At the end of every legal interview, you will always be asked if you have any questions. What you say next could make or break the interview outcome.
Asking questions in an interview gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your knowledge and interest in the law firm, and act like you’re truly enthusiastic about the role.
It is always a great idea to have some punchy yet relevant questions in mind when you go for an interview to impress the interviewer and stand out from other candidates.
The trick to asking questions in an interview
Before we get into the types of questions you could ask, it’s crucial to think about why you want to ask certain questions, what you want to achieve and how you want to come across.
Remember, you have been answering questions during the whole interview, now that the ball is in your court, you should make the most of it.
Find a way to show off your expertise
Depending on the type of interview you have had, asking the right questions may be a good way to demonstrate your expertise in a certain field of law. For instance, if you specialise in family law and you are applying for a role in another family law firm, you could ask them about how they are adapting to the new divorce law changes. It is a perfect opportunity to spark up a conversation surrounding your area of speciality, giving you the chance to talk about your experience in more detail.
Don’t repeat yourself
Asking questions that have already been answered or covering ground that has already been discussed is a bad move. You don’t want to come across as a poor listener or that you’re not fully engaged.
On the other hand, if you want to ask for more detail on topics that have already been spoken about, the trick is to frame the question in a way that acknowledges that you may be repeating a previous conversation, but you wanted more information for clarification. For example: “I know this has already been discussed but…”
Be aware of your audience
Remember that you may be interviewed by people who have different roles in the firm such as HR or people from other departments. When asking questions, try to be clear and don’t assume that everyone understands complex legal jargon. Trying to be clever won’t stand you in good stead in these scenarios.
Don’t think of questions for the sake of it
Your questions need to be well thought out and relevant. If you cannot think of a very specific question, have a thoughtful general question in mind. The ideal situation is to research the law firm well enough to be able to come up with a question that makes you seem genuinely interested in that firm specifically.
Top 9 questions to ask in a legal interview
Here are some questions you could ask at the end of your interview:
1. Can you explain the culture of the firm?
This question is thoughtful and shows that you’re interested in understanding more about the values of the law firm and what type of people work there. It also suggests that you want to know whether the firm is a good fit for you and your values. This can give off a sense of confidence and self-belief which are great qualities for any lawyer.
2. What is the most interesting case or matter you have ever worked on at the firm?
This is a personal question directed at the interviewer (assuming they handle cases) which can be asked to show that you are interested in the types of cases that the firm acts on, as well as building a more personable connection with the interviewer. They can then talk from personal experience and you have the chance to create conversation from this, which helps to show off your personality.
3. Is there anything I could do to prepare for the role in advance?
You don’t want to come across as arrogant implying that you already have the job, but you should ask this question in a way that demonstrates that you want to do well in the role if you are chosen. It also shows that you are willing to learn and go the extra mile to be the best you can be.
4. What development opportunities are there within this role?
This question tells the interviewers that you are ambitious, determined, and want to progress in the firm long term. This also gives you an opportunity to explain how you would like to develop more in your career. Make sure you focus on talking about developing your strengths as you do not want to shoot yourself in the foot by paying undue attention to your weaknesses.
5. Do you work on any pro bono projects?
If you have a passion for helping people and volunteering on projects that are in the public interest, you can ask this question to show that you are compassionate and have the determination to help others. It also suggests that you are hard-working and not afraid to put in extra effort to add value to the firm.
6. What would my day ‘look like’ if I got the role?
This gives you an insight into the role in more depth and how the firm works more generally to help you decide if it is a good fit for you. It also shows the interviewers that you are eager yet confident in your abilities.
7. How will you respond to [Insert Case/Story] in the news?
Asking about how a firm will respond to law changes or cases in the news is a good way to show that you are updated on current affairs and that you are aware of the types of cases and legal issues that the firm deals with. You are making your question relevant by asking about recent activities and demonstrating your genuine interest in the company and the matters they handle on a regular basis.
8. How did you deal with the recent case…
Similar to the previous question, this shows off your in-depth knowledge of the firm and that you have researched their work. Not only this, but it shows that you can take the initiative to gain information and that you put effort into making the most of opportunities.
9. Does the firm arrange any social activities?
You want to come across as a team player that is willing to build good relationships with other team members. This question implies that you enjoy getting involved in activities outside of work hours that help you form connections with people.
The next step
Choosing the best questions to ask to show off in a legal interview is really down to you and how you want to come across. Make sure you always ask a question, even if it is a simple one. Sometimes not asking questions can lead the interviewers to believe that you are not interested in the role - whereas too many questions can be overwhelming. Strike the right balance and you’re on to a winner.
If we can assist you in your job search and you would like a no obligation discussion, please do get in touch with one of our experienced consultants based across the UK and listed on our website - https://www.chadwicknott.co.uk/contact/our-offices
