what questions to ask a lawyer after interview

by Wilhelmine Gleichner III 5 min read

Here is the List of Interview questions Asked by Lawyer

  • How did you become interested in your practice area (s)?
  • Why did you choose this law firm, or company, over others?
  • What do you like most about this law firm, or company?
  • Tell me about the firm/practice group/organization’s culture?
  • How is work distributed/how will I receive files?

11 Questions To Ask During Your Legal Interview
  • What 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?
•
Nov 27, 2019

Full Answer

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 questions should I ask during an interview?

These ones have generally worked well for me:

  • What is the culture of the office like? - This is the real question to ask to find the answer to "Am I going to be the oddball in my ...
  • Could you walk me through an average day/week in this position? ...
  • What would success look like in 30/60/90/180 days? ...
  • What would a career trajectory or advancement look like in this position? ...
  • Why is this position open? ...

What questions will you be asked in an interview?

What Not to Ask When Interviewing Candidates . Subject Questions permissible to ask in an interview. Question to avoid in an interview. Name Inquiry whether an applicant’s work records are under another name, for purposes of access to these records: “Have you worked for the University under a different name?” A. Inquiry into any title which

How to answer tough law school interview questions?

How to Answer Tough Law School Interview Questions In law school interviews, it's important to explain why you're a strong candidate, experts say. May 10, 2018 By Ilana Kowarski Trial lawyers and appellate lawyers are often asked questions by judges who expect an immediate response. These attorneys cannot waver over what to

image

What questions should I ask at the end of a law interview?

21 Questions to Ask During a Legal Job InterviewHow did you become interested in X practice area/subject matter?Did you focus on X while you attended law school? ... Why did you choose this firm/organization over others?What do you like most about this firm/practice group/organization?More items...•

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

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 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 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 you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

What questions should I ask the interviewer?

7 good questions to ask at an interviewCan you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? ... How could I impress you in the first three months? ... Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company? ... Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?More items...

What questions should I ask my lawyer mentor?

Questions to Ask Your Mentor How is what I am learning in school different from what it will be like practicing? How did you become a [insert practice area] attorney? What is a typical work day like for you? What types of cases/projects are you currently working on?

What are the best interview questions to ask?

The Top 15 Interview Questions to Ask Job CandidatesWhat do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?Can you tell me about your current job?What could your current company do to be more successful?More items...•

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...•

What do you expect from a lawyer?

Your Lawyer Should be Ethical represent their clients with undivided loyalty. keep their clients' confidences. represent their clients within the bounds of the law, and.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 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 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, ...

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Should you name drop a lawyer?

Remember: You should only name-drop if you had a positive interaction with the attorney.

What are law related questions?

Law-related questions are questions directly related to your area of practice. The interviewer wants to know that you're up for the task. Examples include:

Why do you ask general questions?

General questions help your potential employer to get an impression of who you are in terms of your interests and passions. Here are some examples:

What qualities do you think a good solicitor should have?

This question seeks to gauge your understanding of a solicitor's role and what's needed to be successful. Take this opportunity to talk about skills that make you the ideal candidate for the role. Your answer should demonstrate:

How do you handle disagreements with your superiors over a legal matter?

As a solicitor, you'll have to work with other legal professionals that may have conflicting ideas from yours about a case. It's even more challenging when you have disagreements with your superior. Your interviewer wants to know that you can effectively communicate your views without being intimidated and that you can compromise if someone's ideas are better than yours. Your answer should demonstrate:

How do you handle having multiple cases to work on?

Sometimes, as a solicitor, you'll have multiple clients or cases that have tight deadlines. The interviewer wants to know if you can multitask and prioritise your work to achieve the set goals. Your answer should demonstrate:

How do you build a relationship with your clients?

The major role of a solicitor is to represent and defend the client's legal interests. That means that you'll have to build a relationship with your clients for them to trust you with their cases. Your answer should indicate:

Do solicitors have to have a face to face interview?

Being a solicitor requires you to have knowledge and experience in a specific field. To determine this, law firms prefer to have a face-to-face interview with their potential candidates to ensure they are the right fit for the position. To prepare yourself adequately, it's best to consider the types of law interview questions you may be asked. In this article, we'll discuss the role of a solicitor and provide typical law interview questions and answers to expect in your interview.

image

What Is Your Timeline For Making A Decision?

Is There Room For Advancement?

Are There Opportunities For Professional Development?

How Do You Evaluate Employee Performance?

How Do You Like Working Here?

  • Believe it or not, you might get an honest answer to this question. I've been to interviews where the interviewer, an attorney at the firm, basically said, "It's a job. We're not saving the world." Avoid asking this question to HR people, who are trained to be all smiles during interviews.
See more on findlaw.com

Do You Have Any Concerns About My Qualifications?

Do I Have The Job?