Interview Questions to Ask Legal Candidates

It takes extensive research, deliberation, and – occasionally – trial and error to come up with ideal job interview questions. Once you do, however, you will gain more insight into candidates, enabling you to make smarter hiring decisions.  

Inspired by Yale Law School’s work on the subject, here is Mission Recruiting's cheat sheet to assist you in asking the right interview questions of your legal candidates.  

General questions  

• Why did you choose law as a career?  
• Why are you leaving your current job?  
• How have your prior positions helped prepare you for a legal career?  
• What is the most rewarding thing you have ever accomplished?  
• What skills do you possess that will help you succeed in the legal profession?
• In what ways do you see yourself needing further development for you to be fully effective in your career?  

Interest in the position

• What professional abilities should we know about?  
• How do you think you can contribute to our practice (or organization)?  
• What would you like to know about our organization?  

Behavioral questions

• Describe a problem that you have had to deal with and how you have handled it.
• Describe a situation where you had to convince someone of your viewpoint.  
• Describe a group project where you were in charge and had to deal with a difficult team member.

Your interview questions should be designed to determine a candidate's ability to successfully carry out the critical duties you have specified for the position. You can find fantastic opportunities and a solid fit in your next lawyer by being conscious of the right questions to ask. Be sure to ask questions that will reveal the candidates' behavioral traits as well as their soft and hard skills.

What if you are short on time for interviews?

This is where recruiting firms like Mission Recruiting add tremendous value. You can stay focused on high-level company responsibilities, team management, and billable hours while we do the initial screens of potential candidates. There is no risk to signing with us to handle your recruiting needs: we fill your position or you don't pay. Learn more about our legal recruiting services here.