit: I was Senior Director of Admissions at Texas Law -- AMA (2024) · Reddit: Is UT Austin interviewing everyone this year or do they pick specific people to (2023) · Reddit: Texas Law Interview: Any clarity on what it means this cycle? (2023) · Reddit: Interview invite to actual interview date? (2023)

What they're looking for

Assistant Dean of Admissions Mathiew Le said in 2023 that the interview is used to judge communication skills, presentation, and how you think on your feet. The questions are ones you should expect; they will not ask you to analyze a complicated Supreme Court case.

In a 7Sage interview, the admissions dean described it as a place to explain what your file doesn't show:

Your commitment. For example, a commitment to public interest law.
Why UT. Your specific reasons for wanting Texas Law.
Ties to the area. Such as family connections.

He added that these details don't decide the outcome alone, since you still need to meet the academic bar, but they help the office see what isn't evident in your personal statement or résumé. 7Sage's guidance puts it simply: do the interview, because it shows you present well in a professional setting.

Sources: Accepted: Is the University of Texas School of Law For You? [Episode 546] (2023) · YouTube: 7Sage Admissions interview with Texas Law's Assistant Dean of Admissions on the VidCruiter interview · 7Sage: University of Texas at Austin School of Law Application Requirements 2026-2027 - (2026)

How the session runs

Applicants describe a self-guided recording on a video platform (VidCruiter now; Kira in earlier years). Prompts appear on screen and you record your answer.

Short, timed answers. Applicants report (2024) many questions with each response timed at about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Quicker than advertised. One 2025 applicant finished in about 10 minutes even though the instructions said 30-40; others report (2024) 30 to 60 minutes.
Stay on the tab. The system stops you leaving the screen or clicking to another tab. Applicants report paper notes are fine.
The written part comes last. A timed written question, usually 'Why Texas', with a strict character limit you can't exceed. One applicant found the time ample.
Occasional political prompts. Applicants report (2024) some questions lean political; answer with respect for other views.
The tech. One applicant called the Kira platform clunky, so give yourself a quiet space and time to settle in.

Sources: 7Sage: University of Texas at Austin School of Law Application Requirements 2026-2027 - (2026) · YouTube: 7Sage Admissions interview with Texas Law's Assistant Dean of Admissions on the VidCruiter interview · Reddit: Law Student at Texas Law - AMA (2021) · Reddit: UT Austin Kira interview-any tips/advice about the platform/interview? (2023) · Reddit: Texas Law School Applicant AMA (2024) · Reddit: UT Austin Interview (2025) · Reddit: UT Austin Video Interview (2024) · Reddit: Does UT auto invite for interviews for all applicants? (2026)

The written 'Why Texas' answer

This is the part you can prepare almost fully, so do. The admissions dean described it as essentially a "Why Texas?" prompt, and applicants consistently report the same.

Be concrete. 7Sage's guidance says to name real reasons, such as specific clinics or public interest offerings, not weak ties like a cousin in Austin.
Draft it ahead. Applicants report (2024) that coming in with a planned response, naming your areas of interest and any ties to Texas or Austin, matters most.
Watch the limit. There is a character cap, so keep a tight version ready.
It may replace an essay. Because the interview already asks why Texas, 7Sage says a separate optional 'Why Texas' essay is less essential.

Sources: YouTube: 7Sage Admissions interview with Texas Law's Assistant Dean of Admissions on the VidCruiter interview · 7Sage: University of Texas at Austin School of Law Application Requirements 2026-2027 - (2026) · Reddit: UT Austin Kira interview-any tips/advice about the platform/interview? (2023) · Reddit: Texas Law School Applicant AMA (2024) · Reddit: Does UT auto invite for interviews for all applicants? (2026)

How to prepare

Take it seriously without overdoing it. One applicant called it a "pulse check": don't stress, but don't blow it off.

Practise common questions. Applicants suggest the 7Sage question bank and Reddit; they report the questions are standard.
Talking points, not scripts. Applicants report (2024) that scripted answers made them perform worse; prepare broad points and an example for each.
Practise to a timer. With roughly 30 seconds to a minute per answer, get to your point fast.
Research the school. Learn what Texas Law prides itself on and speak as if giving a 'Why X' essay out loud.
Look the part. Dress professionally and follow every instruction to the letter; a former senior director of admissions urged the same rigor you bring to your essays and résumé.
Have notes on paper. You can't switch tabs, but applicants report paper notes are fine.

Sources: Reddit: UT Austin Interview (2025) · Reddit: UT Austin Kira interview-any tips/advice about the platform/interview? (2023) · Reddit: UT Austin Video Interview (2024) · Reddit: Texas Law School Applicant AMA (2024) · Reddit: I was Senior Director of Admissions at Texas Law -- AMA (2024)

After the interview

Then you wait. Applicants report (2023) decisions arriving anywhere from a couple of weeks to over 3 months after the recorded interview, with one decision coming 5 days later. One applicant believed being at or above the LSAT median meant a faster decision.

A few applicants report a second step: a rare invitation to a live interview with a dean. One 2025 applicant described the dean as "super nice" and "pretty chill", with no curveballs; expect questions such as why law, why UT and perhaps a challenge you faced.

In 2023, Dean Le said not receiving an invitation does not mean rejection, and receiving one is not a guarantee. Now that everyone is invited, completing it is simply part of a full file.

Sources: Reddit: How long after the Kira interview does Texas Law get back to applicants? (2023) · Reddit: UT Austin Live Interview Invite (2025) · Accepted: Is the University of Texas School of Law For You? [Episode 546] (2023) · Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions

Other parts of the process

Deadlines. The application opens September 1; binding Early Decision closes November 1, Regular Decision March 1.
Early Decision. Successful ED applicants are guaranteed a competitive scholarship offer, and must submit an enrollment deposit and a Letter of Intent.
Tests. LSAT or GRE, with no preference; JD Next is not accepted.
Documents. A personal statement of no more than two double-spaced pages, a résumé of up to three pages, and exactly two letters of recommendation through LSAC; the fee is $70.
Residency. By state mandate, at least 65% of the entering class must be Texas residents.
Meet someone. You can book a tour or a meeting with an admission professional online.

Sources: Texas Law: First-Year Applicants · Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions

Your interviewer

Russell Okonjo Fictional interviewer

Get a briefing on your own interviewer

Know who's interviewing you? Their LinkedIn profile is the best source.

Use a computer if you can. Open their LinkedIn profile in a web browser, click More (or ⋯) under their name, then Save to PDF.
On a phone: the LinkedIn app can't save a profile. Open linkedin.com in your phone's browser instead, switch to the desktop site, and use More → Save to PDF.
Upload the PDF here, or paste what you know about them (a bio, a profile page).

See the sample briefing

Texas Law admissions associate director, a Texas Law graduate, formerly an employment-defense lawyer and then a legal aid attorney, who may be among the reviewers of your recorded answers

Russell Okonjo has been Associate Director of Admissions at Texas Law since August 2021, about 5 years. He reviews J.D. files and recorded video interviews and presents files to the Admissions Committee. You will not meet him. The interview is recorded with no one on the other end, and he is one possible reviewer among the committee, not a confirmed one. Before admissions he spent about 4.5 years defending employers at a Houston firm (2013-2018), then 3 years as a legal aid staff attorney representing low-wage workers (2018-2021). He says he looks for applicants who explain plainly why they want to be lawyers and what they have actually done, not what they think admissions wants to hear. He is especially interested in people who worked before law school and in candidates from South and West Texas. Treat this as a picture of the kind of reader you are speaking to. Do not tailor answers to him personally.

Their path

B.A., Political Science, University of Houston, 2009
J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 2013; student attorney in an employment clinic
Associate, Labor and Employment Group, Hollister Gant LLP, Houston, Sep 2013 - May 2018 (defended employers in wage-and-hour and discrimination cases)
Staff Attorney, Employment and Benefits Unit, Brazos Valley Legal Aid, Bryan, TX, Jun 2018 - Jul 2021 (unpaid-wage claims, unemployment-benefit appeals, supervised law student volunteers)
Associate Director of Admissions, Texas Law, Aug 2021 - present (reviews files and video interviews, leads Texas recruiting including the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso and community-college transfer pipelines, helps coordinate live dean interviews)
Volunteer: mock trial judge since 2022; pre-law mentor for first-generation college students since 2019

What it means for your conversation

The format still decides almost everything. You will have a few video questions of roughly 30 to 60 seconds each, then a timed, character-limited written 'Why Texas' answer. Prepare for that format, not for a person.
He states that he values plain, honest explanation over polished answers. That likely favors short, specific answers built on real examples over rehearsed scripts. Applicants also report that scripted answers went worse.
He has worked on both sides of employment disputes. That may make him alert to answers that are one-sided or preachy on contested issues. If you get a political prompt, show that you understand the other side.
He judges mock trials and mentors pre-law students. He has likely heard many generic 'I like to argue' and 'I want to help people' answers. Concrete detail will stand out more than big claims.
If you have real work experience or real ties to South or West Texas, the Rio Grande Valley or El Paso, the interview is a fair place to state them briefly. Never invent or stretch a tie.
His role in coordinating live dean interviews means people like him help decide the rare second round. Your recorded answers are the material that gets judged.

Questions they may lean toward

Why law, and why now He says he watches for applicants who can plainly explain why they want to be lawyers. Expect some version of this question, and answer with one real moment or experience, not an abstract ideal.
What you have actually done: a job, a responsibility, a challenge He says he wants what applicants 'have actually done' and is interested in people who worked before law school. Have one or two concrete examples ready, each with what you did and what came of it.
Why Texas, in the written answer The admissions dean and applicants report the written prompt is 'Why Texas.' Reviewers read many of these, so name specific programs that fit your goals. Mention a real Texas tie only if you have one.
A prompt that leans political or asks you to weigh competing views Applicants report (2024) some prompts lean political. A reviewer who has represented both employers and workers will likely value a fair, measured answer that respects other views.
Commitment the file doesn't show, such as public interest work The admissions dean described the interview as a place for commitment, Why UT and ties to the area. Use it to add something new rather than repeat your personal statement.

Honest common ground

If you are first-generation, a former worker, or from South or West Texas, these match his stated interests. Mention them only if they are true and relevant to your answer, not as a nod to him.
If you genuinely care about a Texas Law program such as the Immigration Clinic, the Mithoff Pro Bono Program or the Texas Law/ITAM J.D. program, those are concrete 'Why Texas' material. Name one only if it truly fits your plans.
Otherwise there is little real shared ground for a typical applicant, and that is fine. In a recorded interview, his hobbies and resume are irrelevant and should not appear in your answers.

Questions to ask them

No questions are possible in the recorded interview. If you are invited to a live dean interview, consider asking: 'What do students who do well here tend to have done before they arrived?' This fits the stated interest in pre-law experience and gets you useful information. Use it only in a live setting and only if you want to know the answer.
Live round only: 'How do students usually find their way into clinics or pro bono work in their first years?' It shows real planning around experiential learning (six credit hours are required) and the Pro Bono Pledge, without flattering anyone.

Avoid

Do not mention Russell Okonjo, his employment law career, his beagle, brisket or Longhorn baseball in any answer. You don't know who is watching, and it would come across as odd.
Don't claim an interest in employment law or legal aid just because of his background. He is likely to spot borrowed enthusiasm.
Don't read word-for-word scripts. Keep paper notes with talking points, practice to a 30-60 second timer, and lead with your point.
Don't use weak ties like 'my cousin lives in Austin' or generic praise of rankings in the Why Texas answer. Give concrete, program-specific reasons within the character limit.
Don't take a one-sided or dismissive tone on political prompts.
Don't skip practical details. Find a quiet room, dress professionally, stay on the tab, test your camera, and finish within the reported one-week window.

A sample, to show what the briefing looks like: Russell Okonjo and their employers are invented.

Based on: The sample interviewer's profile (fictional) · Texas Law: Frequently Asked Questions · Texas Law: First-Year Applicants · Reddit: UT Austin Interview (2025) · Reddit: Texas Law School Applicant AMA (2024) · 7Sage: University of Texas at Austin School of Law Application Requirements 2026-2027 - (2026) · Accepted: Is the University of Texas School of Law For You? [Episode 546] (2023)

All sources · 31 plus 3 applicant threads

Applicant threads are linked under each question.