To ask or not to ask, that is the question

Appropriate Questions:  What are you looking for in a summer intern? (then be prepared to demonstrate how you fit those desired skills)  What has been your most interesting case/project in the past year?  What drew you to this employer/what was your path to this organization/firm?  I spoke with ______, the Michigan student who worked here two summers ago, and s/he said (fill in positive aspect of the organization). Can you tell me a little more about this?  What do you think is the most interesting or challenging opportunity/case coming up for your organization/division in the near future?  Can you tell me more about some of the significant cases/projects that you are working on right now? (if not obvious from the website)  Can you describe some of the specific projects/cases that your summer interns might be working on?  What is your typical day like?  I'm very interested in the type of law that you practice. Are there any classes that you recommend that I be sure to take to make me more prepared for a future career in this area of law?  Are there any additional materials that I can provide for you?  What is the next step? *Ask intelligent questions that stem from your research on the employer as well as questions that encourage the person interviewing you to talk, thus leading to more questions! Inappropriate Questions:  Anything that is easily answerable from reviewing the employer's website. For example ‐ Can you tell me about your summer program?  Any questions about compensation, benefits, time off, etc.  Why should I choose to work for you?  So, how is your organization/firm faring in this economy?  What do I need to know about your organization? * Do not ask anything that demonstrates lack of research on your part or that would put the employer on the defensive.