Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked of all job candidates. The paralegal is no exception. You want to know that the paralegal is aware of their weaknesses and is working to correct them. You also want to know that they are aware of their strengths and are able to leverage them in the workplace.
Sample Answer: I am very detail oriented and I am always looking for ways to improve my work. My biggest weakness is that I tend to be overly critical of myself.
Question Overview: This is a question that is designed to test your paralegal's knowledge of the law. You want to know that they are aware of the legal issues that are relevant to your practice.
Sample Answer: The Security Exchange Commission is the federal agency that regulates the securities industry.
Question Overview: The legal profession is a fast-paced one. There are many deadlines that are not negotiable. You need to know that the paralegal you hire can handle the pressure of multiple deadlines and still produce quality work.
Sample Answer: I would make sure that I had a plan for each deadline and that I had the resources necessary to meet them.
Question Overview: You need to know that the paralegal is not only interested in the short-term, but also has a long-term vision for their career. The paralegal should be able to articulate a vision that includes their career path and how they will get there.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a senior paralegal with a large law firm. I want to be able to help others and have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Question Overview: The paralegal may have had a long road to their current position. You want to know that they are committed to their career and have the drive to succeed.
Sample Answer: I started out as a legal assistant and worked my way up.
Question Overview: The legal profession is a team-oriented one. Even the most experienced attorneys rely on their paralegals to help them with their work. You want to know that your paralegal will be able to work well with others.
Sample Answer: I have always been a team player. I am able to work well with others and can help them when they need it.
Question Overview: This is a question that you should be prepared to answer. You want to know that the person that you hire as a paralegal is passionate about the field. They will be more likely to stay with the job and do it well.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in law and the legal system. I want to help people who are going through a difficult time.
Question Overview: While you want to know that the paralegal is aware of their weaknesses, you also want to know that they are not overly concerned with them. You want to know that they are confident in their ability to perform their job functions and do not let their weaknesses get in the way.
Sample Answer: I have a tendency to be a perfectionist. I am working on it.
Question Overview: The paralegal will be working for you. You need to know that they want to work for you and that they are not just looking for a job. The paralegal needs to be excited about the prospect of working for your firm.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in the work that your firm does. I have read about your cases and I am impressed with your reputation.
Question Overview: You are going to have to deliver bad news to your paralegal at some point. You need to know that they can handle it professionally and without taking it personally. You also want to know that they can deliver bad news in a professional manner.
Sample Answer: I am not afraid of delivering bad news. I try to be as diplomatic as possible, but I also do not sugarcoat the message.
Question Overview: The paralegal is going to be a valuable asset to you and your firm. You want to make sure that you are paying them a fair wage. You also want to know that they are not going to be looking for a significant raise in the near future.
Sample Answer: I am currently making $60,000 per year and I expect to be making $65,000 per year within the next year.
Question Overview: You want to know that your paralegal is well-rounded and has a diverse set of skills. The more skills that they have, the more valuable they will be to you.
Sample Answer: I have a wide variety of skills that I have acquired over the years. I am able to use these skills to help my employer and their clients.
Question Overview: The paralegal needs to be able to demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of the organisation's goals and objectives. They need to be able to show that they can contribute to the organisation in a meaningful way.
Sample Answer: I can contribute my legal research skills to help the organisation achieve its goals.
Question Overview: The paralegal needs to be able to explain why they are qualified for the job. The best way to do this is by giving specific examples of their experience.
Sample Answer: I have experience in all of the areas that you are looking for. I have been a paralegal for five years and have worked in the legal field for eight years. I have worked with attorneys in both criminal and civil law.
Question Overview: The paralegal will be spending a lot of time at the office. You need to know that they are comfortable in the environment and that they will be able to thrive there. The paralegal will also be spending a lot of time with the attorney. You need to know that they are comfortable with the attorney and that they will be able to work well with them.
Sample Answer: I like a work culture that is relaxed, but professional. I am not a fan of a lot of red tape.
Question Overview: The paralegal needs to be able to articulate how this position will help them to achieve their career goals. If they do not have any career goals, then you need to know that as well. You want to know that the paralegal is committed to their career and that they are not just looking for a job.
Sample Answer: I want to be a partner in a law firm one day and this position will help me get there.
Question Overview: The paralegal should be able to provide a detailed description of their duties. You want to know that they are capable of handling a wide variety of assignments. You also want to know that they have a good understanding of the legal system and can handle the tasks that are required of them.
Sample Answer: I am currently responsible for a wide variety of tasks. I am responsible for document preparation, legal research, and administrative support.
Question Overview: The paralegal needs to be interested in the firm and the work that they do. You want to know that the paralegal is not just looking for a job, but that they are interested in the firm and the work that they do. This shows that they are motivated and dedicated to the firm's success.
Sample Answer: I am interested in working for Paul Weiss because I have heard great things about the firm and I am very interested in the work that you do.
Question Overview: The paralegal needs to be able to understand the law and how it applies to the facts of the case. They also need to be able to communicate with the client and explain the law in a way that is understandable. The paralegal also needs to be able to work with the client to find a solution that is agreeable to both parties.
Sample Answer: I would try to find out what type of income the client has and how much they can afford. I would then try to negotiate a payment plan that works for both parties.
Question Overview: This question is designed to find out if the paralegal is willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. It is also designed to find out if they are willing to do so without being asked. You want to know that they are willing to go above and beyond for the sake of the client and the attorney.
Sample Answer: I have gone above and beyond on many occasions. I have done so for the sake of the client and my boss.