Paralegal Interview: Questions and Answers for Legal Assistants

Paralegals, or legal assistants, help lawyers alleviate work load. They assist lawyers prepare cases and can do almost anything, except represent cases, decide on service fees, and provide legal advice.

This article provides sample interview questions and suggests answers for a paralegal.

Paralegal Job Interview
Questions and Answers for a Legal Assistant

Question: How much experience do you have conducting legal research?
Answer: Give the interviewer a sense of the breadth of your experience in research. But then go into detail about researching certain major topics you might have done the most. Even if the topic of research turns out not to be what they are looking for, the interviewer will see that you command the research techniques required for any subject.

Question: Did you ever represent a case in court or provide legal consultations? 
Answer: Paralegals are strictly forbidden to do any of the above. Say so straight away, but do not feel you need to justify yourself. The question is meant to probe your composure – an important aspect of any legal position.

Question: Are you computer literate? What is your proficiency with computer software?
Answer: Lawyers do use computers. Paralegals are not required to have any special expertise in the field, but should be able to use basic tools like Word and Office, send emails, and use the internet.

Question: Tell me about interpersonal communication in relation to the position you are seeking.
Answer: Lawyers and paralegals have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. They communicate amongst themselves, with associated professionals, and with clients, with optimal efficiency regarding speed and quality of information. They establish trust and respect.

Question: What are your personal qualifications which make you right for the job?
Answer: As a paralegal, you will not only need legal expertise. Legal assistants are extremely organized, precise, and punctual. They are able to handle documents masterfully. Their verbal and written communications are expert.