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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Being a lawyer requires a lot of math. You will need to be able to do simple arithmetic, but you will also need to be able to do complex calculations. You will need to be able to calculate damages, interest rates, percentages and other figures.
Sample Answer: I am very good at math and have always been able to do complex calculations in my head.
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.
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: The legal profession is a competitive field and there is a lot of competition for the best jobs. You will want to make sure that the candidate you hire is not just looking for a job, but is looking for a job that will be a good fit.
Sample Answer: I have heard good things about the firm and I am excited to be part of it.
Question Overview: It is important to find out why a candidate is looking to leave his/her current job. You want to make sure that the candidate is not simply looking for a better salary or title. You also want to make sure that the candidate is not leaving because of issues with his/her boss or co-workers.
Sample Answer: I want to be in a position where I can have more responsibility and make more of an impact.
Question Overview: Working in a law firm is a team effort. You will need to find someone who can work well with others and can resolve conflicts without letting them fester. It is important that you find someone who can work well with others.
Sample Answer: I would try to resolve the conflict by talking to my colleague and explaining my point of view.
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: The work experience of a candidate is important because it will give you an idea of how the candidate has functioned in the past. You will want to know if the candidate is a good fit for your firm.
Sample Answer: I have been working as an attorney for the past five years. I started my career as an associate at a small law firm and then moved on to a larger firm where I worked as a junior partner. I have been working at my current firm for the past two 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: You will want to find out what areas of law the candidate is most interested in. This will give you a sense of how committed they are to the profession and whether or not they are willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.
Sample Answer: I am most interested in corporate law, but I am also interested in family law and criminal law.