im gonna interview an attorney, what questions do i ask?

by Mr. Alexander Hammes PhD 6 min read

Below, you’ll discover some general questions you should ask and then more case-specific questions that you might consider bringing up. The following are general topics of discussion you should review with any attorney you sit down to interview regardless of the particulars of your case. 1. Are you a generalist or a specialist?

Litigation-related questions to ask a lawyer in an interview include:
  • How many court and jury trials have you done and what is your win percentage? ...
  • What is the chance that I receive a favorable outcome? ...
  • What are the risks if the case does fail? ...
  • What are the odds of a settlement? ...
  • How long should I expect this to take?

Full Answer

What are some of the best interview questions to ask?

Apr 21, 2021 · 6 Lawyer Interview Questions and Answers . Q: Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis? A: The purpose of this question is not necessarily to test the substance of the answer but more the fact that the candidate has an answer. This is indicative of the fact that they are informed and see the ...

What are the top 10 interview questions?

Prior to that, you should thoroughly brief your potential attorney as to the details and context surrounding of your case. The more information you provide, the better they’ll be able to expound upon the various legal matters. Litigation-related questions to ask a …

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Jun 28, 2014 · Whatever career you're seeking in the legal field—whether you're applying to be a litigation support professional, paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary, receptionist, law clerk, or court runner—you should have some questions prepared prior to being interviewed. Here is a list of things to ask and others to avoid.

How to answer tough law school interview questions?

Mar 29, 2016 · United States Attorney's Office; Disclaimer Our interview questions and answers are created by experienced recruiters and interviewers. These questions and answers do not represent any organization, school, or company on our site. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site.

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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 questions should I ask a law firm?

10 out of the box questions to ask a law firm interviewerWhat stands out for you in my CV to make you believe that I can handle this role? ... What qualities do I need to be successful at this job? ... What's your most exciting work experience since you've been at the firm?More items...•Jan 18, 2021

What is a good interview question to ask?

15 Questions for an Interview What do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here? What skills and strengths can you bring to this position? Can you tell me about your current job? What could your current company do to be more successful?Feb 10, 2022

What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

20 smart questions to ask at the end of your next job interviewWhat do you personally like most about working for this organisation? ... What do you find most challenging about working for this organisation? ... How would you describe your organisation's culture? ... Can you tell me about the kind of supervision you provide?More items...

What should I ask my law partner?

Consider potential questions and answers What do you enjoy about law? Why do you want to be a solicitor/barrister (etc.)? Which area of law are you most interested in? What type of firm are would you like to work in?Apr 18, 2018

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer?

7 good questions to ask at an interviewCan you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? ... How could I impress you in the first three months? ... Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company? ... Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?More items...

What are the top 3 questions to ask an interviewer?

8 Questions To Ask An InterviewerQUESTION #1: What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?QUESTION #2: What are the company's values? ... QUESTION #3: What's your favorite part about working at the company?QUESTION #4: What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?More items...•Sep 23, 2021

What are 3 good interview questions?

Here are some of the most common interview questions, along with the best way to answer them."Tell me a little about yourself." ... "What are your biggest weaknesses?" ... "What are your biggest strengths?" ... "Where do you see yourself in five years?" ... "Out of all the candidates, why should we hire you?"More items...•Jun 20, 2016

How do you answer why should I hire you?

How to Answer Why Should We Hire YouShow that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. ... Highlight that you'll fit in and be a great addition to the team. ... Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.More items...•Dec 15, 2021

How do you close an interview?

How to close an interviewAsk questions.Address any concerns.Remind the interviewer of your strengths.Express your interest in the job.Ask about the next steps.Offer additional information.Leave the meeting politely.Send a follow-up email.Feb 22, 2021

How do you introduce yourself in an interview?

2:415:53How To Introduce Yourself In An Interview! (The BEST ANSWER!)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNumber one talk about the skills and qualities you have that are a match for the role you areMoreNumber one talk about the skills and qualities you have that are a match for the role you are applying.

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.

General questions

These questions help a hiring partner get to know you a little more by understanding your passions, interests and how you may fit into the firm's culture:

Questions about experience and background

These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role:

In-depth questions

An interviewer may ask these questions to get to know how you build a relationship with clients and navigate court issues. These questions also give you a chance to explain your processes and display the parts of your personality that make you the right candidate for the role.

Sample interview questions and answers

Review these sample interview questions and answers to form your own responses:

Law firm interview tips

Here are some interview tips to consider so you can present yourself well to the hiring partner:

What Important Things Should I Know About This Job?

Asking this question will give you insight into the position and what the expectations might be right off the bat. Taking note of the answer, you should have a clear idea of what things you can focus on specifically to do the best job possible and what aspects of the position may be less important.

What Are the Biggest Challenges of This Job?

Every job has its hurdles. Knowing what they are ahead of time will give you a chance to consider what problem-solving techniques you can employ in advance. You can follow this query up by asking how these challenges were faced in the past and how successful the solutions were.

What Is a Typical Day Like?

The answer to this question might give you a good sense of the type of work you’ll likely be doing, so you can tailor your responses to make it clear you can handle such work, and so you can determine if the job is something you'd enjoy doing.

How Is Work Assigned?

This question can yield insights into the culture of the organization and the degree of autonomy you’d exercise over your career. It should also shed light on your role in the office environment as it relates to your workflow.

What Sort of Person Is Likely to Succeed Here?

This is a question shows that you're a conscientious applicant. You can also phrase it as, “What skills and traits are you looking for in a new hire?” You may get platitudes in response, but there's also a chance that the person interviewing may be able to give an honest answer that lets you know if gauge if your skillset is a match.

What Are the Prospects for Growth and Advancement?

This question shows that you're ambitious and have an eye toward the future, that you consider the position as more of a career opportunity rather than just a job. The answer may indicate what things you can do to be proactive in moving forward in your career path. Perhaps there are additional classes you can take or certification you can acquire.

Questions to Avoid Asking an Interviewer

Just like there are questions you can ask to help shape the impression the person interviewing you gets of your personality and value, there are questions you can ask that can quickly derail a good interview. Here are some queries to avoid.

Tell me about a time when you took charge of a meeting. Was the outcome a positive one?

The interviewer would like to know that you have the confidence to lead a meeting successfully. Think about a time when you have driven a meeting - big or small. This example could be a phone meeting, a lunch and learn, or a large client presentation.

At United States Attorney's Office we have many local competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out from the crowd?

It is crucial that you research United States Attorney's Office before your interview and be sure to learn about their business landscape. Who are their competitors? What are customers saying online? Check out some favorite review sites to get an idea of what the public is saying about United States Attorney's Office vs. their local competitors.

When have you contributed to an effort to obtain a corporate goal?

Engaged employees are always the most productive. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of being an involved team member by assisting, in some way, to the end goal of the corporation.

How did you maintain a good relationship with your most recent boss?

The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of maintaining a harmonious relationship with those who are considered your leaders.

Many of the management and higher level roles with United States Attorney's Office require a Degree in Business or similar. Please walk me through your post-secondary education

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Tell me why you are the right fit for United States Attorney's Office, and this position

plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.

Looking at your resume, it seems there are certain skills necessary for this position that do not stand out. How do you think you will be able to compensate for these missing skills?

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As an Attorney General, what do you believe is your best asset?

Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.

Disclaimer

Our interview questions and answers are created by experienced recruiters and interviewers. These questions and answers do not represent any organization, school, or company on our site. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site.

How to build an estate plan?

When building an estate plan, you may have a variety of concerns, including the following: 1 Maintaining an orderly administration of assets while you are living 2 Managing estate assets flexibly while you are living 3 Reviewing estates involving tenants in common or community property 4 Considering assets in multiple states 5 Examining small business assets 6 Naming your children’s legal guardian 7 Ensuring that your heirs and loved ones receive your assets 8 Helping to reduce or avoid conflicts and confusion 9 Minimizing legal expenses and taxes 10 Assessing wealth preservation

Why is it important to have an estate plan?

It's important to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that your loved ones receive your assets without a hassle or undue delay after your death. There are many questions you should ask prospective estate-planning attorneys before hiring one to craft your estate plan. Above all, make sure you hire an attorney who demonstrates ...

Can a lawyer draw up a will?

Although any lawyer can draw up a simple will for straightforward situations, such as naming the beneficiary of one's 401 (k), seasoned trust-and-estate lawyers can help navigate more complicated situations involving several trusts and multiple heirs. 1:21.

Why is it important to ask the right questions in an interview?

When conducting interviews to fill critical job vacancies it’s important to ask the right questions of the interviewee and reveal the best answers ensuring a more informed hiring decision. These 25 interview questions for interviewees will help the interviewer get to know a candidate better before making a decision to bring them aboard their ...

What is an ambitious professional?

An ambitious professional with a clear set of goals for the short, medium, and long term, is an invaluable asset to the company. This is true especially if they parallel their career growth with the company they are interviewing at. As they grow professionally and financially, the company grows and expands too.

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General Questions

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These questions help a hiring partner get to know you a little more by understanding your passions, interests and how you may fit into the firm's culture: 1. What adjectives would your friends use to describe you? 2. What are your biggest strengths? 3. How do you handle feedback? 4. What is your biggest acco
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Questions About Experience and Background

  • These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role: 1. What was your favorite course in law school and why? 2. Tell me about a case you were lead on that substantially broadened your knowledge of the legal field. 3. Which extracurricular groups were you involved in during law school? 4. Tell me about your law school i…
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In-Depth Questions

  • An interviewer may ask these questions to get to know how you build a relationship with clients and navigate court issues. These questions also give you a chance to explain your processes and display the parts of your personality that make you the right candidate for the role. 1. How do you build trust with a client? 2. How would you keep clients informed about the status of their cases…
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Law Firm Interview Tips

  • Here are some interview tips to consider so you can present yourself well to the hiring partner: 1. Familiarize yourself with recent court rulings. 2. Research the law firm. 3. Bring examples of papers you've written.
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