How do you work under pressure?

"Law school finals were a whole new pressure that I had to learn how to deal with. That process showed me the importance of preparation, time management, and taking care of myself. When I find myself under pressure, I focus on my time management to make sure that I am addressing critical issues that need resolution."

Working at a law firm can involve tight deadlines, tense interactions, and a lot of people depending on you to guide them through it all. As a new law school graduate, you may not have work experience to share if you went to undergraduate and then straight to law school. Your example does not have to be in a professional setting; you can talk about studying for law school exams, the bar exam, or a situation with a roommate or family member. If you are uncomfortable sharing a specific situation, simply talk about your characteristics in a general sense and show that you have considered the challenges you will encounter in a law firm role.

How would you talk a client through a complex part of the M&A transaction?

"When talking with clients about legal matters, I do not use jargon. If jargon is unavoidable, I make sure to fully explain what I mean by using that term. The contract is the most complex part of the M&A transaction, so I would give my client time to read the actual contract. Then I would go over the contract line by line and verbally discuss it with them. This would ensure the transaction covers what they expect and the client understands exactly what they are signing."

The ability to communicate in any profession is important, but it is even more so as a lawyer. You are advising your clients on matters that affect their businesses and personal lives. They rely on you to advise and guide them correctly, and you do not want to find yourself in a situation where your client is unhappy with a result because they did not fully understand a part of the transaction.

Can you tell me about a recent transaction in the news?

"As businesses try to recover from 2020, it seems like M&A transactions have slowed in recent months. I read about Store A acquiring Store Z. It seems that this will provide both stores with an opportunity to reach a larger marketplace. I'm sure with the uncertainty of retail, the competition from online offerings, and now having to factor in pandemics as a risk to your business, the acquisition probably took a lot of research and due diligence. Both stores are reporting an increase in sales, so it seems to be working well. That is what I find exciting about M&A work - you can help your clients navigate a new path to success. "

It is important to stay up to date on the developments in the area of law you practice, especially at the local level. The hiring partner wants to know that you pay attention to what's happening in M&A. In your answer, explain why you thought it was interesting, what challenges you could identify, and if you see any issues now that the transaction has closed. If you are not sure about a recent transaction, try to pull from a recent case about an M&A issue or discuss a recently published law journal article about developments in M&A that you are familiar with.

Recently, the XYZ case was in the news after the Supreme Court ruling - what did you think about that case?

"I did see the XYZ case headline, and it does seem to affect a lot of people. I haven't read the full opinion yet, but I did find it interesting that Judge Bench took that position. It sets an interesting precedent."

It is always important to stay current on events in your industry. If you have not heard about the specific case you are asked about, don't worry! You can simply respond that you haven't had the time to dig into the case. If you know of another recent case, transition into talking about that ruling to show that you are following important developments in your desired practice area. If you have heard about the case, simply answer honestly. If you know how certain judges typically rule and this case matches/veers away from their usual result, acknowledging this in your answer shows an even more sophisticated understanding to the hiring partner.

What made you apply to our firm?

"Being a new lawyer, I want a variety of experiences and the opportunity to work with diverse partners and clients. I chose to apply here because of the firm's larger size. That way, I will have the opportunity to learn from multiple partners. I have also connected with many of the partners at networking events, and I believe their values match my own."

There are many different types of law firms that range in size, practice areas, and reputation. The interviewer wants to know that you have applied to their firm for a specific purpose and that you are not simply trying to get a job. Be sure to have a specific reason for wanting to join their team.

What questions do you have for me?

"You have provided me with so much helpful information. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. I am curious about how often I would get to work directly with clients. I was hoping to get experience with this early in my career."

Most interviewers will end the conversation with this question, but it's important to remember that you should be able to ask questions as they come up during the interview. Don't put pressure on yourself to remember questions you think of during your conversation. Take this time to ask about things that are important for your career. If you want to become a partner, ask about the partner track. If you are more extroverted and enjoy building a client base, ask about the opportunities you will be given to work with clients directly so you can learn those skills early on. If you have a passion for helping the under-served, ask about the firm's pro-bono efforts and volunteer opportunities.

How would you describe this role of M&A Associate Attorney?

"I did read through the job description that was provided, and I also talked the position over with the career development counselor at Law School ABC. From my understanding, the primary role would be to support partners in researching any legal questions that may come up during their M&A cases and providing written memos of my research results. I may be assigned tasks such as drafting initial contracts for partners to review, assisting with client meetings, and coordinating communications with the other parties of the transaction. I'm sure there is much more involved in the role, and I look forward to learning more."

You may have seen a job description before you submitted your resume for the position. By asking you to describe the role in your own words, the hiring partner may just be looking to see if there are gaps in your understanding of the role that they can then fill in for you by providing some more detail about what the daily work may look like.

What was the hardest question on your law school exams?

"My Real Property exam in my first year was the most challenging one that I can recall. It was the first year of exams, and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was overwhelming to see all of the questions and realize that I only had two hours to get everything done. Thankfully, I had an organized study group, and in the end, I did fine. It was a good lesson of learning how to deal with pressure and uncertainty. While I had other exams that were challenging over the next couple of years, each one became less overwhelming."

Since you may not have much experience practicing law, the hiring partner wants to know how you work through difficult situations. Law exams are complex and have the added pressure of being timed. If you cannot remember a specific exam question, talk about your hardest course. Explain the specifics of why you found it challenging. You can also describe something you could have done to make it easier to show that you can learn from challenges and make yourself better moving forward.

How would a friend describe you? Would they describe you the same way a past colleague would?

"Many of my friends come to me when they need to work through new or difficult issues. I'm an excellent listener, and I think that allows them to talk through their situations. Past colleagues would probably say that I am highly organized. I believe that comes from my ability to listen. I can understand what is needed and then organize things so we accomplish what needs to get done."

The hiring partner wants to take time to understand you as a person to determine if you will fit into the firm's culture. They want a better understanding of the characteristics you show in personal relationships and how you translate those into working relationships. If you have researched the firm, you should know some of its core values, so you can explain how your values match the values of the firm.

Tell me about your community involvement.

"The extracurricular activities I support are very close to my heart. I mentor young high school students to prepare them for job interviews. I also support the annual fundraiser for juvenile diabetes by attending the luncheon and silent auction. Since I did not grow up in Cityville, I make an effort to meet new people at area business networking events. I understand the importance of creating and maintaining a client base within our community, and I look forward to supporting the firm's efforts in that area."

Law firm partners are in the business of bringing in new clients. If you are moving to another firm and would like to be on a partner track, the leadership will be interested in knowing how you plan to build your clientele. They may be interested in knowing more about your networking skills and evaluating how you spend your time outside of work assignments.

Why did you choose to go into law?

"I've always been a very detail-oriented person and worked to effectively communicate my ideas to others. I knew that these skills were necessary to be a lawyer and chose to invest in myself to pursue this career. In law school, I took courses that focused both on transactional work and litigation so I could get a better idea of what type of law I would most like to practice. I found that I enjoyed negotiating and drafting contracts in a transaction rather than showing up in a courtroom to argue. I appreciate all the technical knowledge I learned in law school and look forward to applying it to help our clients."

Law school is time-consuming and expensive but well worth it if you have followed your passion to get there. And while law school can prepare you with the basics of law in certain areas, much of the learning continues on the job. Before making that kind of investment, hiring partners want to know that you want to invest in your career and stay long-term.

What characteristics do you think make a good M&A lawyer?

"I believe a good M&A lawyer will have an excellent understanding of contract law and a natural talent for relationship building. Clients will hire us for our expertise, but being able to form relationships with diverse parties is almost as important as knowing how to legally protect your client. When I approach new situations, I focus on the common goal of the parties involved. I have always been a good listener, so it is easy for me to take the time to understand where people are coming from and the challenges we may encounter. When people felt heard, they are more comfortable and willing to also hear out the other parties, which can help speed up the negotiation process."

The hiring partner has an idea of what it takes to be successful in this role, but this is an opportunity for you to highlight what strengths you believe will be best and how your education or experience will help you showcase those strengths at this firm.

What room in your home do you clean first?

"I don't clean my home room-by-room. I find it easier to first tackle the clutter that has inevitably collected on floors, my couch, shelves, and tables. For example, I'll start by picking up all my law school study materials that I took to the dining room table and couch and put them back on my desk. I always take off my coat or sweater and hang it on the chair by my door, so I'll collect all those and put them in the closet. Starting with the clutter helps motivate me because I immediately see a result, and that makes cleaning easier for me."

Sometimes law firms just ask weird questions. It's not about knowing how you clean, but rather they want to get a sense of your thought process and whether you are flexible and open-minded enough to be prepared to talk about anything (not just M&A and legal items). Just don't let these questions detract you. Your interviewer will expect more than a simple answer. They want you to communicate the reasoning behind it.

Do you consider yourself smart or hardworking?

"I would consider myself both smart and hardworking, but I see a difference between them. Being smart is a result of going through school, learning new things, and meeting expectations for grades and other requirements. It's showing that you can check off the boxes and complete tasks. Being hardworking, on the other hand, is an internal characteristic that I'm not sure can be taught. It is the way that a person approaches life. That's not to say that it guarantees success or that someone who is not hardworking will not achieve the same things that you do, but if you are hardworking, you are easily motivated from within and do not need much external encouragement. Interestingly, I believe that a hardworking person can become smart, but a smart person is not necessarily hardworking."

Interview questions often do not have one right answer. A question like this is likely an exercise to see how you define terms, whether you can communicate the explanation for both, and arrive at a conclusion. In legal memos and briefs, you cannot just provide your conclusion, so don't simply answer that you are smart. Take the time to explain the logic and reasoning behind your answer.

Why do you want to work in a law firm setting?

"I have always wanted to work in a law firm. I enjoy learning, and I believe my best opportunity to learn more about M&A is to work with partners and other associates who have more experience and can share it with me as I assist them. Firm & Associates has a great reputation. I have also met other associates at networking events, and they have great things to say about working here. I like that you communicate what is needed to become a partner one day. While working in law firms can require longer hours than pursuing work in other settings, I know that the work will help me establish my knowledge in M&A and help the clients at Firms & Associates."

After graduating from law school, working in a law firm is the traditional career path, but law school graduates have many options, including within corporations (many positions are JD-preferred), starting their own practice, or working for non-profits. Law firms may be perceived as offering higher pay but also have a reputation for long hours and challenging paths to becoming a partner. The hiring partner is most likely wants to know your motivations. They want to know if you simply like the pay structure, the perception of working at the firm, or if you are looking to stay there long-term and help the firm grow its client base. Take this opportunity to explain your personal career goals.

What was your least favorite course in law school?

"In my first year of law school, my least favorite course was Constitutional Law. I simply wasn't interested in the content, and the court opinions were difficult to follow when we reviewed and discussed them in class. It was also hard in my first year because my course load was set for me. That's why I liked my second and third years. We had more control over the course registration. I also took a litigation course in my third year to help me rule out that practice area. Even though I did not enjoy those courses, I took the opportunity to talk with those professors to learn more about what those practice areas look like in the real world. After learning more, I was more confident in my decision to practice in M&A."

Hiring partners may ask questions like this to get to know you better. They can probably guess which courses you liked if you want to practice M&A, so now, they want to know what you disliked. This allows you to talk about what you learned from something you did not enjoy. You may not love every task that will be assigned to you as an associate, but it is important to show that you will take these opportunities to learn new skills or lessons.

Why are you looking to work in M&A?

"I have always been fascinated with business organization and growth. I believe that working in M&A would give me a unique position to counsel business owners and help them grow their business and meet their goals. Although I do not have specific experience in facilitating a transaction, I believe I would enjoy the preparation stages of research and due diligence. However, I may find out that I enjoy negotiations and finalizing transactions once I see that process play out. Your team here at Firm & Associates seems to have a great client base, and I look forward to learning from the best."

There are various specialties within the practice of law and as a new associate, you can choose any one of them. Explain what draws you to M&A. Maybe you like the research and document review, contract negotiations, or supporting businesses as they grow. Perhaps you have a connection with the partners at this firm, and they work in M&A. Overall, your interviewer wants to know that you have more motivation or interest in the position than just getting a job.

Do you have experience reviewing contracts?

"During law school, I took courses in my second and third year that focused on contract drafting and negotiations because I knew I was interested in transactional work after graduating. I have also needed to review and negotiate contracts personally. I was looking to rent an apartment when law school started, and I wasn't sure if I wanted a roommate or not. Therefore, when I was reviewing the lease agreement, I paid close attention to the different options for canceling or changing my lease if I wanted to start with a one-bedroom and move to a two-bedroom before my lease officially ended. I had a lot of discussions with the landlord and was able to ensure flexibility in the lease. After going through that process, I see the importance of making contracts readable and understand why clients may have a lot of questions when reviewing a contract."

If you have recently graduated from law school, you may be unsure how to answer this question. Remember that you have likely encountered contracts in other parts of your life. You may have signed an apartment lease, car loan, or even a student loan contract. This allows you to show that you have experience on the client-side of a transaction and you understand what contract provisions may be challenging to understand or common questions that clients may have. If you have worked in the law clinic during law school or had an externship, you can also pull examples from contracts you reviewed in those settings.

What did you learn during your externship or clinical program?

"During my third year, I enrolled in the clinical program for a couple of reasons. I was excited to have a chance for practical experience and work directly with clients. I also used that opportunity to determine whether I wanted to still focus on transactional work or if I would rather help clients in litigation settings. The work I did was very meaningful. It was rewarding to see the impact my work had directly on another person. However, the work could also be very emotional. When things didn't work out for the client, it was really hard to watch. This helped me understand that working in litigation was not the right environment, and I focused on further enhancing the skills needed to get into a role such as this one."

Law schools offer various opportunities for students to work in safe environments where they can learn more practical skills of being an attorney. If you participated in a clinical program, worked as a research assistant for a professor, or took an externship, you should highlight your successes in those roles. It's helpful if you provide specific metrics, like how many clients you helped in the clinic, rather than general explanations. You should also tie that experience to how you plan to help the firm in this role.

What M&A experience can you bring to our firm?

"During law school, I focused on coursework for contract and transactional work that I know I could apply in various roles. I took a course in M&A Fundamentals in my third year of law school, and we spent a semester working through a merger transaction. We were partnered with a classmate and assigned different sides to practice what it would be like to work on such a transaction. I learned how to gain confidence through the feedback my classmates and the professor provided. In addition, as I knew I was interested in this area of law, I routinely visited my professor's office hours to further discuss the class materials and how to best apply what I was learning after I graduate."

Since you are applying for an entry-level associate position, you may not have experience in a specific practice area yet. This question provides an opportunity to explain applicable law school courses or activities that may have focused on the subject matter. If you do not have academic experience, maybe you have past work experience where you were involved in a non-legal role during an M&A transaction.

If you were to assign a task to someone, what process would you use?

"When I work with another team member to complete an assignment, I make sure that they have all the critical information and understand that I am always available for questions. I would give them a deadline to have the project back to me, give them some ideas on where to start, and provide them any relevant information I already have so they do not duplicate efforts."

As a new associate, you may have the ability to ask for assistance from paralegals, secretaries, or interns. If you are new to delegating tasks, think about what information you like to have included when you receive assignments.

How do you convince a colleague/classmate/family member to see a situation from your perspective?

"Before law school, I worked as a waiter in a family restaurant. I was working with a large party, and unfortunately, the kitchen made a mistake on one of the entrees. I took it back to the kitchen and talked with my manager. Usually, if we can remake the entree within seven minutes, we simply replace the meal, but since this was such a large party I told my manager that I thought the entree should be comped for their inconvenience. I told her that the customers had been so kind that taking this extra step would likely be very appreciated and would be reflected in their tip and future business. My manager agreed, and we were able to go above and beyond in our customer service."

Since you are applying to an entry-level M&A position, the hiring partner may be looking at situations in which you can exemplify your negotiation and argument skills. M&A transactions involve significant discussions and negotiations in which you are not only working with the other parties to the contract but also your client and other associates or partners who may be working the case. Your opinion will be one of many in play, and if you believe it is the best for the client, you have to be a powerful advocate to persuade the rest of your team. The example you provide does not have to showcase legal argumentative skills. You can pull from experience in past work, class assignments, or even family situations.

Describe a time where you made a mistake. How did you rectify the situation?

"Before law school, I worked as an office manager at a local auto repair store. In my role, I was responsible for collecting customer information from car owners who were coming in for repairs. If the repairs were needed due to an accident, I contacted their insurance companies to coordinate payment. One day we were very busy, and I mixed up two customers' information. When I emailed an insurance company, I sent over all the information for a customer who was not insured by them. This not only delayed payment for the customers, but it also resulted in a data breach since I had exposed the customer's information to a third party without their consent. I had to file a privacy report and work with my manager to ensure all applicable parties were notified. It taught me to slow down, which was hard in a customer service role. However, taking the extra time to be accurate and compliant would save more time than having to clean up such a situation."

Everyone makes mistakes. Hiring partners are aware that mistakes happen. It is important to answer this question honestly and show that you can accept responsibility, be held accountable, and take appropriate steps so that the issue does not repeat itself.

Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor? How did you resolve the disagreement?

"It can always be difficult to disagree with someone who has been working at a company for longer than you have. You assume they have more knowledge and experience, and they likely have good reasons for taking that specific action. I have not disagreed with a supervisor, but I have had a situation when I have been frustrated with something a supervisor has done. After thinking through the situation, I still had questions, so I scheduled some time to sit down and speak with him. I was able to explain why I wanted to meet and ask my questions. After our meeting, I better understood the situation. Thankfully, my supervisor was not defensive. Had I immediately reacted and questioned him in front of others, there could have been a different result. It's important to spend time investing in working relationships as you are around these people for most of your day."

As an associate, you are going to work very closely with specific partners. While you are going to be assisting them with cases and doing much of the research and prep work for various cases, there may be times when you disagree with their approach or presentation of the information. Nobody wants to have difficult working relationships, so the hiring partner wants to know that you have the interpersonal skills to communicate differences and work towards a resolution.

Explain a situation where you had to perform a lot of research. How do you feel about that kind of work?

"I love learning new things, so researching comes naturally to me. I was on ABC Law Review as the Executive Editor where my primary task was to double-check all citations in submitted law review articles. This was detailed work as law review articles follow very specific citation format, and we wanted it to be 100% accurate to ensure the reputation of our law review and the quality of the article. I don't let pressure or expectations get to me. I can focus on the work and deliver timely results."

M&A transactions involve a significant amount of due diligence. Research must be done before the transaction when the client is trying to initiate a deal. Research also must be done during the transactions when the parties exchange confidential information about their business dealings, employees, regulatory filings, internal audits, and more. Associates are often assigned the heavy-lifting in the due diligence process. You are expected to go through each document, recall details, present information to the partners and be able to answer any questions the partners may have. To be successful, you must be naturally detail-oriented or have a system to help you organize a vast amount of information. Be prepared to explain how you would efficiently tackle the task. As this task could be a significant part of this position, answer honestly.

How do you handle difficult situations when you have to tell someone no?

"I know that not every situation is going to be ideal for all parties involved. It's difficult to correct someone like a client or partner who is relying on you to help them achieve their goal. In these cases, I know that I have strong research skills, and I understand the legal requirements of many situations. If the answer is no, my answer is no. While I am open to listening to the other person and trying to understand their point of view, I am comfortable setting boundaries."

Some people have strong personalities and will not take no for an answer. Take this opportunity to explain your confidence in your research abilities and that you understand that, while working a law firm is a business, there are also fiduciary duties and ethical requirements involved in your working relationship.

How do you organize information in a situation where there is no definitive answer but you are required to present the "best" option?

"There are many areas of law where statutes and case law do not lay out a perfect path to success for the client. In law school, we received extensive training in Westlaw and LexisNexis, and I am confident in my abilities to research using both of those resources. I fully understand the IRAC method of legal writing and can efficiently synthesize information into a memo to display the different scenarios for the client."

As an associate, you may be given assignments for which the law has not been clearly defined. The partner wants to understand the different arguments and will make the ultimate call on which approach to pursue. Their job is made easier if your research is complete and organized and you have given thought to a potentially successful outcome. Your answer should include information about your legal research and writing skills and display confidence in your critical thinking.

What soft skills do you think are important in M&A transactions?

"Relationship building and communication are key in M&A work. I will be guiding clients through the legal process of the transaction, but those clients also have emotions that can affect the process. Taking the time to understand a client as a person can help later in the process. If they are opposing a certain contract provision, you may be able to better resolve the issue because you understand what their concerns are. Communication skills are critical in every career, but in law, every word matters. Being able to take complex ideas and effectively communicate them in a way that your client understands will hopefully move the transaction along faster."

Since you are applying for an entry-level associate position, the hiring partner knows that you likely do not have experience with all the different legal issues that will come up in M&A. However, the transaction will include more than legal technicalities. You will be working with business owners, but those owners have families, emotional attachment to the business they created, and opinions on how the transactions should play out. You need to have emotional intelligence and understanding to help guide these clients confidently through the M&A process. You will also be involved in direct communications with decision-makers who have different opinions about the result. You will be in the middle and must finalize a deal that is not only in the best interest of your client but also makes all parties happy.

Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team and what role you played?

"In law school, I worked as a Lead Articles Editor on the law review editorial board. There were eight of us on the board, and we were each responsible for specific tasks to get the law review journal published by the end of the year. We depended on each other to complete our assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and help each other as needed. It showed me how much more you can accomplish as a team rather than as an individual."

As a new associate, you will be working with one or more partners. You will not be working much on generating your own business, but rather you will be on a team of lawyers working on the client's case. Being on a team like this may mean that you are doing a lot of work that may not be recognized or acknowledged by the client. Being a team player means providing support and sharing in the victory (or loss). This is also an opportunity to show that you are comfortable contributing your own opinion to someone who presumably has more knowledge and experience than you. The firm likely wants an associate who is comfortable sharing their view of the situation rather than simply going along with whatever the partner says.

What legal risks would you look for in a merger?

"I believe that the due diligence process is the most important to focus on when looking for legal risks in a transaction. This is the opportunity to examine the business' finances, regulatory reports, and other important transactions. Taking the time to read through all those documents and note any irregularities or issues that have been raised by auditors or regulators will highlight the areas of risk that you need to focus on moving into negotiations."

If you are a new graduate without practical experience in M&A transactions, you may have to rely on what you learned in an M&A course or cases you've read about M&A to answer this question. In such a situation, it would be fine to explain that you are not 100% certain of the risks, and it is something you are looking forward to learning more about at the firm.

Associate Attorney - M&A (Entry-Level) Interview Questions

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1. How do you work under pressure?
2. How would you talk a client through a complex part of the M&A transaction?
3. Can you tell me about a recent transaction in the news?
4. Recently, the XYZ case was in the news after the Supreme Court ruling - what did you think about that case?
5. What made you apply to our firm?
6. What questions do you have for me?
7. How would you describe this role of M&A Associate Attorney?
8. What was the hardest question on your law school exams?
9. How would a friend describe you? Would they describe you the same way a past colleague would?
10. Tell me about your community involvement.
11. Why did you choose to go into law?
12. What characteristics do you think make a good M&A lawyer?
13. What room in your home do you clean first?
14. Do you consider yourself smart or hardworking?
15. Why do you want to work in a law firm setting?
16. What was your least favorite course in law school?
17. Why are you looking to work in M&A?
18. Do you have experience reviewing contracts?
19. What did you learn during your externship or clinical program?
20. What M&A experience can you bring to our firm?
21. If you were to assign a task to someone, what process would you use?
22. How do you convince a colleague/classmate/family member to see a situation from your perspective?
23. Describe a time where you made a mistake. How did you rectify the situation?
24. Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor? How did you resolve the disagreement?
25. Explain a situation where you had to perform a lot of research. How do you feel about that kind of work?
26. How do you handle difficult situations when you have to tell someone no?
27. How do you organize information in a situation where there is no definitive answer but you are required to present the "best" option?
28. What soft skills do you think are important in M&A transactions?
29. Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team and what role you played?
30. What legal risks would you look for in a merger?

Associate Attorney - M&A (Entry-Level) Interview Questions

1. How do you work under pressure?

2. How would you talk a client through a complex part of the M&A transaction?

3. Can you tell me about a recent transaction in the news?

4. Recently, the XYZ case was in the news after the Supreme Court ruling - what did you think about that case?

5. What made you apply to our firm?

6. What questions do you have for me?

7. How would you describe this role of M&A Associate Attorney?

8. What was the hardest question on your law school exams?

9. How would a friend describe you? Would they describe you the same way a past colleague would?

10. Tell me about your community involvement.

11. Why did you choose to go into law?

12. What characteristics do you think make a good M&A lawyer?

13. What room in your home do you clean first?

14. Do you consider yourself smart or hardworking?

15. Why do you want to work in a law firm setting?

16. What was your least favorite course in law school?

17. Why are you looking to work in M&A?

18. Do you have experience reviewing contracts?

19. What did you learn during your externship or clinical program?

20. What M&A experience can you bring to our firm?

21. If you were to assign a task to someone, what process would you use?

22. How do you convince a colleague/classmate/family member to see a situation from your perspective?

23. Describe a time where you made a mistake. How did you rectify the situation?

24. Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor? How did you resolve the disagreement?

25. Explain a situation where you had to perform a lot of research. How do you feel about that kind of work?

26. How do you handle difficult situations when you have to tell someone no?

27. How do you organize information in a situation where there is no definitive answer but you are required to present the "best" option?

28. What soft skills do you think are important in M&A transactions?

29. Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team and what role you played?

30. What legal risks would you look for in a merger?

27. How do you organize information in a situation where there is no definitive answer but you are required to present the "best" option?