good interview questions when interviewing an attorney for a job

What are some frequently asked questions in a job interview?

This question helps you to understand both the candidate’s experience and their ability to effect positive change. You’ll also gain insights into their work style, personal goals, and passion for...

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

The Most Important Questions to Ask a Lawyer in an Interview. Are you facing civil or criminal legal proceedings? Are you starting a small business and need some advice on how to best structure it? Regardless of your particular situation, there are dozens of reasons why you might need to enlist the professional services of an experienced attorney.

What questions to expect in a job interview?

Let’s not look at interviewing as a way for an organization to judge you, but instead as an opportunity to learn more about whether an organization is a good fit for you. Here are a few suggestions to ace your next Attorney interview.

How to answer questions at a job interview?

Jun 28, 2014 · Whatever questions you’re asked in your law job interview, stay calm. Most interviewers will be reasonable, but some throwbacks enjoy making candidates squirm. If that happens, remember it’s a test, not a personal attack. Take a deep breath, focus on the question, and try to give a reasonable response.

What questions should you ask in a law interview?

21 Questions to Ask During a Legal Job InterviewHow did you become interested in X practice area/subject matter?Did you focus on X while you attended law school? ... Why did you choose this firm/organization over others?What do you like most about this firm/practice group/organization?More items...•Mar 12, 2018

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What are 10 good interview questions?

10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer ThemCould you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? ... How did you hear about this position? ... What type of work environment do you prefer? ... How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? ... Do you prefer working independently or on a team?More items...•Nov 11, 2021

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer?

Asking questions of the interviewer shows that you're interested in them as a person—and that's a great way to build rapport.How long have you been with the company?Has your role changed since you've been here?What did you do before this?Why did you come to this company?What's your favorite part about working here?

What are 10 most common interview questions and answers?

Top 10 Interview Questions and Best AnswersTell Me About Yourself. ... Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? ... Why Do You Want This Job? ... How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? ... Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? ... What Is Your Greatest Strength? ... What Is Your Greatest Weakness?More items...•4 days ago

What questions should I ask my lawyer mentor?

Questions to Ask Your Mentor How is what I am learning in school different from what it will be like practicing? How did you become a [insert practice area] attorney? What is a typical work day like for you? What types of cases/projects are you currently working on?

How do you answer a law question in an interview?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

What are some questions an attorney might ask a new client?

What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. ... What do you hope to accomplish? ... How do you want us to communicate? ... Why did you choose me? ... Are you comfortable with my rates?Nov 28, 2019

What are the 5 hardest interview questions?

The 5 Hardest Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them)Tell Me About Yourself. ... Tell me about a time you made a mistake or experienced a failure and how you dealt with it. ... Describe a time you dealt with a difficult colleague and what you did. ... Why did you leave your last job? ... Why do you want this job?

What are 50 common interview questions and answers?

Classic QuestionsTell Me About Yourself. ... How Did You Hear About This Position? ... Why Do You Want to Work at This Company? ... Why Do You Want This Job? ... Why Should We Hire You? ... What Can You Bring to the Company? ... What Are Your Greatest Strengths? ... What Do You Consider to Be Your Weaknesses?

What are the top 20 interview questions?

20 Most Common Interview Questions and Best AnswersTell me about yourself. ... What were your responsibilities? ... What did you like or dislike about your previous job? ... What were your starting and final levels of compensation? ... What major challenges and problems did you face? ... What is your greatest strength?More items...•Feb 15, 2018

What are the duties of a criminal defense attorney?

Criminal Law – Handles issues pertaining to individual liberty and behaviors that may be considered illegal under U.S. criminal codes.#N#Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.#N#Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. 1 Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right. 2 Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party.

What is the job of a prosecuting attorney?

Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. Entertainment Law – Deals with issues largely related to Intellectual Property law, rights, royalties, and contracts. Environmental Law – Enforces regulations, statutes, treaties, or conventions according to state or federal laws.

How much does an estate lawyer charge per hour?

Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour. Flat fee – These are an option for cases that are more predictable, such as the drawing up of an estate plan. If this is what they offer, make sure to ask whether or not there are services and expenses that aren’t covered.

What is statutory fee?

Statutory fee – Some forms of legal work have legally set fees involved. Once you’ve gone over payment, request an estimate of total cost. Although, in many cases, it’s impossible to give you an on-the-number appraisal, having a ballpark figure can help you determine if you can afford it and then budget accordingly. 6.

What Were Your Favorite Law School Classes?

Again, an easy question to ask that can be a minefield for the unprepared. It doesn’t matter how you respond to this, as long as the courses you offer have a reasonable relationship to the job you’re interviewing for.

What Type of Law Are You Interested In?

If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position in a firm, or with a judge or certain internships, you might not be expected to have a strong interest in exactly the subject matter of the job on offer. However, you still need an answer prepared your elevator pitch to explain what type of law you eventually see yourself practicing.

Why Is This Job a Good Fit for You?

It’s unlikely you’ll be asked this question directly, but it’s likely to be asked obliquely. (“Why Organization X?”) It is where you get to showcase the research you did on the organization and job description. You want to show that a) you know what the job description requires and b) that you’re a good fit.

I See You Like Baking. What Do You Like to Bake?

The most important information on your résumé actually has nothing to do with law at all — it’s your hobbies and interests. If well selected, these can fill a good chunk of time in an interview and allow you to make a more human connection with the interviewer.

What Is Your Opinion on the Holding of James v. Smith?

Just kidding! You’ll hardly ever be asked substantive law questions in an interview. You might encounter “behavioral” questions along the lines of, “Tell me how you’d handle this situation with opposing counsel,” but you’ll almost never be quizzed on legal topics. So don’t stress over them.

Question: How did or do you find the law school?

Answer: When asked this question, don’t mention how you hated the Law school or liked every second there, but try to be positive about the experience. The question can be best approached thus: “Overall, I had a great time there as well as found it challenging.

Question: Mention your favourite classes at law school?

Emphasis is not on what you liked so well at Law school but how it relates the job role you are going for. For instance if you interviewing at a small Law firmthat handles If you’re interviewing at a small law firm that only does civil cases, it will be out of place of all of your favourite courses happen to be criminal law and procedure.

Question: Why did you leave your current job?

If you are working now, be ready to clarify why you are quitting it. Be discreet and direct your answers towards career growth opportunities.

How is this position a good match for you?

You are not likely to be asked this question plainly, but it could come obliquely (“Why this Organization?”). This is where you get to demonstrate the result of your research on the company as well as job description. You may want to demonstrate that:

Question: Why do you think we should hire you?

This is the question that you could use to differentiate yourself. Focus on them: You ought to explain how you meet nearly all the criteria they require, including two to three more abilities that they don’t realise they need…yet.

Question: What challenges do you look for in this role?

Tip: This question is used to determine your views about the role and whether you are good match for the position being employed for. The most efficient to respond to questions on the challenges you are looking for is to demonstrate how you would like to be able to efficiently make good use of your experience and skills if you landed the job.

Question: What experience do you have in this law field?

Expectedly, if you’re seeking this position you have loads of related experience, you should mention it all if that is the case and state a few accomplishments. But if you’re changing careers or venturing into something a bit different, the type of experience necessary for the position may not be in your kitty.

General questions

When you're interviewing for the role of legal assistant, you'll likely meet with an attorney, firm partner or paralegal who will be responsible for overseeing your work.

Questions about experience and background

Because a firm may be looking for particular experience based on the attorneys' needs, interviewers often ask legal assistant candidates about their work history.

In-depth questions

An interviewer may ask you a couple of in-depth questions to learn more about what they can expect from you if you're hired. Your answers can show how you support a legal team, the knowledge you have about different legal processes and how you may have managed a difficult situation in your previous work history.

Legal assistant interview questions with sample answers

You can prepare for an interview process by practicing answering sample questions for the role you're applying for. Here are some example questions and answers to review:

General Questions

See more on indeed.com

Questions About Experience and Background

In-Depth Questions

Law Firm Interview Tips