Role-specific Judicial Clerk Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Tell me what if you're asked to address your personal weaknesses?

☛ This can be turned into a positive as well; say you're a workaholic, that you can't let a problem go until it is resolved.
☛ It's best to keep everything positive, that way you create a positive association in the interviewer's mind.

2. Explain me have you ever been sanctioned for, or accused of, attorney misconduct?

You have a right to know whether your potential lawyer has violated, or even been formally accused of violating, the rules of professional responsibility. While you may be able to locate this information on the website of a state's legal licensing authority, you should still ask the attorney. You are entitled to an explanation of the circumstances and the outcomes of any allegations of ethical violations.

3. Tell me what is my role in case preparation?

It is quite important to find out what you should and should not be doing to help your attorney. Often you may be able to provide documents and background information. However, your lawyer will usually tell you that you should not speak to witnesses or do any legal work. Learn how you can help, and make sure to follow your counsel's instructions.

4. Tell us how about after the interview … thank you letter or no thank you letter?

The cons of the thank you letter outrank the potential benefits.
Even the most gracious and classy thank you letters can backfire.
They can make you seem desperate like you have no other options.
Its best to leave on a high note and thank you notes give you an extra opportunity to screw up.

5. Do you know what are the most important skills for a paralegal?

In your paralegal interview answer include organization and planning, research and analytical skills, writing skills, judgment and decision-making skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills, patience and perseverance, confidentiality and sensitivity.

6. Tell me what about video conference and telephone interviews?

☛ Law firms will often conduct telephone interviews before formally bringing you in for an interview.
☛ Technology is advancing and videoconferencing is becoming more and more common.
☛ It's a great way to look for a job during a lunch break without battling traffic, etc.
☛ Don't forget that they can see you. No nose picking, yawning, looking around the room.

7. Tell me how will we communicate?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

8. Tell us how do you check the accuracy of your work?

Highlight your attention to detail and your focus on all areas involved in the task no matter how small. Describe the systems and processes you use to check your work for accuracy and completeness.

9. Tell me how important is it to ask questions?

It shows you're paying attention and capable of critical thinking.
Ask for more details about job responsibilities, how work is assigned, possibilities for advancement, and possibilities for independent decision-making.

10. Explain about your experience dealing with confidential and sensitive information?

A paralegal needs to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive and confidential issues and situations. Provide a specific example.