what questions should i ask contract lawyer interview

^{Litigation-related questions to ask a lawyer in an interview include:}

1. How many court and jury trials have you done and what is your win percentage? ...
2. What is the chance that I receive a favorable outcome? ...
3. What are the risks if the case does fail? – This is a good follow up question to the one above, since it’s imperative that you’re completely aware of ...
4. What are the odds of a settlement? – The vast majority of litigious matters skip trial and end with a settlement. ...
5. How long should I expect this to take? – Some lawsuits can last but months, while others go on for decades. ...

Full Answer

What questions should I ask in a contract interview?

A: A successful lawyer must remain unbiased and objective despite their personal view. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to handling conflicting personal and professional opinions. What to look for in an answer: Interest in following the law and separating personal views from their case.

What kind of questions should I ask my lawyer during an interview?

Top hard skills interview questions for lawyers. Tell me about a complex legal issue you worked on. Describe the complexity and tell me how you approached it. Whether you need a litigator, a transactional attorney, in-house counsel, or another type of lawyer, the ability to work through any legal complexity—and ultimately develop smart ...

How do I prepare for a contract law interview?

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 an expert in their legal field. Therefore, it’s essential that you find an attorney that has at least 10 to 15 years of litigation experience, particularly if you expect to go to trial.

What should I bring to a law firm interview?

Other questions you may face while interviewing for a job of a Contract Specialist Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline in work, and explain what you did while trying to meet the deadline. How would you describe your communication skills? What role does cost analysis and forecasting play in your role?

What questions should I ask at a legal interview?

11 Questions to Ask During Your Legal InterviewWhat type of cases and deals are distributed to new associates? ... What kind of tasks do new associates typically handle? ... What makes this firm stand apart from others? ... How do you consider the firm will grow in the next five years?More items...

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 are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

What questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

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.

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so. You can be positive about important things which you would naturally remember.

What questions to ask during networking?

Networking: Questions to AskWhat are your primary job responsibilities?What experience did you have to get your job?How long have you worked here?What is your own background and experience?What is a typical work day like?How long is your work day?How much variety is there in your work?More items...

Why you should always ask for a lawyer?

The main reason why you should have a lawyer present with you if you are being questioned by police in the state of California is right there in the Miranda rights: “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

How much do lawyers make an hour?

How Much Do Lawyer Jobs Pay per Hour?Annual SalaryHourly WageTop Earners$129,500$6275th Percentile$96,500$46Average$80,743$3925th Percentile$60,000$29

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Instead, 'lawyer' or 'solicitor' is more common. For example in the US, an attorney is a general term for a lawyer that has passed a bar examination and can practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Attorneys act as lawyers but not all lawyers can perform the work of attorneys.

What kind of lawyer makes the most money?

Types of Lawyers That Make the Most MoneyTax attorney (tax law): $122,000;Corporate lawyer: $118,000;Employment lawyer: $88,000;Real estate attorney: $87,000;Divorce attorney: $86,000;Immigration attorney: $85,000;Estate attorney: $84,000;Public defender: $66,000.More items...

What does a candidate's answer tell you?

Whether the candidate mentions a past manager, historical figure, or Fortune 500 CEO, their answer can tell you a lot about their work values, personality traits, goals, and more. There are no right or wrong answers, but notice candidates who respond thoughtfully, giving more weight to their reasoning than the answer itself.

Do lawyers make mistakes?

Everyone makes mistakes, and lawyers are no exception. But this question is not focused on the error itself—rather, the lesson the candidate learned from it. Look for stories that show how a particular mistake earlier in the candidate’s career shaped how they operate today. Did they appreciate the opportunity to learn and improve, or is there another dynamic at play?

Do corporations make tough decisions?

Tough decisions are inherent within the law . Corporations regularly work with their outside counsel to strategize on key decisions.The candidate’s answer here will tell you whether they’re comfortable making their own decisions, even if they’re unpopular, or if they keep their eye on the company’s mission.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour?

Hourly rate – This the most common fee associated. Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour.

What mistakes did I make as an entrepreneur?

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on as an entrepreneur was hiring cheap lawyers or not using an expensive lawyer nearly enough, thinking I was saving money for my business. But over the years, the school of hard knocks taught me just how expensive cheap legal help can be.

What does a defense attorney do?

Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.

Is a lawyer a generalist or a specialist?

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 well versed in several sects of law. Typically, as is the case for most professionals, they tend to specialize and focus on a specific legal field.

What are the duties of a criminal defense attorney?

Criminal Law – Handles issues pertaining to individual liberty and behaviors that may be considered illegal under U.S. criminal codes.#N#Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.#N#Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. 1 Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right. 2 Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party.

Is it better to get a tax lawyer or a general practitioner?

If you’re going through a divorce, a tax lawyer won’t be of much help. So, although you can obtain the services of a general practitioner of the law, it’s often better to select the best fit for your case.

How to talk about contracts?

Try to speak with enthusiasm about any work you did with contractual agreements. For most people, contracts are boring and they hate to read them (partially because they do not understand them). The hiring managers should not get an impression that you have the same attitude… That’s why your tone of voice and the way you talk about contracts matter.

What to say when applying for a job?

You can also opt for a simpler answer, saying that you like the job description, and think that the job suits both your strengths and personal preferences. You simply consider it a great match and decided to apply.

Can you have an experience with agreements?

If you lack professional experience , you can refer to this in your answer.

Is contract specialist interview difficult?

Everything combined, interview for a job of a Contract Specialist definitively belongs to difficult job interviews. If you are not sure how to answer the questions from my list, or experience interview anxiety, have a look at our Interview Success Package. Up to 10 premium answers to basically all questions you may face in your contract specialist job interview will help you streamline your interview preparation, find the right words in every moment of the interview, outclass your competitors, and eventually get the job. Thank you for checking it out, and I wish you good luck!

What is contract specialist?

Contract Specialist is an excellent entry level job that pays better than most other entry level positions. Each vacancy typically attracts a lot of applications, and you will face many competitors while trying to get this job.

Can a company have a lawyer onboard?

Once again, this depends on the organization of responsibilities within the company. Perhaps they coopera te with a legal counsel, or even have a lawyer onboard. In such a case you can say that you will consult the professionals, or ask them to review the final draft of each contract.

Who do you double check on a contract?

What’s more, you double check everything, and prefer a second person (your colleague, or external legal professional working for the company/organization) to make a final check of the contract. You understand that each mistake can prove costly in this job, and plan to approach each task at work with utmost responsibility.

What should a lawyer outline?

Lawyers should outline the possible ways to handle a case and then explain why they have chosen a particular strategy, including the pros and cons.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Do lawyers like to ask questions?

Lawyers like to do the questioning--but when choosing one, make sure you ask a bunch from the start.

Can a conflict arise when interviewing a lawyer?

A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by a co-defendant in your case. Not all conflicts automatically disqualify potential counsel, but you must be fully aware of and understand the nature of the conflict before deciding whether to hire a lawyer in spite of it.

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 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 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."

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.

Is it important to know the financial background of a lawyer?

For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients. This is because there may be different issues a lawyer is used to factoring when working with high net-worth individuals vs. college students.

Is it important to have an aggressive attorney for divorce?

First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you. Similarly, if you're looking for an aggressive attorney to handle an upcoming corporate merger, for example, you'll want someone who isn't afraid to push the envelope, so to speak.

Is there a right answer to an interview question?

By way of disclaimer, of course there is no single right answer to interview questions. These are all real questions that I have been asked by law firms and these are my own takes on them. Remember, it is the flair and the way in which you articulate your ideas that can sell your answer, even if it is poor. Be prepared, confident, and ready to think on your feet.

Can you bring in new clients until partner level?

You won’t be responsible for bringing in new clients until you’re at partner level, but this question is probing your knowledge of the firm and what differentiates it from competitors. Don’t talk down the other firm — you want to sell your own services.

Can you be naive when applying to a large commercial firm?

The reality is that in practice this may be unavoidable. You can’t be naïve — if you’re applying to a large commercial firm then you will be representing corporate clients in matters you might occasionally feel uneasy about.

What is an attorney who can answer this question well?

An attorney who can answer this question well is an attorney who is attuned not only to the legal challenges at hand, but also to the way clients think about them. They’ve also likely worked with clients like you. They’ll be able to provide context upfront that answers your questions before you find yourself confused by a complex legal issue or legal language.

Why is it important to ask questions about challenges and conflict resolution?

Questions about challenges and conflict resolution are a favorite among interviewers, no matter the position or industry, and with good reason. The manner in which people approach conflict reveals a lot about how creative and solution-focused they are, which is an important thing to know about any attorney who you’ re considering hiring.

Can you talk to an attorney over the phone?

For example, if you prefer to discuss business matters over the phone during your commute but your attorney relies almost entirely on email and rarely picks up the phone, you might not be able to talk to your attorney as often or as freely as you’d like. This impaired communication can have real consequences if an important detail slips through the cracks, so make sure that you and the attorney agree on how best to communicate.

Can an attorney give an estimate of how long each phase of a project will take?

Although unexpected challenges sometimes arise and cause deadlines to be pushed back, attorneys should be able to give an estimate of how long each phase of the project will take. Make sure that these estimates seem reasonable and fit with the timeline that you have in mind.

Do attorneys quote hourly fees?

While most attorneys will quote you an hourly rate or a fixed fee upfront, it’s important that you understand what this quote does and does not cover. For instance, will you also be responsible for reimbursing the attorney for expenses, such as transportation?

Can an attorney give a well developed answer to a question?

Any attorney who has put time and energy into considering your project should be able to give a well-developed answer to this question. If you encounter an attorney who can’t, move on.

Do businesspeople have to resign themselves to pick the first attorney on their resume?

The good news is that businesspeople definitely don’t have to resign themselves to picking the first attorney whose resume crosses their desk.

How to communicate with an attorney?

Clarity in communications is crucial to your relationship with your attorney. Ask questions about the process. Who would be the primary contact for the case or claim? What are the varying lines of communication: email, phone, etc.? Knowing how your law firm will communicate from the very beginning will make the process smoother and less stressful for you. Professional, experienced, and client-centered firms will be able to explain the lines of communication to you during the initial consult. They should also be able to talk to you about the law in a way you can understand.

What is the key to understanding your legal options?

They are the ones with the legal understanding of the system and the laws, but you should be able to be confident and feel comfortable with that decision, whatever it is (trial or otherwise). Communication is key to understanding your legal options.

What to ask when you are fired for pregnancy discrimination?

If you believe you were fired due to pregnancy discrimination, for example, you want to ask what percentage of their cases involves this type of employment matter.

Is testimonials good for employment law?

There is much you can learn from testimonials. If previous clients highly regard the employee rights lawyer and his/her firm , that is a good sign and a clear indication they can be trusted to handle your case. Also, if legal organizations or other respected entities also honor the lawyer and/or firm, this provides you with even more valuable information to consider when making your decision about hiring a firm for your employment law matter.