Question Overview: This question is designed to find out what the legal assistant knows about the position and what they are looking for in a job. It will also help you to determine if the candidate is a good fit for your agency.
Sample Answer: I like that this position will allow me to work with a variety of attorneys and legal assistants.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at finding out what motivates the candidate to work for your firm. It is important to find out if the candidate is motivated by money, prestige, a particular area of law or a specific office. You want to hire someone who is passionate about the work your firm does and who will be able to contribute to the culture of your office.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in international law and I am excited about the prospect of working for an international firm like WHITE & CASE.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at finding out what motivates the applicant to work as a legal assistant. It will also reveal how well they understand the role of a legal assistant and whether they are a good fit for your agency.
Sample Answer: I want to be a legal assistant because I enjoy working with people and I like helping them.
Question Overview: This question will help you understand why the candidate is interested in the position and what they hope to gain from it. It will also reveal whether they are genuinely interested in the position or just applying for any job.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in this position because I believe that I can make a difference here.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that is designed to give you insight into the candidate’s personality. The best applicants will be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses in a way that is honest and not overly negative.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to stay organized. My weakness is that I can be a little too focused on the task at hand and not as aware of the bigger picture.
Question Overview: Conflict is an inevitable part of the legal profession. The best legal assistants are able to resolve conflicts in a professional manner. This question is aimed at learning how the candidate will handle conflicts on the job.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with conflict in the past and I handled it by remaining calm and trying to understand the other person’s point of view.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal how the candidate will react to stressful situations. The best legal assistants will be able to remain calm and collected in the face of pressure and will not take out their frustrations on others.
Sample Answer: I would try to understand what was causing the stress and try to work with my boss to resolve the issue.
Question Overview: This is a question that is aimed at getting a sense of what the candidate thinks is important in the job. The best applicants will be able to articulate the qualities that are most important to them and will also be able to explain why they are important. This will give you an idea of how well they know the job and how well they will fit in with your team.
Sample Answer: The most important qualities for this position are the ability to work well with others and a willingness to learn new skills.
Question Overview: This question is aimed at finding out if the legal assistant has done their research and is aware of the firm’s reputation and needs. It also reveals how well they can communicate their interest in the position and the firm.
Sample Answer: I have been impressed with your firm’s reputation and would like to be a part of it.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate will handle a situation where they are asked to do something outside of their job description. It will also reveal how well they are able to communicate and work with others.
Sample Answer: I would ask them if they were sure that it was my responsibility and if they were sure, I would do it.