questions to ask when interviewing a lawyer for employment

1. Are you a generalist or a specialist? – Since the legal field covers a broad swath of industries and subject matters, it’s exceedingly rare to find a lawyer who’s ...
2. How long have you practiced law? – This is a critical question to ask a lawyer because it takes years of time and practice for a lawyer to become ...
3. Do you have previous experience handling a case, project, or a company such as mine? – It’s not just the amount of experience that matters, but the relevant experience. ...
4. How do you negotiate? – How your lawyer approaches dispute resolutions, negotiations, or contracts matters deeply. Since contracts are the lifeblood of the business world, they demand a facilitator. ...
What is your fee structure and billing process? – The costs involved will depend heavily upon the particulars of your case. ...
Who else in the firm would work on my case? – There are typically several others involved in handling your case, including other lawyers, junior attorneys, and paralegals. ...
How long should I expect to retain your services? – Similar to billing, it’s important to make queries as to the estimated timeframe of legal actions. ...

What are some frequently asked questions in a job interview?

the 50 most-asked interview questions, along with advice about preparing great answers for all of them. You can read them all, or click on a particular question from the list on the following pages to jump straight to it. Some of the questions that you’re asked in your interview may be phrased differently to the ones we’ve provided.

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Ask the lawyer A number of questions arise: Can you show the tenant’s demand ... Do you know the expression “no good deed goes unpunished”? Bottom line: Consultation with counsel here also is advisable. Is the tenant’s conduct a breach of the ...

What to ask before hiring a lawyer?

These are the first things you should ask an attorney before your first meeting. Indeed, some attorneys will charge you for the initial consultation, so you should know that before you go in to get information and come out with a bill in hand.

How to answer the common job interview questions?

This question ... this job, but most all of them will likely tie back to poor management or a bad supervisor. So, knowing that you shouldn’t say anything negative regarding a company or individual supervisor in an interview, how should you answer this ...

What questions should I ask in an attorney interview?

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?

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What should you consider when hiring a lawyer?

Things to Consider When Hiring a LawyerThe Firm/Lawyer's Specialty in the Areas of Law You Need.Years of Experience & Success.The Firm's Resources at Your Disposal.The Lawyers Communication with You to Make Sure You Know Whats Going On, and.Comfort Level when Speaking with the Lawyer and the Firm's Team.

How do you impress a law firm interview question?

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.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

How much money does a lawyer make?

about $148,910 a yearA: In 2020, the average salary of a lawyer was approximately $12,410 a month, which amounts to about $148,910 a year. Q: Do lawyers who own private practices or partners in law firms have a higher salary? A: Lawyers working in law firms generally earn more than those who own private practices.

How do people choose a lawyer?

How do people choose attorneys?Expertise. Of the respondents to the survey who contacted an attorney, 47% said “expertise” was the main factor they considered in determining to whom they'd reach out. ... Reviews. ... Trustworthiness.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a company?

Therefore, if you decide you want to sue a company, it may be in your best interest to consult a local business lawyer for further legal advice. An experienced business lawyer can discuss whether you have a viable claim and what your best options are for legal recourse.

How do you stand out in a law interview?

8 ways to prepare for a legal job interviewHighlight your successes. ... Be knowledgeable about what you've done. ... Frame your experience for the role. ... Know what's going on. ... Sell your soft skills. ... Prepare your questions — and your answers. ... Dress to impress. ... Relax and be yourself.

What is your greatest weakness law firm interview?

“A common answer to the 'what is your greatest weakness' question is to give an answer that's not a weakness at all. The reason applicants give answers like this is simple: they're afraid to reveal a real weakness, and somehow think they can snow interviewers with a fake answer.

How do you introduce yourself in a law interview?

0:041:40Introducing yourself as a lawyer- - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow to introduce yourself as a lawyer listen to the podcast. Which represents a young lawyer talkingMoreHow to introduce yourself as a lawyer listen to the podcast. Which represents a young lawyer talking about himself. And his work at a law firm. The first time listen to the podcast.

Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis?

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 larger picture. So much of what a lawyer does relies on having strong background knowledge of the law. A strong applicant will have legal principles on the tip of their tongue. What to look for in an answer:

Can you give an example of where you have chosen to involve yourself in the broader legal community?

Lawyers that network and do the “ extra-curricular” activities are generally better informed about recent developments than other attorneys. In addition, networking helps a lawyer build a reputation in the legal sector. Attorneys who have better connections with other attorneys benefit from getting referrals of business from those other attorneys. When an attorney has a leadership position in a legal organization, they command more respect in their profession. What to look for in an answer:

How do you handle a disagreement with a superior over a legal matter?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing. You will want to see how the candidate handles conflict, especially with someone for whom they work. What to look for in an answer:

What is disagreement in law?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing.

What does a lawyer learn from failure?

A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point . The key question is whether the lawyer can deal with it and bounce back in the future. What to look for in an answer:

Why ask questions at a law firm interview?

Asking questions during a law firm interview matters because the answers provide you with helpful information about the firm and your potential role. Having questions prepared also shows the law firm your values, work ethic, and priorities. Preparing can help you appear more confident during your interview, as well. Relevant questions show your intelligence, analytical thinking skills, and initiative. Although it is a small step to take during your interview preparation, having questions establishes you as a strong candidate for the law firm.

How to get the most information from a response?

You will gather the most information from a response if you format your questions in a manner that requires elaboration. Avoid asking questions with simple “yes” or “no” responses when possible. Questions that begin with “why” or “what” invite a deeper explanation. Questions requiring elaboration in the answer will give you a complete understanding of the firm and your potential co-workers.

Why is asking for personal experience important?

The interviewer might have sound advice about potential situations you might encounter. Asking for personal experience expresses an interest in a potential co-worker. Building relationships is an important skill that shows you value the opinions of others.

How to communicate your desire to be part of a law firm?

To effectively communicate your desire to be part of a law team, you must prepare thoughtful questions in your interview. Asking these can help you gauge whether the firm is a good fit for you, and it sets you apart from other candidates. Let's look at some tips to consider when preparing questions to ask during a law firm interview, ...

How to find a good law firm?

Conduct background research on the firm before creating your list. Use this information to guide your questions. Begin by visiting the firm’s website and familiarizing yourself with its mission, vision, and goals. It’s helpful to note the year the firm opened and any high-profile cases or clients. Knowing the clientele can reveal their values and the type of individuals who work there. A firm that often represents and defends small businesses in frivolous lawsuits believes in honesty, integrity, and has a strong work ethic, whereas firms with many high-profile cases might seek to attract new clients and build a reputation.

Why is it important to prepare for an interview?

Preparing can help you appear more confident during your interview, as well. Relevant questions show your intelligence, analytical thinking skills, and initiative. Although it is a small step to take during your interview preparation, having questions establishes you as a strong candidate for the law firm.

What is forward thinking in leadership?

Your forward-thinking goals and priority on a leadership position reveal that you are looking for ways you can help the firm. It allows for elaboration and can also give you key information about the opportunities for upward mobility within the firm. In some cases, associates can work their way up to being partners.

Why do employers want to know your strengths?

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.

Why do you ask questions in an interview?

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.

Why do law firms ask questions?

At law firms, partners ask questions to gauge your knowledge of the specific field, understand how you balance your caseload and learn about your process for interacting with clients. It's important to know what kinds of questions to expect so you can prepare for your interview. When you deliver detailed answers, you can leave a lasting impression on partners, increasing your chances of getting a job offer.

Why is it important to show that you have researched the firm?

Especially if the law firm is well established in the community, the partners want to make sure you will continue to bring good representation to them. It's important to show that you have researched the firm and are excited to work there. You'll also be able to better explain what makes you a good fit for the firm and why you chose it as your new place of employment.

Why do I want to practice law?

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."

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.

What is the question "Overview"?

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.

Why is the public education system in 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.

Is legal a long term commitment?

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.

Is it uncommon for a client to be unhappy with the outcome of a case?

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.

Is the legal profession changing?

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.

How to make a good first impression in an interview?

If you want to make a memorable first impression during your interview, adhere to a business formal dress code. For example, you can choose to wear a pantsuit, a skirt suit, or a well-fitting suit in neutral tones.

Why do employers ask about weaknesses?

They may ask you about your weaknesses to understand how you see yourself and whether you'd be willing to continue improving your skill set to excel in your career. Consider answering honestly and selecting a weakness that doesn't hinder your ability to do well in the role.

Why do you ask questions in an interview?

Asking these questions helps the interviewer understand your qualifications and what you can bring to the company:

How to answer the Star question in a law school interview?

In your answer, share some thoughts about your law school experience. Consider explaining how you prepared for it and what you did to overcome the challenges. You can also use the STAR technique to form your response, which includes outlining a situation, your task, the action you took, and the positive result.

What is a good mentorship program?

Most firms have a structured mentorship program where you are given an associate mentor and a partner mentor from day one of work. These two people will be valuable resources in your career. A good workplace mentor can give you consistently good advice on how you can succeed at that law firm and advocate on your behalf.

What to do when you are sick of talking?

At other times, particularly when it’s late in the day and the interviewer is sick of talking, you might have to lead the conversation with your questions. To that end, it’s important to do two things for every interview (1) prepare a set of questions and (2) listen carefully throughout the conversation for things you want to ask about at the end.

How many people are on a litigation team?

But as far as I know, that is not true. For instance, some litigation teams can consist of more than 10 people.

Why are big law firms good?

Big Law firms are great places to start a legal career because associates receive top-notch training and get exposure to high-profile work with big-time clients. It’s inevitable that you’ll pick up useful skills while there.

How to show interest in a firm?

You can also weave in your previous conversations with your interviewer’s coworkers at networking events or any other instance where you may have met them. This shows your interest in the firm (may give you a small boost as a candidate).

How long does a screening interview last?

A screening interview frequently lasts about 20 minutes. This is also true of on-campus interview programs where law schools host multiple employers to interview their students. Those programs generally are set up so that an applicant has roughly 20 minutes to interview with several employers.

Why is it good to hear multiple perspectives about a law firm?

It’s always good to hear multiple perspectives about this topic so that you can get a clearer picture of what it’s like to work at that law firm.

General Questions

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Questions About Experience and Background

In-Depth Questions

Law Firm Interview Tips