The questions will often be deliberately open. This ensures that you do not answer just yes or no.
- What are your reasons for wanting to leave? (Do not overly criticise).
- Why are you looking to join us?
- How much do you know about us?
- Where does your initial interest in law stem from?
- What do you enjoy about your current role? What do you not enjoy?
- What sort of culture do you fit into best?
- What successes have you enjoyed in your current role? How did you achieve these?
- What sort of supervisory/mentoring/management experience do you have?
- How would your boss/team describe you?
- What do you want to achieve over the next 2/3/5 years?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How good are you at:
- Time recording
- Dealing with targets
- Prioritising
- Delegating
- Marketing/Business Development
- How regularly do you use Counsel? How do you instruct them? Who do you regularly instruct?
- What difficulties have you encountered in your jobs in the law and how have you overcome them?
- Give examples of trials/deals you have been involved in.
- What do you currently bill in fees/what is your billing track record? What is your charge out rate?
- What contacts have you introduced to the firm? Do you have a following?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
- What is your ideal job?
- Where did you go for your last holiday?
- What was the last book you read?
- How IT literate are you?
Always support answers with relevant examples
Typical Questions To Ask At Interview
- How has this opportunity become available?
- What is the structure of the organisation/department?
- What is the culture of the organisation? Team spirited? Is there an open door policy?
- How much training, support and development opportunity will there be?
- What are the future plans of the business/department?
- Who do you regard as your main competitors?
- What types of individuals are in the department currently?
- How do you appraise the performance of your staff?
- What are the long term prospects for the person who gets the job?
- Ask the interviewer about them, who they worked for before and how long they have worked in their current role. This can develop the rapport and allow you to gather your thoughts.
- What IT systems do you have in place currently?
- How many files on average will you be expected to handle?
- How much business development will you be expected to be involved in?
- Does the organisation encourage marketing, development of client relations?
- Will you have responsibility for any junior members of the team?
- How many chargeable hours are staff expected to bill per month?
- What is the ratio of support staff to fee earner?
- Is the office open plan or cellular?
- Who would you report directly to?
Do Not
- Fidget, yawn or look bored.
- Give rambling answers avoiding the question.
- Reply with just a yes or no.
- Mention any concerns or reservations at this stage - what may seem an issue right now rarely will be at a later stage.
Show off your knowledge of the firm and your enthusiasm. Appear relaxed but always professional. Maintain eye contact with all interviewers not just one.
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