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Why It’s Important to Ask Law Candidates the Right Questions
The ideal candidate for a law firm role embodies not just legal expertise but also drive and dedication. While resumes and letters of recommendation offer valuable insights, they only scratch the surface. That’s why it’s crucial to delve deeper with thoughtful questions that reveal a candidate’s comprehensive capabilities and fit for the position.
In the competitive landscape of law firm recruitment, candidates often bring strong qualifications. To pinpoint the best match, hiring managers need to uncover nuanced details. Strategic questioning not only provides a clearer picture of candidates but also aids in selecting the most suitable individual for the role.
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Key Questions to Ask During Law Firm Interviews
These categories feature questions designed to gauge a candidate’s personal and professional attributes, providing insights into what they bring to the table.
Ice Breakers & Basics
- How would your friends and coworkers describe you?
- Why are you interested in the law?
- What’s your biggest strength and weakness?
- Which accomplishment in life are you most proud of?
- What would be your ideal working environment?
Education Background
- What was your biggest challenge in law school?
- What was your favorite and least favorite subject?
- Were you involved in any extracurricular groups or activities?
- Did any instructors make a big impression on you?
- What’s one thing you would change about your law school experience?
Work Experience
- How have your previous jobs prepared you for working at a law firm?
- What work project are you most proud of?
- Why did you leave your previous positions?
- What skill have you learned at a previous job that you find most useful?
- What would past employers or managers say about you?
Legal Philosophy
- Is there a famous case that you find particularly interesting?
- Do you have any legal opinions that could be considered controversial?
- Is there a legal professional from history that you admire?
- Which Supreme Court case from the last 5-10 years has had the biggest impact?
- Is there a recent legal decision that you disagree with?
Personality & Behavior
- How do you deal with challenges in your daily life?
- Have you ever had a coworker you disliked? If so, how did you handle the situation?
- How do you react when professionally criticized?
- How would you handle being placed in a leadership role?
- What would you do if you found you were unable to complete a project by its deadline?
Interpersonal Communication
- What would you do if a client disagreed with you?
- How would you communicate bad news to a client?
- What would you do if you believed a client was being untruthful?
- How would you gain a new client’s trust?
- How would you discuss a potential conflict of interest with a client?
Future Pursuits & Goals
- What do you hope to achieve while working for this law firm?
- Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
- What would be your most desired position in the legal field?
- What new skills are you most excited about learning here?
- What kind of job offer or opportunity would cause you to leave this position?
Questions to Avoid During Legal Interviews
While it’s important to ask specific questions during a legal interview, some questions should be avoided. As the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains, employers are not permitted to use exclusionary tactics during the hiring process. Also, asking questions about a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected categories could be construed as discriminatory and may lead to legal action against the employer.
While they’re not problematic from a legal perspective, some questions can put candidates in an awkward position. For example, employers should avoid asking about negative interactions with specific people, such as former supervisors and managers. If the candidate answers honestly, they may paint themselves in a bad light. They might also raise the ire of the interviewer if they’re acquainted with the subject of the questions.
Wize Words
A comprehensive interview process is a big part of success when it comes to staffing law firms. With so many variables to consider, from qualifications to personal philosophy, being thorough with interview questions can streamline the hiring process and ensure a successful match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asking questions during the interview is usually a better strategy than providing a form for candidates to fill out. Asking questions in person allows the candidate to answer questions genuinely, as opposed to creating answers they believe the hiring manager wants to hear. Additionally, asking questions in person also allows the hiring manager to follow up for more information.
It’s always a good idea to accept your candidate’s questions when interviewing for a law firm job. In addition to providing candidates with important information about the job role, you can also gauge a person’s level of interest based on the questions they ask. For instance, a candidate who exhibits knowledge of your firm and appears eager to learn more could be an excellent addition to your team.
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