5 Typical Attorney Interview Questions & Answers

At this point in the job application process, you have diligently worked towards finding an open position
that seems to suit your strengths and specialized skills. This can be an exciting time, and one that leads
to career advancements as an attorney. You have put in the work of crafting a resume that authentically
represents you as a professional individual with your unique qualifications and work experiences. Now
it’s time to ace your first interview. The interview is an equally important step in the job application
process that helps a company gauge whether or not you’d be a solid fit for the position. You can expect
many of the general interview questions to be thrown your way, but it will be of incredible benefit if you
familiarize yourself with more specific attorney interview questions.

5 Attorney Interview Questions & Answers

1. As an attorney, you will need to deal with clients in a way that makes them feel comfortable
disclosing personal and often uncomfortable information with you. How do you plan on maintaining
your professionalism?

I understand that being in the law profession means professionalism comes first and foremost. As an
attorney, I would ensure that every client felt that the information they were disclosing to me was
heard, respected, and used in a way that would only be of benefit to him or her. In my former position
as a paralegal, I observed the interpersonal skills of the various attorneys in the firm and could see first-
hand what a difference that made in the successful relationships with their clients.

2. Which experiences from your previous jobs have allowed you to hone your problem-solving skills in a
way that will benefit you in this position?

As a paralegal, it was often my responsibility to ensure that things ran as smoothly as possible in the
firm. We’d encounter problems on a daily basis, whether that was a problem with one of the cases or a
technological difficulty such as the computer systems going down. It was my duty to use a calm and
logical thought process to help solve these issues effectively.

3. Do you feel confident in your logic skills? Provide a clear example.

I feel quite confident in my ability to think logically, and I also look forward to future opportunities
where I can further hone this skill. As a paralegal, I was often asked to follow an appellate court’s logic
so that I could accurately prepare a brief or work through a legal issue. I also find the process of using
logic to follow an opposing party’s argument. I find this way of thinking to be a vital part to my
successful career as an attorney.
4. As an attorney, you will need to be in constant communication with those around you. How do you
plan on maintaining strong relationships with everyone?

As mentioned before, I truly honor the importance of interpersonal skills in this industry. Fortunately,
my previous work experiences allowed me the opportunity to speak with a variety of professionals such
as Judges, clients, witnesses, court personnel, attorneys, and paralegals. From quick emails to formal
letters and courtroom dialogue, I feel confident in my ability to communicate with a wide range of
personnel.

5. As an attorney, you will be faced with long and difficult work hours. How do you plan on balancing a
healthy work and personal life with this demanding career?

Since my studies as an undergraduate, I have been faced with the challenge of time management, and it
is one that I have met well. While I am in the office, I plan on dedicating my time solely on the work in
front of me, limiting distractions and leaving my personal life behind as best I can. In this manner, I hope
to eliminate any unnecessary time spent in the office and on the clock; however, I will eagerly work
overtime if a case or responsibility should call for it. I also understand that I am particularly effective in
the workplace if I lead a balanced life and do have time carved out for myself. Therefore, I plan to honor
this time and ask for it when appropriate or necessary for the wellbeing of myself and my career.