It doesn’t matter who you are or what job you are applying for; interviews are scary. They can feel like interrogations, where if one should slip up can cost you a potential job.
We have all had the unfortunate experience of being asked a question during an interview that we weren’t expecting, such as the dreaded “where do you see yourself in five years?” or the “tell me about yourself.”
Our minds are sent scrambling for anything that feels like it could be a coherent answer. You might even blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, just to end the silence between you and the interviewer. Then, it feels like you blew it, and the job has slipped between your fingers.
Luckily, there are easy ways to avoid this situation. The best way to ensure that you ace the interview is to be as prepared as possible by researching the questions you may be asked.
Key Takeaways:
Candidates should highlight their soft skill such as communication and research skills in their interview because those are important for legal assistants to have.
Interviewers should Create a interviewing scoring system that will score all candidates equally.
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Office Assistant
- Litigation Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
- Office Manager And Legal Assistant
20 Common Legal Assistant Interview Questions and Example Answers
Reviewing commonly asked interview questions in addition to legal assistant behavioral interview questions can also be a great way to prepare, as it gives you the opportunity to think through your answers rather than having to come up with them on the spot. In no particular order, here are some questions you may be asked when being interviewed for a legal assistant position.
Tell me about yourself. This is a common interview question that is typically asked at the start of an interview. It is asked to get a better understanding of what your skills and qualifications are.
Example Answer:
I am a dedicated legal professional with a passion for supporting attorneys and facilitating the smooth operations of legal practices. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from XYZ University. I have spent the last two years at 123 Law firm where I developed strong organizational and communication skills while supporting a team of attorneys on their daily tasks.
I gained experience by helping assist with legal research, drafting and proofreading legal documents, and coordinating court filings. I am proficient in using legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis and I have experience with document management systems. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and dedication to your law firm and continue my professional growth as a legal assistant.
Why do you want to work here? This is another common question asked to see how much research you have done about the company. Your answer should reflect your enthusiasm for the specific law firm and how your values align with their values and mission statement.
Example Answer:
I want to work here because I am drawn your the esteem reputation of ABC Law firm. Your firm has consistently demonstrated excellence in handling complex cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients. I also value the collaborative and supportive work environment that I've heard about. I believe that ABC Law Firm is the ideal environment for me to further develop my skills and contribute to a meaningful work.
Why should we hire you? Your answer should highlight your skills and accomplishments. You want to show the interviewer why you are the top candidate for the position.
Example Answer:
I bring a strong educational foundation in law and a passion for the legal field. My degree in Legal Studies from XYZ has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal world. I also have three years of practical experience that makes me prepared for the demands of this role. I have supported attorneys, conducted legal research, and drafted legal documents.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Interviewers love to ask this question to know what your goals are and how their company fits in. You want your answer to convey your long-term goals and how you are committed to growing in your career.
Example Answer:
In five years, I hope to be a highly skilled and experienced legal assistant making contributions to the success of this law firm. I am committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and expertise within the legal field.
I hope this role will give me the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and leadership roles. I also aspire to take on more strategic roles within the legal field for my long term goal.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Your answer should highlight your skills while also showing that you are self-aware with your weaknesses. Your weakness should be turned into a positive and how you are improving them.
Example Answer:
My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I have a meticulous nature and take great pride in ensuring accuracy in all aspects of my work. This has allowed me to review documents thoroughly and organize case files with precision.
For my weaknesses, I believe my public speaking would be my biggest. I have taken some steps to help remedy this by participating in public speaking courses and seeking opportunities to present in team meetings or training sessions.
Why did you choose a career in law? The purpose of this question is to get a sense of what motivates you and the level of passion you will have for this position.
Example Answer:
I chose a career in law because I wanted to join a rewarding profession where I would be able to use my skills to help others. I have always been interested in the justice system, and I want to do my part to make sure people are treated fairly under the law.
What area of law are you most interested in? Your answer to this question also helps the interviewer gauge your passion for the position, especially if your answer is the area of law a particular firm specializes in.
Example Answer:
I’m most interested in labor and environmental law. I have long been concerned with workers’ rights as well as protecting the environment.
What qualities, in your opinion, make a good legal assistant? This question gives you the opportunity to explain the traits you will want to exhibit as a legal assistant while also telling the interviewer what they can expect from you in terms of responsibility and work ethic.
Example Answer:
I believe a good legal assistant has great organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as an attention to detail and a high level of focus. They should also be passionate about what they do and be motivated to complete their work to the best of their ability.
How do you keep up with legal developments? This allows for the interviewer to get a sense of how you are advancing your education outside of what you may have learned in college — staying up-to-date shows that you are trying to keep up with the cutting edge of the industry and want to keep learning.
Example Answer:
I stay up-to-date with legal developments by reading the law sections of several major newspapers as well as listening to several law podcasts.
What is your typing speed? This question asks about a technical skill that you will be using every day as a legal assistant. Since the speed at which you get work done will be extremely important, do not lie or inflate your answer. Honesty is the best policy with this one.
Example Answer:
I can type around 80 words per minute, which means I can take dictation.
What experience do you have taking minutes? This is another skill that you may find yourself using on a daily basis in this position. Describe to the interviewer what experience you have and how that experience will help you as a legal assistant.
Example Answer:
In my past position as a secretary, I took minutes on daily meetings that my manager participated in, and I kept diligent notes for her reference.
What case management software(s) are you familiar with? This technical question allows for the interviewer to know whether they will have to teach you new software. If you have experience with the software they use, mention it first, followed by others.
If you don’t have experience with this particular software, mention that you are a fast learner and eager to take on a new challenge.
Example Answer:
I have experience with MyCase and Clio, but I also pick up new software easily.
Have you ever handled confidential documents before? Handling confidential documents is one of your most important responsibilities, as accidentally sharing them could result in legal trouble. Be honest about your experience and how you have handled confidential documents in the past.
Example Answer:
In the past, I have worked for two other law firms that trusted me with the handling and secure keeping of confidential documents. I am discreet and very organized, so no confidential document will find itself in the wrong place.
What legal documents do you have experience drafting? Drafting legal documents is one of the responsibilities a legal assistant may have, and it is important that they know how to draft different sorts of documents.
Example Answer:
I have experience drafting summonses, subpoenas, and depositions.
Describe a time when your attention to detail prevented a large error. Remaining organized and having great attention to detail are needed to be a successful legal assistant. Talking about a time when this skill came in handy proves to the interviewer that you are someone who has good attention to detail.
Example Answer:
Once, while making copies of a case file, I noticed that certain files were missing and were not included in the documents I had compiled to copy. I found the missing documents and included them in the copies, avoiding potential misinformation among the team.
Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you go about fixing it? Everyone makes mistakes, no matter who you are or what job you have. What makes the difference is how you handle a mistake and how you go about fixing it. When asking this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your integrity and honesty.
Example Answer:
Once I identified my mistake, I alerted my supervisor, informed them of my plan to correct my error, and then adjusted my workflow so that I would not repeat the mistake.
How do you stay organized and meet deadlines? Staying organized is essential for any legal assistant who may be handling several cases at once. Tell the interviewer about your organizational skills using specific details.
Example Answer:
I stay organized by keeping a current planner, taking copious notes, and planning ahead.
How would you handle a difficult or upset client? Due to the nature of the work, you may encounter someone who is unhappy with the results of their case or the service they were provided.
Customer service and interpersonal skills are a necessity when working as a legal assistant. When answering this question, be sure to demonstrate these skills.
Example Answer:
I would try my best to understand why they are upset and do whatever I can to help them. I would ask them what I can do to mend the situation and forward their complaints to my supervisor.
What experience do you have in other industries that could help you in this position? Everyone has a list of experiences that makes their particular set of skills unique. Speak about your past positions as learning experiences that helped you gain skills that will be useful to you as a legal assistant.
Example Answer:
My experience working in customer service gave me the interpersonal skills necessary to work closely with clients. It also gave me the work ethic needed to handle a demanding workplace.
How would you go about explaining a complicated legal concept to a client? Law can be a particularly complicated subject that can be difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t have a law degree. It is important to be able to explain things in layman’s terms so the client and advocate are on the same page.
Example Answer:
I believe the best way to explain complicated concepts is to approach the situation as if you were teaching a law class yourself. I often think about how certain concepts were explained to me as a student when I am trying to explain them to others.
It is important to avoid condescension, so I try to remind myself that the person I am explaining concepts to is just as intelligent as myself or anyone else.
Additional Legal Assistant Interview Questions for Employers
Can you describe the process for filing legal documents in a federal court? What specific forms and requirements need to be considered?
What steps would you take to conduct legal research on a specific topic using online databases and other resources? Explain how you would organize and present your findings to an attorney.
In a personal injury case, what types of information would you gather from clients during an initial consultation? How would you ensure accurate documentation and confidentiality of client information?
Describe your experience with drafting legal correspondence, such as demand letters or settlement agreements. What elements do you typically include, and how do you ensure clarity and precision?
When assisting with trial preparation, what role do you play in organizing and managing exhibits, witnesses, and other evidence? How do you ensure that all necessary documents are properly prepared and readily accessible?
How do you maintain and update a legal calendar to ensure timely filing of documents, court appearances, and meetings? What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively?
Can you explain the steps involved in preparing a deposition notice? What specific information should be included, and what rules or guidelines govern the process?
Describe your experience with electronic discovery (e-discovery) in litigation. What tools or software have you used to manage large volumes of electronically stored information (ESI)? How do you ensure compliance with relevant regulations and confidentiality requirements?
What measures do you take to ensure the accuracy and completeness of billing and invoicing? How do you track billable hours and expenses, and how do you handle client inquiries or disputes regarding invoices?
Provide an example of a complex case or project you worked on as a legal assistant. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? How did your contributions contribute to a successful outcome for the client or the firm?
How to Prepare for a Legal Assistant Interview
As the Candidate:
Highlight your soft skills. Soft skills are important for a legal assistant. The top soft skills you should highlight are your communication, computer, and research skills. Your soft skills are important because they help you build better professional relationships and they showcase your desire to work long term.
Bring copies of your certifications. To be a legal assistant, you are required to get some certifications. They include Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant (CP/CLA) and Professional Legal Secretary (PLS). Bringing these to the interview will show your interviewer that you are qualified and ready to work.
Review interview questions. The best way to prepare for an interview is to prepare behavioral and scenario based questions in addition to technical questions. Preparing for these will help you give a clear and concise answer. It will also help you feel more confident going into the interview.
As the Interviewer:
Understand the job requirements. To help you find the best candidate, it's important to know and understand the specific skills and qualifications that is required for the position. Read the job description to help you know. Be on a look out for key responsibilities and skills that a legal assistant are required to have.
Be prepared to answer questions. The candidate should be asking you questions about the positions so it's important to be prepared for that. Be sure to familiarize yourself with legal assistant competencies and how they algin with what your organization needs to give the best answer to the candidate.
Create a candidate scoring system. Create a standard assessment scoring system to ensure that all candidates are evaluated equally. Do this by defining what constitutes a strong response or skill demonstration for each question.
Final Thoughts
Interviews are intimidating, to say the least. They can feel like high-stake interrogations, especially if you are like so many of us who are not the best at talking about ourselves. However, when you know what questions you could be asked and why the interviewer is asking these questions, you can better prepare yourself and give the best answers possible.
When properly prepared, you will find yourself in a more relaxed position, allowing you to appear more confident and organized.
