Legal Assistants Interview
Questions

6. How has your college degree prepared you to work in this firm? The interviewer is looking for less of an obvious answer and more of an answer that focus' on the soft skills or transferrable skills that you gained while attending college. Here is an answer example: "In addition to the knowledge in Law, I gained some really valuable skills while attending college. My ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure was a big one for me. College also taught me how to prioritize and juggle a large variety of tasks. All of these skills are ones that I look forward to bringing you and your firm." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i did a lot of studying in college which gave me the organization and time management skills that i have now. i also communicated with my professors and advisors weekly which helped shape my communication skills. in terms of the actual coursework, i took a lot of classes that taught me about government and law. i think those have given me the knowledge to be able to do this job well." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds like your college education prepared you in many ways. You've done an excellent job communicating this.7. Why are you the best candidate for us? When answering this question be sure to tell the interviewer about your strongest skills, and perhaps some unique ones that set you apart from the rest of the candidates. Here is an answer example: "I feel I am the best candidate for you because I am highly skilled and experienced in divorce law, which is your firm's primary focus. Also, I am bilingual which makes me able to assist English and Spanish speaking clients." Here is an anonymous answer example: "although my resume doesn't have a lot of direct experience on it, i am a hard worker and pride myself on always doing the best job i can. i do not do well with failure, and that drives me to go the extra mile to do things well. i also genuinely believe that my college experience, as well as things from my past employment, have shaped me into someone who will be able to do the things required for this position." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This answer contains a great basis for hiring you; however, I would try to answer with more confidence. Also, at the end, use specific traits that are listed in the job posting. Please see an example below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I am the best candidate for you because I pride myself in delivering over expectations, and going the extra mile to do things right the first time. My college experience, as well as previous employment, has shaped me into someone reliable, dedicated, communicative, and organized."8. How can you contribute to our firm? This is a great question for highlighting your soft skills on our resume again. Here is an answer example: "I bring 6 solid years of work as a Legal Assistant and a very strong work ethic. I am a fast-thinker and a great multi-tasker. I would be happy to contribute all of these skills, and more, to your firm." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am hard-working, detail-oriented, fast-paced, and organized. i think that all of those things will contribute positively to this office." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Try to refer to the job posting and identify the pain point that your position would solve for the firm. Please see an example below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I will contribute to your firm by being a reliable and professional support person to your law team. I will bring determination, knowledge, and practical understanding; allowing me to help pave a smooth path for the cases your firm takes on."9. What are your long and short range career goals and objectives? It is important for a hiring manager to know that they are hiring a very career driven person. You can answer this question in two parts. Here is an answer example: "My long term career goal would be to further my education as a paralegal and then eventually become a lawyer myself. My short term goal is to create a very strong reputation for myself in the industry as a trustworthy and knowledgable legal assistant." Here is an anonymous answer example: "in terms of my long-range career goals, in a few words, i want to be successful in helping people. whether that is working for a non-profit or eventually getting my law degree, i want to have a career that i know will be centered around helping people. my short-term career goals entail setting me up to achieve my long-term goals successfully. i want to have positions that will make me a better employee in the long run." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Your answer sounds nice and honest; however, it sounds as though you may be okay with job hopping as well. Mentioning a non-profit, returning to school, or mentioning positions (plural) will all be red flags for the interviewer. I have reworded, below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "My short-range career goal is to help people every day, utilizing the knowledge that I gained while attending college. This goal will fuel me in my long term goals which include leading a team of junior paralegals or even taking additional law coursework in tandem with my full-time job. My ultimate goal is to be with a firm that supports my learning and professional growth."10. What two or three things are most important to you in a job? Why would you stay in a position vs why would you leave a role? What workplace values do you put the most stock into? You should answer this confidently and matter-of-factly. Here is an answer example: "The top three things I hold most important in a job would be transparency, honesty and positivity." Here is an anonymous answer example: "the top three things i find most important to me in a job would probably have to be honesty, support, and transparency." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This response may leave more questions than answers. How can an employer offer you transparency, for instance? Like, in what way is this important to you? Do they support you in your learning, as you train, in your future career goals? Try being more specific. Please see below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "The top three things that are most important to me are honesty, support, and transparency. I am seeking an employer who actively encourages employees to be open about their achievements, creating a safe and open workplace for all."11. How would you describe yourself? You can keep this answer short and sweet as there is no need to go on and on about yourself. What the interviewer is really looking for are a few keywords that describe how you see yourself. It would be smart to finish your answer with a question about what they are looking for, in their successful candidate. Here is an answer example: "I would describe myself as a hard worker, task-focused and efficient. Are those some of the skills you are looking for in your next Legal Assistant?" Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have always been a hard-working person. i grew up in a household that embraced working for what you get, and i have always been fully prepared to do that into my professional career. i do genuinely enjoy the law and things of that nature. i would say that it is one of my biggest interests in life. i've also come to find out that i enjoy working in team environments, even if that is a team of people all doing completely separate tasks." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Good response! I have reworded it simply for the sake of flow. I did remove the final sentence on teamwork as it didn't seem to add any impact to your previous 'about you' statements. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I would first describe myself as hard-working. I grew up in a household that embraced working hard for what you get, and have always been prepared to do so, from school and into my professional career. I have a genuine interest in the law, human rights, and how the two come together. I would say the topic of human rights is one of my bigger interests when it comes to the law."12. What have you learned from the other attorneys/paralegals you've spoken with today? This question will be asked if you spent time earlier in the interview, either sitting down with other members of their team, or job shadowing for a short time. Your answer should be very positive and upbeat. Here is an answer example: "Thank you for the opportunity to speak with other members of your team today! Everyone here seems very happy to be working at this firm. I have gained more insight into the level of team work you have in this office, and I really like what I see. I would love the opportunity to work with you and your team." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am really happy to be here today speaking with all of you, and it seems as though everyone has a lot of respect for this job and this office. i have gained more insight into how important it is to work well with your co-workers and support them." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Once you go through the interview process you will likely have a more specific response dedicated to that firm; however, this one is good for the time being.13. What goals, other than those related to your legal career, have you established for yourself for the next 10 years? Hiring managers always want to know that they are hiring someone with personal goals, and drive. It is absolutely okay to talk about those goals but make sure that they are not contradictory to a long-term career with this potential employer. Here is an answer example: "10 years from now, I would like to have purchased my own home. Also, I would like to have enough money saved to take a really great trip to Thailand. Another goal is to further my education and turn my diploma into a degree. Those would, of course, be evening or weekend courses."14. Are your grades a good indication of your academic achievement? This question can be a tough one but it's intended to make you think a bit deeper into where your focus was during your post-secondary education. If you did not earn the GPA that you wanted, own up to it. Here is an answer example: "I graduated with a 3.4 GPA which I was satisfied with given that I was also working a full time job in the evenings and weekends while attending school." Here is an anonymous answer example: "absolutely. if you guys would like to look at my transcripts, you will see that during my first year at college i did not do well. without making excuses, i took myself to community college where i could really spend some time bettering those grades and learning better habits. from there on i went back to my university for my junior and senior years and was on the dean's list several times." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds like you made some very dedicated choices to your educational career! I am sure you already know, but avoid the term 'guys' in a real interview :)15. Why did you leave your last position? If you left your last position without having a new one in place, this can be a red flag for a potential employer. Be sure to answer this question truthfully. The likelihood that you will be asked this question is high so be sure to practice the answer. Remember: there is a big difference between being terminated and being laid off. If you were terminated, you need to own that and be sure to have a good reply ready. Here is an answer example: "In my last position there were some difficulties between myself and a paralegal. I felt she was not working in an ethical manner and brought it to my supervisors' attention. Because she was the more senior paralegal, I was asked to step down from my role due to our inability to collaborate effectively. The lawyer I supported is willing to be a positive reference regarding my work abilities." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i had to return to school to finish my education." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Concise, and to the point!16. Do you understand the impact you, even as a legal assistant, will have on the lives of our clients? You will want to show the interviewer that you care about your job and understand the impact you have made so far in your career. Here is an answer example: "Yes, I absolutely understand the impact that I can make on the lives of my clients. They depend on me to pay attention to the details and they rely on me to have the best communication style so that everything goes as smoothly as possible. I am very thankful to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on people's lives." Here is an anonymous answer example: "absolutely, and that is why i would really love and thrive in this position. any business that is successful begins with a solid base." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Well said :)17. What are the main components of a case file and what steps are carried out to file a case? When you answer this, be sure to give clear steps and show that you have a solid understanding of the process. Here is an answer example: "The main components of a case file are case summarizing, material collection and organization, and law research." Here is an anonymous answer example: "this is something about which i would need to learn more. in college i did read plenty of cases and opinions and even wrote my own legal brief, but in terms of compacting everything relevant to a trial and filing it, i would need some more knowledge on that." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very honest answer. If you are interviewing for an entry-level role out of school, they likely will not ask this one.18. What type of work environment would allow you do to your best work? How do you work best? Independent or with a team? Do you need to be in a very calm or quiet environment in order to do your best work? Be sure to give a solid answer and then you can ask a follow up question afterward. Here is an answer example: "I do my best work when I am with a like-minded and collaborative team. I find that when there are other people to draw ideas and answers from, it makes for a very strong work environment. How would you describe the environment in your firm?" Here is an anonymous answer example: "i work well in environments that offer a lot of support if someone needs it. i want to do my best and also work well independently, so if i am asking for help, it is something with which i need to help. i know that everyone's time in this kind of office is valuable; however, i know that helping others and supporting one another is key to a successful office." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Your response is okay; however, try to position it a bit more positively as it sounds hesitant - as though you are convincing them to want to help you. I have reworded the response below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I do my best work in supportive and collaborative environments. I am ready to jump in and help anyone who needs me, and I appreciate the same gesture in return."19. Can you give me an example of a situation where you demonstrated an eye for detail? Tell the interviewer a short story about a time when you made a change or caught a critical error in a case file. Here is an answer example: "Last month when I was working a divorce file I noticed that one of the pieces of artwork was not itemized in the final draft. I was able to fix that error before anything was submitted. This saved us, and our client, a lot of additional time and potential conflict." Here is an anonymous answer example: "although this isn't completely related to the legal field, in my previous work experience as a busser, i had to expo, which means i had to organize the food coming out on the line with the tickets. there were a few times when people were about to take trays out with the wrong items on them." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Your answer is not related to the legal field but is still very relevant when it comes to your eye for detail. Good response :)20. How do you deal with sensitive or confidential information? When you answer this question be sure to talk about how great you are with confidential and sensitive matters. Perhaps bring up a time when you were complimented by someone within the firm on your strong sense of professionalism. Here is an answer example: "I have a very high level of professionalism and am often commended on my ability to keep sensitive information safe. I always follow protocol and am sure to treat sensitive information with the utmost care." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have a high level of professionalism and would never expose confidential information. at my previous job, managers often told us of secret releases or secret business opportunities that we absolutely could not share with the public." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good!21. Do you work well under pressure? This question gives you a great opportunity to talk about a time when you worked very well under intense pressure. Here is an answer example: "Yes, I do work very well under pressure. One example of this is when I worked in my previous firm I was a legal assistant to 2 full time lawyers, and one part time. I heard from them a lot that I always managed the pressure in a very professional and calm way."22. What subject did you like the most at school? Why? When answering this question, be sure to include topics that would be related to this new position. Here is an answer example: "When I was attending University, my favourite subject was Family Law. I found the variety in each case to be very interesting. There was always something new to learn. This is part of the reason that I would love to work in your firm - because you focus solely on Family Law."23. Can you give me an example of a situation where you needed to deal with multiple priorities at once and how you deal with it? Be sure to have a few real-life examples in mind that you can draw from for questions such as this. Give a brief example and be sure to keep it positive. IE: "There are many times a year when I have multiple cases that I am working on, and they all have the same priority level of 'urgent'. I am able to manage these situations by ensuring that I utilize my time well. I block off sections of my day for strict research and am sure to do away with distractions such as constantly stopping to check email. My current employer often comments on my strong multi-tasking abilities." Here is an answer example: "There are many times a year when I have multiple cases that I am working on, and they all have the same priority level of 'urgent'. I am able to manage these situations by ensuring that I utilize my time well. I block off sections of my day for strict research and am sure to do away with distractions such as constantly stopping to check email. My current employer often comments on my strong multi-tasking abilities."24. How do you handle stressful situations? Being a Legal Assistant can be a very stressful career. When you answer this question it is good to acknowledge that and talk about a time when you have been complimented on your ability to manage stress very well. Here is an answer example: "Being a Legal Assistant can be a stressful job. I have become more accustomed to the stress of deadlines and large work loads over time and feel that I handle stress really well. I will take a moment to take a deep breath, and re-think my strategy when I become overwhelmed with stress. My colleagues have often complimented me on my ability to stay calm throughout stressful times."25. How do you manage your research work considering there is so much to look through? Be sure to answer this question by giving an example of a time when you had an extraordinarily large amount of research work and a tight deadline. Here is an answer example: "I am very good at prioritizing my work and now that I have more years' experience as a Legal Assistant, managing a large work load has become much easier. Just last month I had a very tight deadline for a case that required a lot of research. I did work many overtime hours for that case. I am absolutely open to working overtime when required. I will also ask for assistance when required."26. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Legal Assistant? Is there a specific time you can think of when you first knew that you wanted to pursue a career as a Legal Assistant? This question gives you an opportunity to talk a little bit about yourself from a personal perspective. Here is an answer example: "When I was growing up, my mom worked as a legal assistant. I really admired how important her work was, and saw how much she enjoyed it. She seemed so smart to me - knowing all of these legal terms, and always having a good answer for things. Naturally, I was drawn to this career and am happy that I pursued it!"27. What are you doing to better yourself as a Legal Assistant? Are you taking any additional courses? Are you reading case studies on your spare time? Do you want to advance your career in any way? These are all examples that you can give when answering this question. Here is an answer example: "I am currently taking a weekend course to become a stronger user in Excel. I really do enjoy bettering myself and am looking at taking an additional course in Estate Procedures as well."28. Tell us about a time you had to handle a difficult client. When you answer this question, you should be prepared with an example of a time when you had a difficult client. Be sure to tell the interviewer about the positive outcome and any feedback you received from a supervisor. Here is an answer example: "I had a situation with a very difficult client just last week. We were handling his very complicated divorce and he was on edge. The client began to yell at me on the phone, demanding that he speak with his lawyer that moment. I was able to calm him down by simply listening and saying things like 'I understand'. I did receive positive feedback later on in regards to how well I handled that situation and the client ended up apologizing the next time he saw me."29. How familiar are you with the law we practice at our firm, or the law I specialize in? This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you did some research on their firm prior to the interview. Be sure to highlight any of your work experience that you think would be comparable to what it is they do. Here is an answer example: "From the research I have done, I see that your firm specializes in Family Law and Divorce. The past 4 years of my career have been primarily focused on those areas of law as well. In total, I have 5 years' experience as a legal assistant within family law."30. How has your education prepared you to work for us? When you answer this question be sure to include specific courses that were especially helpful to your career. You can also talk about any additional training. Here is an answer example: "When I was attending university, I would have to say that my favourite, and most applicable course, was the Family Law Procedures course. Attending post-secondary education, in itself, taught me a lot about managing deadlines and being efficient with my time."