This article also applies to attorney candidates who need to brag in interviews about their accomplishments without sounding like jerks.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/brag-at-work-without-sounding-like-a-jerk-11675008352
It can be a difficult balance in an interview; however, I typically recommend that associates go all in on the details of their practice. If those details are impressive, then you are just bringing facts and not jerkishly bragging.
For example:
If you are a corporate associate, and you lead M&A transactions, then you should discuss (brag) the details of what exactly you are doing. Not every associate has this level of responsibility, and if you have it, then you need to tell your interviews that you will bring it to their firm.
Additionally, if you are a litigation associate and work on the full lifecycle of a case, then you should discuss (brag) your experience at every stage of litigation. Your interviewers will want to know that you have this highly desired background so don’t feel jerkish by telling them.
However, if you are interviewing at a top AmLaw firm, or really any firm, then it’s not necessary to brag that you went to an awesome law school, because that was likely just a requirement to get that interview.
Caveat – If your interviewer is a fellow alumnus, then you may smoothly bring up that you have that common. But, if you can’t do it cool because the other partners in the room went to different law schools, then wait and see if your alumnus brings it up.
Properly bragging in an interview is a skill and you’ll get better over time. Just be honest and tell them about your in-demand experience and you’ll brag without being a jerk.
JB