Question Overview: Lawyers are often faced with difficult situations at work. An attorney may have to deal with a difficult client, a difficult opposing counsel, or even a difficult judge. You want to make sure that whoever you hire can handle the stress that comes with being an attorney.
Sample Answer: I always make sure to communicate with my superiors and clients about any issues that I am facing. I also make sure to keep my cool when dealing with difficult situations.
Question Overview: This is a very common question and one that you should be prepared for. You want to find out what the candidate considers to be his/her strengths and weaknesses. The candidate may have a different view of his/her strengths and weaknesses than you do.
Sample Answer: I consider my ability to work under pressure as a strength. I also consider my ability to work with people as a strength. My weakness is that I am not the most organized person in the world.
Question Overview: You want to know why the candidate wants to work with you. You want to know if the candidate is interested in your firm or if he/she is just looking for a job.
Sample Answer: I have researched your firm and have been impressed with the work that you do. I am interested in working for a firm that is committed to excellence and that values its employees.
Question Overview: The public education system in the United States is in a state of crisis. There are many reasons for this, but the main reason is that there is a lack of accountability. Teachers are not held accountable for their performance and students are not held accountable for their performance. You will want to find someone who can articulate a solution to this problem.
Sample Answer: I think that the main reason for the failures in public education is a lack of accountability. Teachers are not held accountable for their performance and students are not held accountable for their performance.
Question Overview: An attorney will have to be committed to his/her career in order to succeed. You will want to find someone who has a long-term vision for his/her career.
Sample Answer: I want to be a partner in my firm and eventually run my own firm.
Question Overview: The legal profession is changing. There are many new technologies that are changing the way that legal services are delivered. You will want to know what the candidate thinks about the future of the industry and how he/she will fit into it.
Sample Answer: I think that technology will continue to play a large role in the future of our industry. I am excited about the opportunities that technology will bring to our profession.
Question Overview: You will want to know what kind of experience your candidate has. You will want to know if he/she has worked in a large law firm, a small law firm, a corporate setting or in-house counsel. You will also want to know if the candidate has worked in different areas of law.
Sample Answer: I have experience in all areas of law, including corporate, real estate, and family law. I have also worked with clients ranging from individuals to large corporations.
Question Overview: Clients are not always happy with the outcome of their case. In fact, it is not uncommon for a client to be unhappy with the outcome of a case. It is important that you find out how an attorney handles these situations.
Sample Answer: I would communicate with my client and explain the situation. I would also keep my client informed about the progress of the case.
Question Overview: Attorneys are experts in many different areas of law. You want to find someone who is an expert in the area of law that you need help with.
Sample Answer: I am an expert in the area of family law.
Question Overview: The legal profession is a long-term commitment. You will want to make sure that whoever you hire is committed to the long haul. You will not want to hire someone who is looking for a short-term job.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a partner in the firm in the next five years.
Question Overview: Employment law is a specialized area of law. You will want to make sure that whoever you hire has a passion for employment law and is not just looking for a job.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in employment law because it is a field that is constantly changing and offers many challenges.
Question Overview: Communication skills are essential for an attorney. Attorneys must be able to communicate with clients, opposing counsel, judges and other legal professionals. In addition, attorneys must be able to communicate clearly and concisely in order to be persuasive.
Sample Answer: I have strong communication skills and am able to articulate my thoughts in a clear and concise manner.
Question Overview: Lawyers are not always the most agreeable people. They are often very opinionated and have a strong sense of right and wrong. This is because they are constantly dealing with difficult issues and are often faced with making a decision that will have a lasting impact on someone else. You want to make sure that whoever you hire is able to work well with others, even when there is disagreement.
Sample Answer: I always try to approach disagreements in a professional manner. I will always listen to the other person's point of view and try to find common ground.
Question Overview: You are looking for someone who can take on a new topic and quickly learn about it. An attorney will often have to research a new area of law that he/she is not familiar with. You want to make sure that the candidate you hire is able to do this.
Sample Answer: I would start by reading any relevant cases. Then, I would look at the statute and try to understand the legislative intent behind it. Finally, I would try to find any relevant articles that discuss the topic.
Question Overview: The reason why you want to become a lawyer is a good indicator of whether or not you will succeed at the profession. If you are not passionate about the law, then you will not be successful. You should be looking for someone who has a genuine interest in the law and is excited about the prospect of being an attorney.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in the law and wanted to help people.
Question Overview: You are looking for candidates who are motivated to move up and take on more responsibility. You want to make sure that the candidate is not looking to just coast along and is always seeking out new challenges.
Sample Answer: I am looking to move up in my career and I feel that this position will allow me to do so. I have been working in the same area for a while now and I am ready to take on a new challenge.
Question Overview: You want to know that the candidate has done his/her research and is familiar with the firm. You do not want someone who is going to be surprised by the culture of the firm or who will not fit in.
Sample Answer: I know that Axiom is a boutique law firm with a strong focus on client service. I am very interested in working at Axiom because I believe that it will be a great fit for me.
Question Overview: Attorneys are hired to solve problems. This is why clients hire them. Attorneys must be able to convince clients that their solution is the best one. This is not always an easy task, especially when the client has a different opinion. You want to know that your attorney will be able to convince clients that he/she is right.
Sample Answer: I had a client who was convinced that his case was not strong enough to win. I was able to convince him that we had a strong case and that we should pursue it.
Question Overview: You will want to know how an attorney deals with conflict. Law offices are often small and intimate, and conflicts can arise. You will want to know that the candidate you hire is able to work well with others, even when there is conflict.
Sample Answer: I have had a few conflicts with my coworkers in the past, but I have always been able to resolve them in a professional manner.
Question Overview: Attorneys are often required to work in a variety of environments. They may be in court, in an office, or at a deposition. You will want to hire someone who can work well in any environment.
Sample Answer: I like to work in a variety of environments. I enjoy being in court and working with clients, but I also enjoy the solitude of working at my desk.