Walking in for an interview can be intimidating, especially since you often don’t know exactly what to expect. While certain questions are considered givens, those that apply strictly to the legal field are not always as readily available. If you want to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your next legal interview, take the time to review the questions below and formulate a solid answer.

1. Tell me about a time when you had to relay complex legal information to someone not working in the field.

Throughout the course of your work, you will regularly interact with people who are not as well-versed in the intricacies of the legal field as you may be. This often means that you need to be able to explain certain pieces of information to people who are not as familiar with the terminology or the law as you.

This question is designed to gauge your ability and willingness to make the information you are conveying accessible to anyone regardless of their level of education or experience. Not only will your answer provide information regarding how you view these interactions, it also demonstrates your ability to take information and adjust to the recipient.

2. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflicting priorities, and how you determined which priority to address first.

This question is highly likely if you are interviewing for a position that is designed to support multiple attorneys since they may each have their own priorities which they will try and impress on you. By describing how you are able to take not just their input regarding what your priorities should be, but other factors to determine a proper course of action may be a skill that you will use frequently during your time in that position. You need to demonstrate that you have the ability to think critically about the issue and formulate a plan that will provide everyone with what they require on a timely basis.

3. What attracted you to this profession?

There was likely a key moment in your life that attracted you to the legal profession. Your response to this question will provide insight regarding your background as well as the motivation that led you down this career path.

While there may not be a wrong way to answer this question, it can indicate if you will be a good fit for the general working environment or the clientele that they working with most commonly.

4. Are you comfortable working on behalf of (or against) suspected criminals?

Some cases will be challenging by nature. At times, you may have to support the defense of someone who appears to be guilty or against a person who appears to be innocent, depending on which side of the courtroom your work will support. Some case work may contain graphic details of crimes that are not always the easiest to review.

Regardless of your feelings about a case, or the accused, you will need to fulfill your duties to represent your corresponding side with the same level of dedication regardless of the charges or current evidence, and without allowing these factors to affect your work.

5. Do you see yourself returning to school to pursue other opportunities in the legal field?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as long as you have an answer. If you are not completely sure regarding where you career will go, don’t just respond that you don’t know. Instead, reference what you do know and that you are leaving your options open otherwise, such as, “Right now, I have no intention of returning to school and plan to focus on this career for the foreseeable future. That being said, I have not taken returning to school completely off the table.” Otherwise, be open about your plans, but you don’t necessarily have to be overly specific.

After reviewing the information above, you should find yourself better prepared for your next legal interview. If you are looking for your next position, the professionals at CPS Recruitment^® are here to help. Browse our open positions now, or contact the experts at CPS Recruitment^® today.