1. How do you check your work for accuracy?
I am an individual with high attention to detail. I check and recheck my work continuously and make sure that there are no errors.
2. Why should we hire you for this job as Paralegal?
I am a dedicated paralegal professional with law education and ample experience in the field. I posses all the core competencies needed for the routine legal assistance tasks and am proficient in legal research and report writing as well.
3. Why did you leave your last job as Paralegal?
I enjoyed my job a lot and it provided me with great opportunities to learn. However it was limited to family law and I wanted to broaden my horizons in the law field.
4. Tell me about a time you had to interact with a difficult client?
You represent the company to the public and your ability to act professionally at all times is important. Discuss the specific techniques you use to handle a difficult interaction including staying calm, getting all the necessary facts and information, discussing options and coming to agreement.
5. Why should we consider you to be the right person for this job?
I am confident that I possess the legal educational background, the experience and the skills that this job demands. I believe I am much above in these areas as far as other contenders for this job is concerned as I possess excellent research skills along with a profound ability to work in a fast paced environment.
6. Are you comfortable working for the defense of suspected criminals?
You might be put in a position where a client is guilty or suspected of a crime that conflicts with your personal ethics, however the interviewer must ensure that won't affect your work.
"Our job is to provide high quality legal services and I believe everyone deserves to be represented equally, regardless of the alleged charges. I pride myself on my level of diplomacy. At the end of the day, I have a job to complete so I would never let personal feelings cloud my professional judgment."
7. How do you manage your research work considering there is so much to look through?
I have been trained to first comprehend the topic I am researching and to then look for resources. I am familiar with most legal books that hold pertinent information and have the knowledge of how to look through them for precedents and information.
8. Describe to me a time when you had to deal with a difficult client?
A Paralegal is the face of the company and during this time professionalism is required.
You should tell the interviewer about specific techniques you used when handling a difficult client and how you stayed calm. At the same time explain how you were able to get all the necessary facts and information, discussing options and coming to an agreement.
9. Tell me 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.
10. Tell us about a time you had to handle a difficult client?
There was an instance when a client we figured to be lying wanted to make us believe otherwise. It was a sensitive case and we couldn't be too careful. He would come in to the office and threaten us when the office refused to take his case. He almost made it into a hostage situation when he tried abducting one of the secretaries. I took over the situation and calmly convinced him to leave.
A paralegal must research and analyze volumes of data in order to prepare written reports and summaries. They also have to be able to work under pressure. Describe the steps you took, using a specific example, to identify key issues from a base of information. Highlight how you applied relevant legal principals to the facts in your analysis of the information.
12. What are the main components of a case file and what steps are carried out to file a case?
Case filing is an intricate task, it involves case summarizing, material collection and organization, law research, witness scheduling and team case review reports.
13. What do you deem the most important skills for a person working as a legal assistant?
Legal assistants need to be very organized and possess excellent research skills. Since they work with paperwork a lot, their communication skills and the ability to maintain confidential information need to be above par.
It's a paralegals job to make clear coherent decision independently. This includes getting all the required information and essential facts. It's then the paralegals job to choose the best alternative decision, while focusing on a logical and systematic decision-making process.
You should demonstrate all the above to the interviewer
As a paralegal you need to be able to make sound decisions independently. Steps include gathering all relevant information and pertinent facts, generating and exploring good alternatives, selecting the best alternative and checking the decision. Focus on presenting a logical and systematic decision-making process.
Being a trained legal assistant I fully understand the importance of confidentiality in legal proceedings and know that even the minor details of any case should be kept confidential. I have always maintained case confidentiality during my work experience and my previous employer can testify the same.
17. What are the key skills you possess that you believe qualify you as a legal assistant?
My skills, training and experience in client litigation, law research, legal administration skills and expertise in maintaining functional client relationships render me a suitable candidate for the position
18. Availability based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Are you available to work overtime?
► Are you available to travel?
► Can you complete this temporary assignment by the deadline?
► How much notice will you give your present employer?
► When are you available to start a position?
► Can you start any sooner?
► When do you graduate?
► Are you available for work before graduation?
► Can you relocate?
► Are you available for training in our corporate office?
► Are you available to meet with the rest of the staff on Tuesday?
► Are you available next week for a second interview/lunch with colleagues?
19. The Firm/Corporation related Paralegal Interview Question:
► What is the structure of the firm or in-house legal department?
► Who is the person paralegals report to?
► How long has the firm/legal department used paralegals?
► What is the history of the firm/company?
► How many attorneys are in the practice specialty?
► What is the ratio of paralegals to attorneys?
► What are the practice specialties of the firm/legal department?
► How many employees does the firm/corporation have?
► Do paralegals work with senior partners?
► How are paralegals assigned work?
► Is the paralegal program a profit center?
► What are the number of required billable hours?
► Does the firm/corporation handle pro bono work?
► If so, are paralegals involved?
► Does the firm/corporation have branch offices? If so, where?
► What is the firm's philosophy regarding technology?
► Are paralegals responsible for administrative time? If so, what kinds of duties are involved?
► Will I have an office?
► Tell me about secretarial support for paralegals.
20. Past Employment based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Tell me about your past position. What were your responsibilities?
► Why are you leaving your present position?
► Why did you leave your past positions?
► Describe your current responsibilities.
► How does your current/past position relate to the paralegal field?
► To whom did you report?
► What do you enjoy most about your current position?
► Were you required to bill time in your past position? If so, what were the requirements?
► Why were you downsized? Laid-off?
► What would past employers say about you?
► Are you accustomed to working overtime?
► Tell me about your toughest project and how you handled it.
► Describe a typical assignment from your last position.
► Does your present employer know you are leaving?
► Were you responsible for training/supervising anyone?
► Why do you want to change professions?
► Who can we contact for professional references?
► How did you get along with your boss? Coworkers?
► Tell me about your last performance review.
► Why do you want to work here?
► Why should we hire you over other candidates?
► What do you know about our firm/company?
► When can you start a position?
► What would you like to be doing in five years?
► Have you ever written any articles/taught courses?
► Your resume reflects a two-year gap. Did you work during that period?
21. Paralegals in the Firm/Corporation based Interview Question:
► How many paralegals are in the firm/corporation?
► Have paralegals been promoted into other positions within the firm/corporation?
► How many attorneys or paralegals have been promoted to vice president in this company?
► Do paralegals meet on a regular basis?
► Are paralegals included in department meetings? Client meetings?
► Who supervises the paralegal's work?
► Where do I go if I have questions?
► How do paralegals receive assignments?
► Do paralegals use the Internet?
► Do paralegals perform legal research?
► Do paralegals draft documents in this firm/corporation?
► Does the firm/corporation offer continuing education or in-house training?
► Do paralegals attend trial?
► Do paralegals attend depositions?
► Do paralegals have access to secretaries or word-processing support?
► Does the firm/corporation have a litigation support department?
► Does the legal department work separately from other departments in this company?
► Can you tell me how paralegals receive updated information regarding laws, technology and clients?
► Does each paralegal have a computer?
► Can you describe the culture of the firm?
► What are the long-term plans of the firm/corporation?
► Has the level of paralegal assignments progressed over the years?
► What is the average tenure of the paralegals here?
► Does the firm have a career path for its paralegals?
22. Creativity and Initiative based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Tell me how you handled the most boring assignment you've ever been given.
► What would you do if you were handed an assignment you didn't know how to complete?
► What makes a paralegal successful?
► Describe an assignment where you took the initiative.
► If you were in a situation where work was trickling in, what would you do?
► If you were in a situation where the volume of work was overwhelming, what would you do?
► How do you motivate a team?
► How do you go about making important decisions?
► Can you work without direct supervision?
► What process do you use when faced with a job-related problem?
23. Position based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Can you describe a typical assignment?
► Can you describe a typical day in the life of a paralegal in this position?
► Does the position have a full pipeline of work?
► How many attorneys and paralegals will I work with?
► Why is this position open?
► How many paralegals have held this position in the past 5 years?
► What are the computer skills required for this position?
► If the senior partners retire, does the firm continue on?
► What do you expect this paralegal to accomplish?
► Will I cross-train in other practice areas of the firm?
► What access do paralegals have to word processing?
► What access do paralegals have to the law library?
► How long has this position been open?
► What are the precise characteristics to be a successful candidate?
► What is the skill level required for this position?
► What software packages will I be expected to know?
► Does the firm/corporation have a structured paralegal program?
► What is the hiring process?
► Would you like a writing sample?
► Does the firm have a training program for entry-level paralegals?
► Is the relationship between managing partners and paralegals favorable?
► What are the most important duties in this position?
► What causes a paralegal to fail in this position?
► How is my performance evaluated?
► What opportunities are there for advancement?
► I have some interests outside work. Will I be able to pursue these after hours?
► Do you have any other questions regarding my qualifications for this position?
► Since I will be working with (five) attorneys, is there a formalized policy for prioritizing the work?
► Will I have client contact?
► What are the most important goals of this position?
► When will you make a hiring decision?
► Does the paralegal in this position have an office?
24. Temporary Employees and Assignments based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Are you seeking full-time (permanent) employment?
► Can you commit to the end of the assignment?
► Can you work overtime?
► What are your computer skills?
► Have you ever worked in a temporary position?
► What skills do you have for this position?
► Do you take direction well?
► What hourly rate are you seeking?
► When does your current assignment end?
► What guarantees do we have that you'll finish the assignment?
► Do you need an office?
► Can you manage others?
► Are you available on the weekends?
► What agency do you work with?
► Can you start tomorrow?
► Describe an instance where you were required to make an important decision related to a temporary assignment. How did you handle it?
► Have you ever had an assignment like this before?
► Can you travel to the document production site?
► Can you get here on time?
► When is your time card due?
► Who is supposed to sign your time card?
► What would you do if you completed your assignment early?
► What would you do if you didn't understand the assignment?
25. Basic Paralegal Interview Questions:
► Describe your day to day tasks at your last paralegal job.
► How do you think your experiences will best benefit our legal department?
► How has your education prepared you to work in the criminal justice system?
► What methods do you use to organize and review legal documents?
► What do you consider to be the most important skills in an effective paralegal?
► What experience have you had drafting legal documents?
► Give me an example of a time you used excellent written communication skills.
► How comfortable are you dealing with confidential information?
► How comfortable are you working for the defense of suspected criminals?
► What do you do to ensure accuracy in your daily work?
► What do you know about this law firm?
► Have you had experience with any Case Management Software?
► How well do you handle stress?
► Why did you decide to become a paralegal?
► What are your future plans?
26. Benefits, Perks, Vacations, Time Off based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Can you describe the benefits package? (Includes vacation and parking.)
► Does the firm/corporation offer a 401(k) or other retirement packages?
► Does the firm/corporation reimburse or pay for continuing education?
► Does the paralegal in this position have an office or secretary?
► What is the vacation policy? How is it accrued?
► Does the firm/company endorse participation in paralegal associations?
► Does the firm/company pay for association dues?
► Are year-end or holiday bonuses offered?
► Does the firm pay for parking or offer a transportation allowance?
► Can you describe the health benefits?
► Does the firm/corporation offer dependent coverage?
► Do employees pay any part of the insurance premium?
► Does the firm offer long-term disability or life insurance?
► Does this corporation offer profit sharing?
► Will I be able to attend paralegal association seminars? Does the firm/corporation reimburse or pay for these seminars?
27. Skills based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Did you bring a sample of your work product?
► Can you provide a writing sample?
► Have you had a legal research assignment?
► Do you know how to use LEXIS-NEXIS or Westlaw?
► Are you familiar with federal and state laws?
► What specialty are you seeking?
► Do you speak any foreign languages?
► How would you rate your cite-checking abilities?
► Tell me about your computer skills.
► Tell me about your analytical skills. Please give an example.
► How extensive are your factual investigation skills?
► Have you ever interviewed a witness?
► Can you put together closing binders? Trial binders? Exhibits?
► Have you ever summarized a deposition?
► Have you ever drafted pleadings?
► Have you ever attended trial?
► What do you know about the SEC?
► How would you prepare for a real estate closing?
► Can you prepare subpoenas? Notices of depositions?
► Tell me about the judicial system.
► Have you ever coded documents?
► Tell me about your organizational skills.
► How much experience do you have interfacing with clients?
► What are your crisis-management skills? Please give me an example.
► Describe your worst assignment and how to prevent it, if you could, today.
► Describe an assignment where you were the hero.
► Do you know your way around the courthouse?
► What do you know about imaging and scanning?
► Have you ever formed a corporation?
► Do you have any experience working with government agencies?
► What do you know about CERCLA?
► Have you ever worked on the case/matter? (Checking for conflict of interest.)
► To what extent have you been exposed to mergers and acquisitions?
► Have you ever worked with Blue Sky laws?
► Have you ever Bates-stamped? No? Have we got a surprise for you.
► How are punitive damages awarded?
► How do you prepare jury instructions?
► Have you ever prepared a lease summary?
► Have you been to/studied Family Court?
► Are you familiar with products liability litigation?
► Describe how a trademark is registered.
► Describe the patent registration process.
► What is the procedure to file a copyright?
► Give me an example of your organizational abilities.
► Describe the differences between Chapters 7, 11, and 13.
► What skills do you possess to be a great paralegal?
► Why have you chosen corporate law over litigation?
► Why are you seeking a position with an in-house legal department?
► What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
► What practice area most interests you and why?
► What are your strengths?
► What are your weaknesses?
► How do you handle last-minute projects?
28. Characteristics and Traits related Paralegal Interview Question:
► Tell me about yourself.
► How well do you work under pressure? Please give me an example.
► What would you do if, during a peak work period, someone dropped a document on your desk and said, "please have this done in an hour?"
► Do you get bored doing routine and repetitious work?
► Tell me about your ability to pay attention to details. Please give me an example.
► What stresses you? What really stresses you on the job?
► Tell me how you cope with deadlines. Please give me an example.
► How would your past employers describe you?
► What are your greatest strengths?
► What are your weaknesses?
► How would your friends/former coworkers describe you?
► How do you cope with a changing work environment?
► Who are your role models?
► Describe a work situation where you were the "hero."
► Describe a situation you could have handled better.
► Describe a situation that demonstrates you are a "self-starter."
► What are your feelings about a dress code? Casual day?
► Why should we hire you?
► Our paralegals are expected to bill 1,600 hours per year. Can you do that?
► Describe how you would handle an irate client/attorney/ colleague/supervisor.
► Describe how you would handle an overworked, stressed-out, about-to-go-to-trial attorney/client/colleague.
► What is your greatest attribute?
► How do you get along with others?
► Are you better in a team environment or as an independent player?
► Are you a team leader? If so, please describe an instance that demonstrates your leadership.
► What would you do if you were faced with an unethical dilemma?
29. Career Objectives based Paralegal Interview Question:
► What position do you expect to hold in another 2/3/5 years?
► What are your plans to achieve that goal?
► What other positions within the firm are attractive to you?
► Are you planning to attend law school or grad school?
► What is your 5-year plan?
► What thought have you given to your professional future?
► Have you joined a paralegal association?
► Tell me about your dream job.
30. Operational and Situational Paralegal Interview Questions:
► What interests you about being a paralegal?
► Why did you choose to specialize in this area of law?
► What education and training has prepared you for this role?
► How have you kept up with your continuing education requirements?
► What's your familiarity with paralegal software? Which ones have you used?
► What kinds of legal documents have you drafted?
► What problems or language would you look for in [standard legal document]?
► In as much detail as possible, describe a time you parsed large volumes of data to prepare a report in the face of tight deadlines.
► Recall a complex legal decision you had to make. Describe the process you used to make your decision.
► If you report to multiple attorneys, how do you decide which assignment to do first?
► How comfortable are you with handling confidential information?
► Some paralegal tasks are repetitive. How do you stay focused?
► Describe a time you worked with a difficult client. How did you handle it?
► Describe a time you turned a negative situation with a client into a positive one.
31. Salary, Bonuses, Overtime, and Expectations based Paralegal Interview Question:
► What is your current salary?
► What is your base salary?
► Are you compensated for overtime? How much do you receive in overtime pay?
► Did you receive a bonus? If so, what was it based upon?
► Do you hold an exempt (not paid overtime) or nonexempt (overtime is paid) position?
► What salary are you seeking?
► Excuse me????
► Would you be interested in a temporary to permanent position? If so, what is the hourly rate you are seeking?
► What was your total compensation?
► We start all our entry-level paralegals at $ per year. (You are expected to respond.)
► Can you work overtime? (Requires a yes or no answer only.)
► We offer a bonus based on merit. (You may be expected to ask a few questions here.)
► Are you open for negotiation regarding your salary requirements?
► Can you work weekends?
► Are you available for the night shift?
► What would you like to be earning in 5 years?
32. Salary based Paralegal Interview Question:
► Is salary based on years of experience or performance levels?
► When would I receive a performance review?
► When would I receive a salary review?
► Does the firm offer a bonus? What are eligibility requirements for the bonus?
► Can you give me an approximate range of the bonus?
► Does the firm/corporation offer compensatory time off in lieu of overtime?
► Can you provide a salary range for this position?
► How does the firm recognize and reward performance?
► Does everyone in the firm/corporation receive salary reviews at the same time or on anniversary dates?
► Since I would not have been with the firm for an entire year when reviews are given, will I be eligible anyway?
► Since I would not have been with the firm for an entire year when bonuses are calculated, am I eligible for a bonus on a prorated basis?
► Is this position exempt (does not pay overtime) or nonexempt (does pay overtime)?
► About how much overtime can I expect?
33. Computer Skills based Paralegal Interview Question:
► How would you rate your computer skills?
► What are your computer skills?
► Tell me the software in which you are proficient.
► Do you know how to use spreadsheets? Which ones?
► Can you use a MAC? a PC?
► What do you know about networks?
► How experienced are you on the Internet?
► What do you know about videotaped depositions?
► How extensive is your knowledge about imaging and scanning?
► Can you design databases?
► Have you ever coded documents?
► What legal forms software packages do you know?
► Do you know Windows 98? Windows 2000?
► Do you know Office 99? Office 2000?
► Are you familiar with SQL?
► Are you familiar with graphics packages?
► Tell me about your technology expertise.
► Tell me about your litigation support expertise.
► Are you a fast learner?
► How many year's experience with computers do you have?
► How did you use the computer on your last job?
► Do you have good data entry skills?
► Tell me about your legal research skills.
► Are you familiar with WordPerfect or Word?
► Do you have a computer at home? A modem? Fax? DSL?
► Do you own a laptop computer?
► Do you consider yourself computer literate?
► How up-to-date are your computer skills?
► How do you keep yourself informed about the latest technology changes?
► Are you familiar with EDGAR?
► What is HTML?
► Have you ever used Lotus Live Notes?
► What is Explorer?
► What do you know about Java?
► Yahoo is not a term used by cowboys. What would you say it is?
► How have you used these services?
► Are you comfortable asking for help when learning a new program? Or do you tend to "tough it out"?
► What experience do you have with E-mail?
► What is LAN/WAN?
► What is your opinion regarding copyright, privacy, and First Amendment rights concerning the Internet?
► Do you think the Internet is misused?
► Where do you think technology in the legal field is headed?
► What do you know about computers in the courtroom?
► How has technology impacted billable hours?
► What is a browser?
► What technology periodicals do you read?
► How did you first learn to use a computer?
► Can you use the redlining features?
► Do you know how to burn a CD?
► Did you take any computer science courses in paralegal school?
► Are you familiar with any of the latest litigation support software? Which ones?
34. Education related Paralegal Interview Question:
► Tell me about your college experience.
► Why did you choose this major?
► What do you intend to do with your degree?
► Are you changing your original goals?
► What was your grade point average (GPA) in college? in paralegal school?
► Were you an honors student?
► What was your favorite subject?
► What was your least favorite subject? Why?
► Tell me the areas in which you excelled.
► Tell me your weakest subject areas.
► Were you employed while attending school?
► Are you planning to complete college/paralegal school?
► Why did it take so long to complete your degree?
► Why did you decide to become a paralegal?
► Why did you change careers?
► Why did you choose the ABC Paralegal School?
► How has your education prepared you for a paralegal job?
► What professional seminars have you attended in the past year?
► What are your future educational plans?
► Does your grade point average reflect your work ability?
► Name three subjects you learned that could be used in this position.
► Are you planning to attend law school or grad school?
► Tell me about your best/worst assignment.
► Did you participate in a paralegal internship program?
► What did you gain from the experience?
► Do you have a paralegal mentor/role model?
► Why did you choose this person?
► Are you a CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) or a PACE-registered paralegal (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam), or have you applied to take either test?
► How has this certification or registration helped or hindered your job search?
► How do you react to on-the-job-training?
► Did you bring college/paralegal school transcripts with you? Can you provide them?
35. Why should we employ you for the job as Paralegal?
You should put focus on what you can bring to the organisation. Some qualities can include the following:
► Legal knowledge
► Abilities
► Legal experience and skills
Now you should bring specific attention to the qualities that you bring, by highlighting particular strengths such as
► Your analytical ability,
► Your specialist knowledge
► Your research skills
► Your e-discovery
All of this should be used to relate to the specific needs of the job in question. Examples of your past experience related to the job should also be used.
Why have you decide to become a Paralegal? And why have you chosen this particular area of law to work in?
When in your Paralegal interview you will need to be very convincing especially in regards to your passion in law.
A job as a Paralegal is the opportunity for you to give your imput in important legal processes. You are also given the chance to exercise your critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
