30 Legal Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
1. What qualities do you feel are most important for a successful legal assistant?
How to Answer
This is a good opportunity to talk about your soft skills and why they make you a good fit for the position. Some important skills to have as a Legal Assistant should include: Diligent, Organized, Strong Communication, and Detail-Oriented.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I feel that the most important qualities for a legal assistant to have would be a keen eye for detail, strong time-management and strong communication skills. You must have these to be successful in this career. I have managed to fine tune these skills over the years and can confidently say that I have these abilities."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
User-Submitted Answer
"I feel that strong time-management, communication, and attention to detail are vital to being a successful legal assistant. From my knowledge, legal assistants are highly flexible as they need to manage and draft a lot of case files but also provide secretarial support to the broader team. They're the glue that enables the team to work more efficiently."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response. Though I made minor grammatical edits, you provided a well-rounded and thoughtful answer.
"I believe a successful legal assistant is a person who possesses strong time management skills, communication, and attention to detail. These qualities are essential to maintain multiple projects at one time and fulfill duties for multiple staff members. A successful assistant is flexible while managing case files and open to lending support to the broader team; they are the glue that enables the team to work smoothly and efficiently."
2. Do you understand the impact you, even as a legal assistant, will have on the lives of our clients?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"Absolutely, and that is why I would really love and thrive in this position. Any business that is successful begins with a solid base."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Well said :)
3. How familiar are you with the law we practice at our firm, or the law I specialize in?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"From the research I have done, I understand that your firm specializes in intellectual property law. Although I have yet to start my IP units at law school, I have had three months of experience in a similar role at my previous legal internship in New York."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a great start. I would hold off on disclosing the IP units you have yet to complete in school, however. I changed the wording of your response to reflect eagerness to learn.
"Based on my research, your firm specializes in Intellectual Property Law. I have legal assistant experience from my previous legal internship in New York that will be extremely helpful for you and the firm. I am eager to immerse myself in IP Law and expand my knowledge in this specialty."
4. Tell us about a time you had to handle a difficult client.
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"At my previous legal internship, I had a distraught client who was handling a complicated divorce. She was scared for her safety and kept calling me repeatedly throughout the day to express her concerns. I was able to calm her down by listening and being empathetic but also was assertive that I wasn't qualified to advise on her current situation and that she should contact the police instead. My previous employer commended me for my professional conduct and said that the client had given highly positive feedback."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
You have provided a great example for the interviewer. You are calm under pressure, and remain proactive versus reactive when faced with challenging clients. I assisted with some supplemental language. See below.
"At my previous legal internship, I assisted a client who was distraught during a complicated divorce. She feared for her safety and reached out to me several times a day to express concerns. I deescalated her calls by listening intently and nonjudgmentally while offering her practical advice and firm boundaries. I referred her to police authorities and stated that I was not qualified to provide advice on the situation. The client felt heard and assisted, resulting in positive feedback from her and my previous employer. When dealing with a difficult client, I remain proactive versus reactive; I attend to situations calmly and rationally."
5. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
"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."
6. How do you check your work for accuracy?
How to Answer
As a Legal Assistant, being accurate is an absolute must. The interviewer will want to hear the various ways you are sure to handle all of your work with diligence and accuracy. Highlight the steps you take to make sure the attorneys receiving your work is 100% accurate.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"Once my work is complete, I am sure to give it a second review and sometimes will ask for another set of eyes if necessary. I have very strong research skills which are a great trait when it comes time to cross-referencing the facts of a case. To remain organized, I utilize a program called 'XYZ' which keeps me on task and on time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
User-Submitted Answer
"I always double-check my work for accuracy. If possible, I like to get a third party to review the information. However, I have strong research and time management skills which allows me to easily cross-reference any facts. Often I'll use the app tools to organize my tasks into different projects and set timelines for each accordingly."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Wonderful response. You have created organizational systems that enable you to work efficiently. I supplemented your response to reflect your analytical work style.
"Throughout my career, I have fine-tuned my organizational and time management skills. As an analytical thinker, I have created systems to keep me on-time and accurate. With the use of calendaring applications, I set clear deadlines for each project, and allot time to double-check and cross-reference my work. And, if time allows, I receive third-party feedback as well."
7. How do you manage your research work considering there is so much to look through?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I am very good at prioritizing my work and in my previous legal internship, I was able to consolidate this skill. As a legal intern with no knowledge of New York Law, I had to quickly acquaint myself with the trademark filing process as well as the business database to ensure I could complete all tasks in a timely manner. I did work overtime when required and I will ask for assistance when required."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
You are definitely expressing resourcefulness and not shying away from things you are unfamiliar with. Thinking quickly on your toes and fully immersing yourself in a new role will be very attractive to the interviewer.
"I manage large-scale projects such as research work by prioritizing each piece and setting clear deadlines. In my previous internship, I had no prior knowledge of New York Law. I quickly acclimated myself to their trademark filing process and the business database to complete all tasks promptly. I worked overtime to account for the learning curve and asked for assistance when needed."
8. What are the main components of a case file and what steps are carried out to file a case?
How to Answer
When you answer this, be sure to give clear steps and show that you have a solid understanding of the process.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The main components of a case file are case summarizing, material collection and organization, and law research."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Very honest answer. If you are interviewing for an entry-level role out of school, they likely will not ask this one.
9. What type of work environment would allow you do to your best work?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
"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."
10. Why did you leave your last position?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I had to return to school to finish my education."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Concise, and to the point!
11. Can you give me an example of a situation where you demonstrated an eye for detail?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer a short story about a time when you made a change or caught a critical error in a case file.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your answer is not related to the legal field but is still very relevant when it comes to your eye for detail. Good response :)
12. How do you deal with sensitive or confidential information?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Very good!
13. Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
How to Answer
This is an important question to answer in a positive and slightly neutral way. Unless you know for sure if this firm offers a highly collaborative team environment, you want to avoid answering in a way that paints you into a corner.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I do enjoy working as part of a team. I am productive in both a team and independent environment. Do you offer a strong team environment here, or are you more individually task driven?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I do enjoy working as part of a team, and I find it helpful at certain times. However, I also enjoy independent work."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Concise and to the point. You are independent while also being a team player. Well done!
14. 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?
How to Answer
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"At my previous legal internship, I would be working on multiple legal assignments, all having the same priority level of 'urgent.' I was able to manage the workload by ensuring that I optimised my time. I used the app todoist to prioritise tasks pertaining to each legal assignment and blocked off sections of my schedule to make room for strict research to ensure I wasn't distracting myself by constantly checking my emails."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Very practical, real-world response. The interviewer is getting a strong sense of how you time manage and stay calm while having a large workload. The words "prioritise" and "optimise" are often used in your responses. Ensure you are spelling them correctly, and consider alternate wording.
"At my previous legal internship, I would work on multiple urgent legal assignments at one time. I managed the workload by optimizing my time. I utilized the app todoist to prioritize tasks pertaining to each legal assignment and blocked off sections of my schedule to dedicate to research. By doing so, I was not distracted by constantly checking emails or attending to other tasks."
15. What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
How to Answer
When you answer this question be sure to talk about what you are really good at and what you are improving on. It's always best if you can talk about the steps that you are currently taking to improve yourself.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I have been told many times that my greatest strength is my ability to time-manage. This means that I consistently meet my deadlines and am able to deliver when I need to. The aspect I am working to improve would be my detailed documentation. I have been working on improving my notes so that anyone could pick up my files and fully understand where I was at, in my work."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
User-Submitted Answer
"My greatest strength would be flexibility. This allows me to time-manage and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines, while being prepared to address any new information or changes. At my previous legal internship, I had meetings and phone calls scheduled with different clients throughout the day. I had to balance these alongside my primary legal assignments so that I was able to complete tasks in a timely manner. An aspect I am working to improve would be overthinking. Sometimes I will overanalyze and overthink a situation which can lead to me doubting myself and the outcome. I've been actively telling myself to take a moment to step back and reevaluate the situation in a more macro sense."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
It would be helpful to add how you envision the firm can assist in lessening your weaknesses. Don't harp too long or discuss your weaknesses in length of detail.
"My most notable strength is flexibility. In my previous legal internship, I juggled primary legal assignments, meetings, phone calls, and unforeseen tasks throughout the day; Flexibility, Time Management, and Prioritization were essential in my success. Currently, my greatest weakness is overthinking. I believe the experience I gain at Legal Assistants will allow me to sharpen my skills and provide me more confidence to address my needs to overanalyze."
16. What are your long and short range career goals and objectives?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
"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."
17. How has your education prepared you to work for us?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"Attending university enabled me to consolidate my organizational skills as well as my ability to prioritize tasks. I am still studying at the moment, but once I complete my intellectual property law units, I will have a deeper understanding of the law behind the work."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
It would be helpful to provide a new response and sentiment. The question is repetitive, but try to make sure your response is not.
"I am currently immersed in knowledge and concepts that I can directly and actively put into use. I am increasing my knowledge base every day and would build upon my momentum by taking on this role."
18. What subject did you like the most at school? Why?
How to Answer
When answering this question, be sure to include topics that would be related to this new position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"My favourite subject so far would be contracts. I found it to be very structured yet varied. I felt like this helped shape my outlook on agreements in general. Moreover, I enjoyed the practical application. However, this will probably change once I complete my intellectual property units."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Great start. I assisted with refining your response.
"I thoroughly enjoyed studying Contracts, because it helped shape my outlook on agreements. The coursework was structured and practical, which was very helpful."
19. Which areas of law are you most interested in?
How to Answer
This is a simple question to weed out any candidates who have an interest in Law outside of what the law firm specializes in. Also, be sure to re-read the job description and know exactly which attorney or attorneys you will be serving under. Find out what Law these attorneys specialize in. If you need help locating this information, a simple search on the firm's website or a LinkedIn page should tell you.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
Answer Example
"I have always been most interested in Family Law because of the variety between each case. I understand that a lot of what your firm does, is in Family Law?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
User-Submitted Answer
"I am interested in any kind of law that focuses on human rights. I have always been dedicated to being educated on all kinds of humanitarian, social, and cultural issues, so that pairs well with my love for and interest in law. I would also say that I am highly interested in criminal law because of all of the other kinds of issues that intersect with that area of law in general."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response, and very thorough.
20. What are you doing to better yourself as a Legal Assistant?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I am currently taking an online course to become a stronger user in the Microsoft Suite as well as planning to take Intellectual Property units to further my understanding of the area."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Wonderful response. You see the need to sharpen administrative skills as well as expand your legal knowledge.
"I am currently taking an online course to strengthen my skills in Microsoft Suite as well as planning to take Intellectual Property units to further my understanding of the area. For me, being a strong Legal Assistant requires not only legal knowledge, but proficiency in the proper administrative tools and applications as well."
21. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 21st, 2020
User-Submitted Answer
"Being a Legal Assistant can be a stressful job. I have become more accustomed to the stress of deadlines and large workloads over time and feel that I handle stress 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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a wonderfully thoughtful response. Be prepared to respond to possible follow-up questions about work-life balance.
"Be prepared to answer questions such as:
"How do you maintain work/life balance?"
"Other than deep breaths, what are other ways you decompress and remain focused through long and stressful workdays?""
22. Do you work well under pressure?
How to Answer
This question gives you a great opportunity to talk about a time when you worked very well under intense pressure.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"Yes, I do work well under pressure. An example of this is when I was organising a careers networking night for the Australia China Youth Association. I had to manage my team to ensure that we were able to finish budgeting, writing up proposals, contacting company representatives by our deadlines. It was important for me to remain calm and professional in the situation to optimise efficiency within the team, despite the looming deadline."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Kevin Downey Reviewed the Above Answer
Great situational example! Be mindful of spelling errors; I have changed the words "organize" and "prioritize" several times from the UK spelling to the US spelling. I've also elaborated on the philosophy of your approach.
"Yes, I consider myself a person who handles stress and pressure very well. Being organized helps me to remain calm and diligent. I once organized a networking event for the Australia China Youth Association. This particular project was large in scale, with many team members to manage. I was charged with finishing the budget, writing proposals, and contacting company representatives. Despite managing several balls in the air at the same time while trying to come in ahead of our deadlines, with the use of a clear action plan and calendar system I took comfort in breaking that large project into smaller, more easily managed goals giving me the flexibility to comfortably shift priorities where needed. Properly setting yourself up for success eliminates any fear of failure. We fear the unknown. Remove the unknowns from a project and what is there to fear, right?"
23. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Legal Assistant?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I wanted to pursue this role because I have a strong interest in consolidating my skillset. I love learning and being able to facilitate and optimise processes. In this role, I'd be able to not only contribute my skills to an industry that I am passionate about, but also know that I am helping shape the entrepreneurial landscape."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Very strong response! I made slight spelling edits.
"I love learning and being able to facilitate and optimize processes. In this role, I would be able to not only contribute my skills to an industry I am passionate about but also know that I am helping shape the entrepreneurial landscape. I have genuinely found a role that fulfills my passions and elevates my skillset."
24. What have you learned from the other attorneys/paralegals you've spoken with today?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
25. What two or three things are most important to you in a job?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The top three things I hold most important in a job would be transparency, honesty and positivity."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"The top three things I find most important to me in a job would probably have to be honesty, support, and transparency."
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Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
"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."
26. Are your grades a good indication of your academic achievement?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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 :)
27. How can you contribute to our firm?
How to Answer
This is a great question for highlighting your soft skills on our resume again.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I will contribute to your firm by being a reliable, hardworking, and flexible professional support person to the IP team. I will bring my determination and practical understanding and will be more than happy to contribute my skills to an area I am passionate about."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
Excellent response. I altered the wording slightly to convey your desire to contribute to their team if given the opportunity.
"My contributions to the firm will include reliability, flexibility, and an unwavering desire to help. I am an extremely determined and passionate person; it gives me great satisfaction to contribute to a strong group of professionals. I will bring fortitude and practical understanding to this role if given this opportunity."
28. How has your college degree prepared you to work in this firm?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
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Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like your college education prepared you in many ways. You've done an excellent job communicating this.
29. How would you describe yourself?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"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."
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Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
"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."
30. What goals, other than those related to your legal career, have you established for yourself for the next 10 years?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"Ten years from now, I would like to have purchased my own home, possibly saved enough money to take my family on a trip to Japan and to be improving my skillset while working in a dynamic and supportive legal firm."
Written by an Anonymous User

Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a way for your interviewer to get to know you outside of the role you are applying for. Your response is a great one!
"In ten years, I would like to be a proud homeowner with the ability to take my family to Japan. This has been a family dream of ours, and we would love to take in the sights and culture."