These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience

translate to the role:

1. What was your favourite 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 internship or externship.
5. Describe a complex case you were in charge of.
6. How would you work with a difficult client or court member?
7. Why do you think it's important to be detail-oriented as an attorney?
8. Describe a court case that didn't go your way. What lessons did you learn from it?
9. Describe any legal papers you've written.

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?
3. Describe how you would approach a client who is unhappy with a judge's ruling.
4. What resources do you use when writing your complaint or defence on behalf of your client?
5. How do you hope to serve your clients and the community?
6. What would you do if you had to take on a case that went against your values?
7. How can the legal system improve to make sure all people get a fair trial?
8. How do you manage your caseload?
9. Which area of law is the most interesting to you and why?

Sample interview questions and answers

1. Why do you want to practice law?

This question allows you to talk about what attracted you to the legal field. Your answer to
this question can position you as the best person for the role and can provide the hiring
partner with a glimpse of the knowledge and experience you can bring to the job. Employers
want to hear how important this field is for you, so show your genuine interest in law when
providing an answer.

Example: "I want to practice law because I'm passionate about bringing justice to clients and
upholding the law of our country. I believe it's important to be fair and unbiased, and I'd like
to help someone experience that in their case. Being an attorney is more than filing
paperwork with the court—it's a chance to represent someone who needs help."
 2. What are your strengths as a lawyer?

Employers want to know your strengths so they can see how you could work with their
current team. Since your strengths are unique, you can use your response to stand out from
other candidates. Answer this question by relating your strengths to the job you're applying
for and the tasks you expect to be responsible for.

Example: "One of my biggest strengths is perseverance. I once represented a client who filed
a suit against their employer for failing to pay for injuries they sustained while on the job. It
was a difficult case to gather evidence since no employees claimed to witness the accident
and there was no video footage. After performing some in-depth research and interviewing
several employees, I was able to find out that there was a delivery driver present who
corroborated my client's story. Thankfully, we were able to settle quickly after that."

3. What do you want your clients to know about you?

This question helps a hiring partner understand more about your client relations. Think about
how you want a client to feel after an interaction with you in the office or courtroom.
Consider what attributes you have and how you work that makes a client happy to have you
represent them. Employers want to make sure that you treat clients well and represent their
law firm in a positive light.

Example: "I want my clients to know that I'll work hard in their case because they matter to
me. I care a lot about their personal outcome and do my due diligence in researching their
issue to offer solutions, file the appropriate paperwork and represent them in disputes. My
clients should know that I am their advocate, and they can be honest with me about their
situation and take comfort in the fact that I'm providing a safe space for them."

4. Describe your approach in the courtroom.

How you perform in the courtroom can be the determining factor in winning your case.
Answering this question is your chance to share how you interact with members of the court,
present your case and represent your client. Give a detailed, step-by-step answer that shows
exactly how you prepare and work in a courtroom.

Example: "Either the night before or the morning of a case, I study all of my notes so I'm
fully prepared for the trial. I make sure any witnesses or evidence I need to present are
confirmed. I usually take an aggressive stance during proceedings so my client gets fair
representation. When the opposing side is presenting, I take thorough notes so I can counter
effectively."

1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?

I am a determined and well-informed lawyer with a keen interest in safeguarding the law while
protecting the rights of clients. While in law school, I developed an interest in working to safeguard
state law. I have a lot of skills in conducting legal research, gathering evidence, and interpreting
laws, regulations, and rulings for natural and juristic persons. Besides, I have strong decision-
making, judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills. I am currently looking for an
environment where I can utilize my skills, knowledge, and strong qualities to ensure that the rule of
law is observed. After going through your job posting, I am confident that I am the best fit for this
role.

 2. What Are The Roles Of A Lawyer?

A lawyer has the following responsibilities:

 Preparing notices, pleadings as well as making an appearance in court

 Monitoring legal risks and offering guidance on the same
 Interpreting rulings, regulations, and laws for juristic and natural persons
 Performing legal research and collecting evidence
 Explaining the law including providing legal advice
 Ascertaining that the right approvals are done before documents are executed
 Providing legal representation at mediation hearings or arbitration
 Drafting, managing, reviewing trusts, estates, wills, deeds, and contracts
 Dealing with regulatory and compliance services
 Managing and overseeing legal assistants and paralegals
 Providing legal representations to clients in court proceedings

3. What Are The Qualities That A Lawyer Need To Be

Successful?
An effective lawyer needs to have strong problem-solving, judgment, decision-making,
communication, research, and analytical skills. He or she should be determined and professional with
a keen interest in upholding the rule of law. A lawyer needs to demonstrate his leadership,
interpersonal, and public speaking skills. In addition, a lawyer must have the ability to work under
pressure, work independently, teamwork, and meet deadlines. To perform this role effectively, a
lawyer needs to have experience in drafting, negotiating, and examining legal documents.

4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last

Role? How Did You Manage Them?
The most challenging part of this role was practicing it during the Covid 19 pandemic. Everything
switched to online including law offices. As a lawyer, I was also expected to set up a virtual office
and this was not easy. However, I quickly familiarized myself with the necessary technology to
continue being effective in my role. In a short while, I became proficient in a wide variety of
technology platforms. I would easily review documents, and management tools for the spreadsheet,
presentation, and billing software. Today, I refer to myself as a tech-savvy who can effectively
deliver legal services in the technology-changing world.

5. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Lawyer?

When I get into the office, I read up and respond to any memo and message that I have received. If I
am supposed to head to court afterward, I begin by reviewing cases and getting ready for the hearing.
I also prepare memorandums, motions, pleadings, and other paperwork in the morning while my
mind is still fresh. I then embark on my daily tasks such as:
  Advising clients
 Representing clients in court
 Interpreting laws as well as applying them to specific cases
 Collecting evidence for a case
 Scrutinizing legal data to define the advisability of prosecuting or defending the lawsuit
 Negotiating settlements and supervising legal assistants
 Drafting and making legal documents
 Presenting evidence to prosecute defendants or defend clients in civil or criminal court
 Acting as agent, executor, guardian, trustee for individuals or businesses

6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience?

I have been a lawyer for three years now. During this time, I have gained a lot of experience in
performing legal research and collecting evidence, explaining the law including providing legal
advice as well as interpreting rulings, regulations, and laws for juristic and natural persons. I can
effectively manage and oversee legal assistants and paralegals as well as draft, manage, reviewing
trusts, estates, wills, deeds, and contracts. Besides, I have gained a lot of skills such as strong
problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, communication, research, and analytical skills. I have
also learned to become determined and professional with a keen interest in upholding the rule of law.

Should I get this job, I will use the skills and experience that I have gained to ensure success in this
role. My main focus will be to conduct legal research, gather evidence, and interpret laws,
regulations, and rulings for natural and juristic persons to ensure that the rule of law is observed.

7. Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Role?

I have a bachelor’s degree in law. I have practiced law as a lawyer for two good years. During this
time, I have gained a lot of skills in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents. I can
effectively conduct legal research, gather evidence, and interpret laws, regulations, and rulings for
natural and juristic persons.

Besides, I am an analytical thinker with outstanding communication, interpersonal, public speaking,

conceptual, research, and organizational skills. I can demonstrate good judgment and I am keen on
details. I also can work under pressure, independently, as a team, and meet deadlines. I, therefore,
believe that I am the best candidate for this role.

1. Why did you decide to go to law school? Understanding your roots and professional
passion can help hiring managers to determine which applicants are best suited for their law
firm. This question offers a great opportunity for discussing what attracted you to pursue a
career in law.

Example Answer:

I have always admired this country’s legal procedures, and as I learned more, I became more
and more interested in the justice system. I ultimately decided to go to law school so that I
can help American’s navigate the complexities of law by offering fair and comprehensive
representation and ensuring justice is served.
2. How have your prior professional experiences helped prepare you for a legal career?
Even if you’re applying for a role as a junior attorney or an entry-level position at a law firm,
hiring managers are going to be looking to see if you have previous and relevant professional
experiences. This is a great place to discuss your internships.

Example Answer:

As a graduate student at Duke University, I served as a summer associate for Geraldi Law
and held a year-long law internship at the Law Offices of Richard Walden. In these roles, I
worked closely on criminal cases and civil litigation and learned the inner workings of a
professional law firm.

3. What makes you a good lawyer? Employers want to know your professional strengths so
they can determine whether or not you would be a good fit for their firm. In your answer, you
should aim to sell yourself, as this can help position you as the best applicant for the job.

Example Answer:

I have extensive experience providing real estate, family, criminal, and labour legal services,
counselling clients on a number of issues.

I also have valuable experience analysing legal documents, negotiating, drafting, and
executing contracts and agreements, and handling all aspects of litigation, including drafting
documents, conducting research, and preparing for trial.

I have a proven track record of winning cases and defending clients to the best of my ability.

4. What do you know about our firm? When applying for a position as an attorney,
particularly where research skills are highly regarded, it’s essential that you read up on the
firm prior to the interview.

Hiring managers typically ask this question to see how well you’ve prepared for the job
interview, as this can be a great indicator of how you’ll work.

Example Answer:

When I saw this job opening, I was so excited to apply because I’ve admired your team’s
precision in criminal law for years. I’ve closely followed your cases, including the most
recent trial regarding the wrongful conviction of Andrew Warner.

I was also very impressed to learn that the firm has had a 97 percent trial success rate since its
inception in 1987.

5. Why do you want to work for this law firm? Finding a rewarding and lucrative job as an
attorney can be very difficult since competition is tense. Being prepared and discussing why
exactly you want to work at the firm you're applying to can help to demonstrate your passion
and enthusiasm for the job opening.

Example Answer:
 My passion and excitement for this position are rooted in deep admiration for the legal
strategists used at Piper Baker LLP.

I understand how essential a dedicated legal team is to a firm’s success, and there are no other
industry professionals I’d like to work with than those leading Piper Baker’s international law
trials.

6. What areas of law interest you the most? During your attorney interview, be prepared to
discuss which areas of law you’re most passionate about. When answering this question, it’s
important to be honest and impress the hiring manager with your legal knowledge.

Your answer to this question can help employers determine how you’d fit in their firm.

Example Answer:

I’m most interested in criminal and corporate law since I studied this extensively as a student
at Brown University and have a deep understanding of the legal procedures necessary to
resolve these cases.

That being said, I also have training in international, commercial, family, and labour law and
am eager to expand my areas of legal expertise.

7. Do you see yourself as a litigator or a transactional lawyer? This question helps hiring
managers and prospective employers understand your work style and get a feel for how you
may fit in with their team of legal aids and attorneys.

Discussing your professional strengths and legal skills is a great way of answering this typical
interview question.

Example Answer:

I see myself as a litigator more than a transactional lawyer since my persuasive

communication and negotiation skills are some of my best professional strengths.

Although I am meticulous in my research and efficient in drafting documents and advising

clients in cases where the transactional practice is more plausible, I find that I thrive when
inside a courtroom.

8. Tell me about a complex legal case you worked on. Attorneys are often required to work
on complex cases and advise clients on intricate legal issues. As such, it’s essential that job-
seekers discuss their high-level legal skills and experiences during their job interview.

Example Answer:

As a law clerk with Harrison Law, I assisted with the defence for a murder trial. Our client
was charged with murder in the second degree, and as you can imagine, it was a hot-topic
trial with extensive media coverage.
 Through an extensive investigation, thorough research, and multiple witness testimonials, we
were able to prove that our client was wrongfully committed. The complexities of the case
solidified my passion for law and obtaining justice for my clients.

9. Tell me about a case that didn’t end the way you hoped it would. What did you learn?
No matter what line of work you’re in, sometimes things don’t always go the way you
planned. This can be especially true for attorneys.

Having the opportunity to discuss your setbacks can be a great platform for illustrating how
they helped you grow as a lawyer.

Example Answer:

Last year, I worked on a labour law case that involved a construction worker who allegedly
got injured on the job. This was my first big case out of law school, and, as it turns out, my
client’s case was thrown out as his injury was not, in fact, sustained while at work.

This case taught me to be more meticulous in my research and fully investigate all aspects of
a case before taking any legal action.

10. How would you deal with a difficult client? Being an attorney isn’t easy work, especially
when you’re put in the position of working with difficult, demanding, or unhappy clients. The
ideal answer to this interview question should highlight your people skills and ability to work
well under pressure.

Example Answer:

As an attorney, my ultimate goal is to provide my clients with fair representation in order for
justice to be served. In the event where clients may be difficult to work with, I always respect
their opinions but never let emotions get in the way of providing them with sound legal
advice.

As an experienced attorney, I am well versed in working in high-pressure situations and

dealing with difficult parties.

11. How do you hope to serve your clients? At the end of the day, an attorney's ultimate
responsibility is to properly and professionally serve their clients. When hiring any legal
professional, a law firm is going to be looking at how the applicant interacts with client’s and
offers legal services.

Illustrating your work style can bring you one step closer to landing your dream job as an
attorney.

Example Answer:

I am fully committed to all of my client’s legal matters, no matter how big or small they may
be and am dedicated to the pursuit of fair representation and legal justice.
 I hope to serve my clients by offering them a safe and confidential space, doing my due
diligence in investigating their concerns, offering viable solutions, and advocating for them in
the courtroom.

12. What is your approach like in the courtroom? How an attorney performs in the courtroom
is usually a determining factor in their career success.

By asking this question during the job interview, hiring managers are hoping to get an inside
look into how to prepare and work in a courtroom and determine how your approach fits in
with the firm’s values and procedures.

Example Answer:

My approach in the courtroom is typically very bold and assertive. I am fully committed to
representing my clients, so I tend to be very forceful in my proceedings and counterclaims.

Prior to a trial, I always carefully review my notes and case files and double-check that all of
the evidence and witnesses are confirmed with the court.

13. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of working as a lawyer? By asking
this question, hiring managers and potential employers are usually trying to feel you and get a
complete picture of your professional strengths and weaknesses.

It’s important to be honest and recognize aspects of the job you struggle with, but it’s best to
keep your answer brief.

Example Answer:

For me, the most challenging aspect of the job is working on cases that go against my
personal values.

Although my own morals and ethics are of the utmost importance to me, my commitment is
always to my client, so when this problem does arise, I take a neutral stance to continue
offering top-notch legal advice and fair representation.

14. How do you manage your caseload? It’s no secret that being an attorney can be a very high-
stress and demanding career.

Coming across as poised and professional during your job interview and emphasizing how
you stay organized as a practicing lawyer will help you make a great first impression on
established lawyers and hiring managers.

Example Answer:

I always do my due diligence when I take on a new case, from conducting research and
drafting documents to personally advising my clients and preparing for court.

When I have high-volume caseloads, I stay organized by keeping careful records, following a
detailed calendar, and sticking to a strict timeline to ensure everything gets done on time and
to a high standard.
15. Where do you see yourself in five years? In the field of law, job-hopping is generally
frowned upon. Hiring managers are looking to hire attorneys who have long-term career
goals and plan to work at their firm for an extended period of time. This question helps job
recruiters understand your objective for working at their firm.

Example Answer:

I hope to continue improving as a litigator and offering top-notch legal services to my clients,
which I know I can accomplish at Anderson Sons LLP. I’m also excited to take on more
responsibilities here in the next five years and hope to become a firm partner one day.