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Attorney Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Attorney interview questions and answers.

  1. What do you do to prepare for a case before you appear in court? See answer
  2. What qualities do you think a good attorney should have? See answer
  3. How do you respond to criticism from a legal client or a superior? See answer
  4. What techniques do you use to persuade someone to accept your point of view? See answer
  5. What would you do if you received a case that gave you ethical qualms? See answer
  6. What is the first thing you do when presented with a legal issue? See answer
  7. Could you tell me about the clinical work you did during law school and how this shaped your career? See answer
  8. How do you deal with stressful or high-pressure situations, like trials? See answer
  9. Could you give me an example of how your work ethic has helped you advance in your legal career? See answer
  10. What do you want your clients to know about you as an attorney? See answer
  11. Could you give me an example of a contract or settlement you negotiated, even though the parties wanted very different outcomes? See answer
  12. Tell me about a time you had to make a tough decision that required you to choose between your instincts and the advice of outside counsel? See answer
  13. How do you cultivate trust and build strong relationships with your clients? See answer
  14. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and changes in our legal system? See answer
  15. What are your career goals as an attorney and how can this position help you achieve them? See answer
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Hire your next Attorney today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Attorney Interview Questions and Answers

What do you do to prepare for a case before you appear in court?

Being well-prepared is an important factor for representing a client successfully in court. Asking this question can help you assess a candidate's process, research methods, time management, and organisation skills. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • A clear strategy or process
  • Strong organisation skills
  • Attention to detail

Here is an example of a successful answer:

Example:

"The night before each court case, I review all of my notes and organise them carefully. I also make sure I receive confirmation from witnesses that are scheduled to appear and double-check to ensure I submitted all the evidence I plan to present. During the trial, I take thorough notes when the opposing side is presenting so I can develop effective counterarguments."

What qualities do you think a good attorney should have?

Asking candidates this question can help you understand what type of attorney they are and identify their core strengths. This can help you determine if they're a good fit for your firm. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Critical thinking and deductive reasoning
  • Excellent communication
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"A good attorney needs to be able to solve complex problems, analyse difficult situations, and communicate clearly. Being able to analyse situations and solve problems are important skills that attorneys use to research cases, create successful defence strategies, and help clients overcome issues. Communication is also an essential quality that helps attorneys negotiate contracts, present court cases effectively, and develop strong relationships with their clients."

How do you respond to criticism from a legal client or a superior?

Criticism is common in the legal profession, and a good attorney needs to be able to use this feedback to hone their skills. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to learn from direct feedback
  • A positive attitude
  • Commitment to continuous improvement

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I view criticism as an opportunity to grow and develop as a legal professional. If the feedback is harsh, I try to dissociate the tone by focusing on the substance of the criticism to determine how it may benefit me."

What techniques do you use to persuade someone to accept your point of view?

Attorneys need to have strong negotiation skills to persuade juries and judges to agree with them. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Clear and concise communication
  • Strong negotiation tactics
  • Interpersonal and storytelling skills

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I maintain a calm composure when presenting my point of view and present supporting facts clearly. I also make sure to actively listen to the opposing side and take thorough notes so I can develop effective counterarguments."

What would you do if you received a case that gave you ethical qualms?

It's important to understand how a candidate may approach cases that conflict with their personal beliefs. A good attorney strives to advocate effectively while maintaining their personal integrity. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Strong deductive reasoning skills
  • Adaptability
  • Ability to reconcile conflicts

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I always strive to uphold the highest ethical standards while serving my clients' best interests. Depending on the court case, I may seek outside counsel to ensure I advocate effectively for my client. In the past, getting a second opinion from a colleague has helped me reconcile conflicts and represent my clients to the best of my ability."

What is the first thing you do when presented with a legal issue?

Asking this question can help you understand what a candidate's thought process is and assess their critical thinking skills. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to identify facts
  • Active listening and research skills
  • Flexibility

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I start by analyzing the situation to identify key facts. Then I develop a list of questions that can help guide my research and client interactions. This helps me remain flexible and build a strong case."

Could you tell me about the clinical work you did during law school and how this shaped your career?

Asking this question can give you a better sense of what a candidate learned while in law school than their resume can on its own. It can also help you identify which legal topics or court cases hold a candidate's interest. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Hands-on legal experience
  • Specific skills
  • Goals and aspirations

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I completed my clinical work at an externship near Toronto, where I gained hands-on experience working with juveniles who were being tried in criminal court. I learned how to interview and counsel my clients with confidence, honed my research skills, and developed my negotiation techniques. The experience really showed me the positive change I can help create in my law career."

How do you deal with stressful or high-pressure situations, like trials?

Attorneys deal with pressing deadlines, high-stakes court trials, and tense situations every day. Asking this question can help you assess how a candidate handles stressful situations. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Composure and a positive attitude
  • Ability to overcome challenges
  • Time management and organisation

Here is an example of a successful answer:

Example:

"I keep an organised to-do list that allows me to prioritise tasks and ensure I meet deadlines, which helps me decrease stress. I also thrive under pressure and my strong work ethic helps me overcome most challenges. I can compartmentalize easily to get the job done."

Could you give me an example of how your work ethic has helped you advance in your legal career?

Attorneys often work long hours, including nights and weekends. Asking this question can help you find a candidate who's passionate about the work they do and willing to put their clients first. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ethical and responsible behaviour
  • Ability to work long hours
  • Dedication to clients

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I've always worked hard to ensure my clients receive the best outcome. I embrace challenging cases and I am always willing to put in extra time to improve a case. This approach has helped me build a successful track record as an attorney and resulted in steady client referrals."

What do you want your clients to know about you as an attorney?

Good attorneys understand the importance of building strong relationships and trust with their clients. Asking this question can help you select a candidate that treats their clients with respect. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Compassion and empathy
  • A strong work ethic
  • Interpersonal skills

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I care a lot about the personal outcome of each case I work on, so I want my clients to know that I'll work diligently to advocate for them. I strive to make my clients feel safe so they can confide in me and be honest about their situation. I want them to know they can trust me to represent their best interests."

Could you give me an example of a contract or settlement you negotiated, even though the parties wanted very different outcomes?

Often parties on opposing sides of a court case desire different outcomes. A skilled attorney may need to negotiate a compromise that allows both to agree on a set of terms. What to look for in an example:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Active listening
  • Experience negotiating challenging cases

Here is an example of a successful answer:

Example:

"Some of my most successful cases have resulted in a win-win outcome for both parties. I approach these situations by actively listening to both sides to identify opportunities to create value. Often, this allows me to present a scenario where both parties are happy."

Tell me about a time you had to make a tough decision that required you to choose between your instincts and the advice of outside counsel?

Part of an attorney's job is to make tough decisions to improve the likelihood of a successful outcome for their clients. In many cases, a company may work with outside counsel to develop a strategy. Asking this question can help you determine whether a candidate is comfortable making their own decisions and how dedicated they are to your company's mission. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Flexibility and open communication
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Ability to accept feedback

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"While I always strive to do what's best for my client, I believe it's important to collabourate with outside counsel to ensure we analyse the situation from multiple viewpoints. Openly communicating and negotiating with each other often provides the best results."

How do you cultivate trust and build strong relationships with your clients?

Many cases require the client to share personal information, which makes building a strong client-attorney relationship essential. A good attorney can empathise with clients to make them feel heard and understood. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Patience

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I believe the best client-attorney relationships are built on mutual respect. I approach each of my clients with a friendly, patient, and understanding demeanour so they feel comfortable being honest with me. While building a strong relationship can take time, it's very rewarding when it happens."

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and changes in our legal system?

It's important for attorneys to stay informed about new laws that may impact the work they do. A good attorney pays close attention to relevant court cases and industry updates. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • A desire to continue learning
  • Research and critical-thinking skills
  • Examples of respected news sources

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"I regularly read published legal papers and journals to stay up to date on the latest industry-related news. I also attend continuing education opportunities, workshops, and conferences provided by the local bar association so I can learn from experts and interact with my peers."

What are your career goals as an attorney and how can this position help you achieve them?

Understanding what a candidate's career goals are can help you determine whether they're likely to be happy with the position you have available and how long they may work for your firm before seeking a new opportunity. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • A desire to learn
  • A specific reason for wanting to work for your company
  • Ambition and strong work ethic

Here is an example of a strong answer:

Example:

"Until now, my background has been in corporate law, but I've always been passionate about environmental law. I've followed many of the environmental law cases your firm has worked on and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from your team. This position would be a significant step towards becoming the environmental lawyer I've always wanted to be."

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