Why this matters:
Most companies hiring legal counsel are looking for someone ready on Day 1 to address the challenges they may face. Candidates with prior experience, or who have studied these issues in law school, stand out for their ability to comprehend unique, industry-specific legal questions without an extensive onboarding period.
What to listen for:
- Industry-specific legal expertise
- In-depth knowledge of company
- Confidence discussing legal matters
Why this matters:
Lawyers spend hours looking through case law and prior court decisions. While modern technology has simplified this process significantly, it still poses a challenge for many. Knowing how to navigate this process efficiently provides candidates with a foundation for success, and will prove an asset to your organization.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with legal research services, such as Westlaw and LexisNexis
- Use of tailored search terms and appropriate filters
- Ability to apply case law beyond the obvious
Why this matters:
In seeking the best possible legal guidance, clients understandably want to feel that their interests are represented by someone devoted and uncompromising. Beyond that, candidates should demonstrate an appreciation for the broader ethical guidelines governing legal practice — and know how to apply them.
What to listen for:
- Firm commitment to client interests
- Respect for attorney-client privilege
- Strong ethical principles
Why this matters:
Sometimes lawyers encounter difficult, even unprecedented questions — and in these cases, candidates can demonstrate how they’ve drawn on their creativity and critical thinking skills to provide solutions. Candidates who have faced such questions in the past are better prepared to deal with similar questions in their new role.
What to listen for:
- Use of statutes and precedent to navigate complex legal issues
- Ability to apply high-level analysis and strategy toward solving problems
- Cohesive interpretation of issues at play
Why this matters:
Lawyers commonly deal with multiple and simultaneous cases, each of which requires their focus and scrutiny. Candidates must show that they can succeed under pressure, and even when their attention is divided among many responsibilities. Their response should demonstrate flexibility and devotion to the practice.
What to listen for:
- Strong ability to multitask
- Willingness to prioritize and delegate
- Confidence navigating a busy work environment
Why this matters:
As they advance from associate positions to counsel or partner, lawyers find themselves increasingly in leadership roles and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should be willing to step up and accept responsibility not only for their own work but for the performance of their colleagues.
What to listen for:
- Leadership ability, including the ability to motivate others
- Organization, diligence, and meticulous attention to detail
- Integrity and strength of character when managing colleagues
Why this matters:
Lawyers aren’t the only ones working on legal matters — paralegals and administrative assistants provide them with support. Candidates should understand the power of their team and have the confidence and requisite knowledge to delegate appropriate tasks to trusted support staff.
What to listen for:
- Discernment when delegating tasks
- Reliance on support staff for research and rote tasks
- Willingness to take responsibility for a team’s work product
Why this matters:
The courtroom and boardroom are high-stakes arenas for legal counsel. Some lawyers are more comfortable in one than the other, but an ideal candidate will have the ability to succeed in either environment — and will know the standards that apply in each. This question reveals a candidate’s familiarity and ease with different aspects of their role.
What to listen for:
- Professionalism and dexterity under pressure
- Ability to play to their strengths in either environment
- Knowledge of the rules and procedures that apply in each setting
Why this matters:
The oral argument might be legal counsel’s most powerful tool — and important test. They must exhibit composure, shrewd listening skills, and exceptional persuasive techniques. The job interview provides an ideal opportunity for candidates to demonstrate the same skills needed for oral argument: the candidate must convince the interviewer that they’re the best choice for the role.
What to listen for:
- Detailed and comprehensive arguments
- Articulacy with a structured flow of thoughts
- Connection with their audience
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