How to Answer: What would you do if a case went against your personal values?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Associate Attorney - Personal Injury (Entry-Level) job interview.
3. What would you do if a case went against your personal values?
How to Answer
A personal injury case is not only going to be emotional for the client. The attorney is also going to bring their own emotions to the case. While it is important to remain objective and focused on obtaining the best outcome for the client, the attorney is also human. When you are working as an associate in a law firm, you may not have control over choosing clients. This is often left to senior associates or partners. As a result, you may have a case that goes against your personal values. You can use this opportunity to show you are self-aware and also that you know your limits on effectively advocating for a client.
Written by Nicole H. on November 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"This would admittedly be a very difficult situation. Being a new attorney, I would not want to disappoint a partner or put myself in a position where they question my dedication to the firm. It is also a challenge to expose personal values as it may reveal additional issues. However, my personal values have shaped me and I do not want to compromise those that are important to me. I would sit down with the partner and have an honest discussion about what I find challenging. I believe I could complete the task regardless, but I don't want to hate my work or feel as though my efforts are being used to fight against something I believe. I'm sure that a conversation could resolve the issue with either better understanding the case or helping the firm reassign it to someone else."
Written by Nicole H. on November 22nd, 2021