30 Legal Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Legal Assistants interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our 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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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Answer Example
"The main components of a case file are case summarizing, material collection and organization, and law research."
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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.
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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?"
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"If you were working on a large volume workload, and a colleague asked for assistance, how would you deal with the situation?"
"How do you diffuse a challenging situation with a colleague?"
"What things motivate you at work?"
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."
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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?"
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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."
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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."
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I'm also very organized and good with time management. My greatest weakness is something that I have been working on a lot within the past year, and that is public speaking. I can do it, but I want to feel more confident and get to a place where I am not always so nervous about doing it."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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?"
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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.
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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."
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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."
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"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."
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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.
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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!"
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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.
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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."
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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.
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Answer Example
"The top three things I hold most important in a job would be transparency, honesty and positivity."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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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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.
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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?"
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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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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.
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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."
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