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Paralegal Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Paralegal interview questions and answers.

  1. What made you decide to pursue a career as a paralegal? See answer
  2. What are the most crucial skills for a paralegal? See answer
  3. Describe the methods and tools that you use in your everyday work as a paralegal. See answer
  4. Describe some ways you have contributed to improved efficiency in previous roles. See answer
  5. How do you stay updated in the legal field? See answer
  6. Paralegals play a vital role in a legal team handling a transaction or trial. Describe your role in such a team. See answer
  7. Describe your legal experience to date. See answer
  8. Describe how you handle stress in the workplace. See answer
  9. Highlight some of your legal research skills. See answer
  10. How comfortable are you proofreading legal documents? See answer
  11. Do you speak any other languages? See answer
  12. What are your weaknesses as a paralegal? See answer
  13. Describe a time you went above and beyond for a case. See answer
  14. How do you take initiative in your role as a paralegal? See answer
  15. What motivates you to be productive in the workplace? See answer
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Paralegal Interview Questions and Answers

What made you decide to pursue a career as a paralegal?

This question assesses a candidate's understanding of the role and what motivates them to pursue a legal career. Driving factors are different for everyone, but candidates should express genuine interest and passion for the profession. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ambition and enthusiasm for a career in the legal field
  • Desire to make a difference
  • Specific motivating factors or inspirations

Example:

“Being a paralegal puts me in the best position to contribute positively to society. I'm inspired by helping people have the right to a fair trial andby finding justice for victims. This position requires someone committed, organised, reliable, confidential, analytical, and attentive to detail. I pursued this career because I have all those traits and want to make a difference.”

What are the most crucial skills for a paralegal?

This question assesses whether candidates understand the expectations of the role. Look for candidates who show excellent organisation, attention to detail, and strong communications skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific technical and soft skills required of a paralegal
  • Understanding of the legal industry
  • Being organised

Example:

“Based on my experience, I believe being organised is a crucial skill for a paralegal. Research and analytical skills also play a crucial role in finding key information for a case. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills have helped me diffuse tense situations, and allow me to work well in a team.”

Describe the methods and tools that you use in your everyday work as a paralegal.

Paralegals require a lot of creativity and organisation to accomplish tasks on time. In most cases, they use different tools for a variety of duties. This question reveals which systems prospective candidates are familiar with using. What to look for in an answer:

  • Planning and time management skills
  • Success using specific processes and tools
  • Familiarity with case management systems and other technology used at your legal firm

Example:

“I use Clio case management software to manage my everyday workload. The programme helps me to streamline my cases and ensure I always meet deadlines. I take a few minutes to review my workload every morning to stay on top of tasks. I adjust it as necessary and then input new tasks into the system. Doing this allows me to have a clear picture of my duties and priorities."

Describe some ways you have contributed to improved efficiency in previous roles.

Legal professionals manage several cases at once and need to work quickly. Look for a candidate who's interested in improving efficiency and the seamless operation of the firm. What to look for in an answer:

  • organised filing system
  • Initiative to make valuable suggestions to improve workflows
  • Able to take initiative

Example:

“One way I contributed to efficiency in my previous workplace was to suggest a more streamlined filing system. This helped attorneys and other paralegals to reduce the time they spent searching for documents.”

How do you stay updated in the legal field?

Paralegals need sound legal knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry. They need to stay up to date on changes to local and federal laws. A successful paralegal understands case law and sector-specific regulations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Examples of professional development opportunities
  • Involvement in the legal community
  • Research skills and desire to stay current with legal knowledge

Example:

“To keep up with trends and development in the legal field, I follow key rulings in both local and international law journals. If I encounter something I'm not familiar with, I research and learn about it. I also take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as webinars and conferences.”

Paralegals play a vital role in a legal team handling a transaction or trial. Describe your role in such a team.

During a trial, paralegals organise and set up exhibits, documents, and evidence in the courtroom. They also prepare subpoenas, conduct research, and evaluate jurors.This question assesses whether a prospective paralegal can position themselves within your team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the role
  • Ability to work within a team
  • Resourcefulness in high-pressure situations

Example:

“In my previous workplace, my role was to assist the attorney. I'm organised and very resourceful, especially when conducting research. So, I always ensure that the stakeholders in the trial team, such as clients, attorneys, and witnesses,are happy. I see my role as a liaison with various interested parties.”

Describe your legal experience to date.

Paralegal professionals might start their careers working in a legal office or as intern paralegals at a law firm. So, this question will help you understand each candidate's legal journey and experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to the paralegal profession
  • Relevant volunteer work, internships, training, certificates, or other qualifications
  • Ability to highlight achievements in their career

Example:

“I started my career as a volunteer litigation paralegal at a law firm in Ontario. I assisted a team of six attorneys in communicating with clients and updating the case management system. I then began working at my current place of employment. Now my role is to carry out legal research and draft legal documents such as affidavits, complaints, interrogatories, and briefs. I also set up appointments, assist with client relations, and maintain schedules for my attorneys.”

Describe how you handle stress in the workplace.

A role in the legal field involves high stakes and working under pressure.Candidates might describe an experience where they resolved a conflict calmly.What to look for in an answer:

  • Composed and professional while handling conflicts
  • Demonstration of passion in their job
  • Customer service skills

Example:

“I've always been able to remain calm under pressure, which is one attribute that makes me a good paralegal. When I work with demanding clients or attorneys, I always communicate calmly and professionally. I'm always able to be objective and find a constructive resolution to the issue at hand."

Highlight some of your legal research skills.

Attorneys value paralegals who can handle high-level responsibilities. A paralegal needs to be reliable and able to complete in-depth research within deadlines.What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent legal research skills
  • Experience conducting in-depth research and finding credible sources
  • Able to provide reliable support to attorneys

Example:

"I'm a skilled researcher and perform excellent, accurate legal research to support the team. Attorneys can rely on me to perform research quickly and effectively. I would say it is among my greatest strengths as a paralegal."

How comfortable are you proofreading legal documents?

Paralegals are responsible for proofreading legal documents and need to have an eye for detail.The candidate should describe their strategies for spotting and correcting errors. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to accuracy when proofreading
  • Attention to detail
  • Focused and meticulous

Example:

"I'm very comfortable proofreading legal documents. My first step is to scan the document so I understand its contents and purpose. I then read the document carefully line by line, paying attention to detail and making necessary corrections. Finally, I read it a third time to ensure it flows and correct any errors I may have missed previously. At the end of my process, I'm confident I can return it to the attorney polished and error-free."

Do you speak any other languages?

While it's not necessarily a must for paralegals to speak other languages, it comes in handy sometimes when dealing with foreign clients. Any bilingual candidateis an asset to your company, and additional languages besides English or French can help diverse client needs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Creative thinking to find alternative communication methods in case of a language barrier
  • Ability to speakEnglish and French (additional languages preferred)
  • Other relevant communication skills

Example:

"One time, we had a Portuguese client who had an issue with their employer and wanted our firm to help him. The man only spoke Portuguese, and no one could understand him. Fortunately, I speak Portuguese fluently. I could translate, and we helped him win his case.”

What are your weaknesses as a paralegal?

The candidate should show that they are conscious of their weaknesses and are actively working to improve. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strategies for improving skills
  • Able to acknowledge weaknesses and focus on their strengths
  • Commitment to professional development

Example:

"I don't like delegating tasks to others as I'm very particular and want to ensure the work meets my standards. However, I enjoy working on a team and I know sharing responsibilities is a key aspect of success. I'm working on being less particular and more collabourative. It helps the team work more efficiently, which is key in my role."

Describe a time you went above and beyond for a case.

Positions in the legal industry require a lot of dedication. This question will give a chance to assess a candidate's work ethic and commitment to quality work and meeting deadlines. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to go the extra mile
  • Resourcefulness
  • Passion and motivation to work

Example:

“One example I can recall was in my previous role. I had to meet a tight deadline that required me to work overtime. I worked late, even though many of my colleagues had previous engagements and weren't able to stay. I completed every task on my own and was able to deliver strong research for an important case.”

How do you take initiative in your role as a paralegal?

Paralegals need to be able to work independently and take initiative to prepare for several ongoing cases. This question evaluates a candidate's work ethic and ability to be proactive. What to look for in an answer:

  • Self-motivated
  • Desire to contribute to the success of the team
  • Ability to work independently

Example:

“I always make myself available to do what's needed to support the legal team's goals and objectives. When there are no duties assigned to me by attorneys or clients, I take initiative to find other tasks. I believe there's always something to do, and I like to make the best use of my time. I keep a running list of tasks I can do whenever I have down time.”

What motivates you to be productive in the workplace?

Successful legal candidates can motivate themselves and their colleagues to help people and uphold the law.This question evaluates a candidate's motivations and driving factors. It can reveal whether they're a good fit for your corporate culture. What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific motivating factors
  • Drive and dedication to the role
  • Readiness to go above and beyond

Example:

“I'm motivated by challenges and projects with a clear timeline. I feel fulfiled when I meet a deadline and can contribute to my team. I'm results-oriented, which is a quality that makes me well-suited to this role. I believe my drive and passion for the legal industry make me an excellent candidate for this role."

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