How to Answer: Are you firm with people? This job requires it. Give me a professional example of a situation where you stood your ground.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Paralegal job interview.
29. Are you firm with people? This job requires it. Give me a professional example of a situation where you stood your ground.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As stated in the question, providing support in the legal industry is going to require you to stand your ground - sometimes with clients, sometimes with other staff. There is a fine line between professionally standing your ground and causing conflict.
Written by Nicole H. on January 17th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Include specifics in your answer so the interviewer better understands the context for your actions. You can also talk if being firm with people is something that comes naturally to you, or if you have to consciously make an effort to do so at work.
Written by Nicole H. on January 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I am able to be firm with people. In a previous position, we had a client who was repeatedly calling for an update on their case. I was able to do a lot of the initial status reports for them, but the attorney needed to provide details. For whatever reason, the attorney was not getting back to the client. It was straining my communication with the client because he was losing trust that I was passing messages along. I had to have a direct conversation with the attorney and explain why she needed to call the client back. It was eventually resolved but it reminded me of the importance of clear communication on all ends while working a case."
Written by Nicole H. on January 17th, 2022