Top 5 Behavioral Interview Questions for Attorneys (and How to Answer Them)

+ One Bonus That Always Comes Up

Behavioral interview questions are designed to test how you think, communicate, and problem-solve—especially in high-pressure or ethically nuanced situations common in legal practice. Below are 5 of the most common behavioral questions law firm and in-house employers ask, along with quick-hit sample responses and explanations for why each answer works.

1. “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client.”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Maintained professionalism and composure

• Proactively resolved the issue

• Preserved the client relationship

✅ Why it’s good: Shows emotional intelligence, communication skills, and client-service orientation—critical for both law firm and in-house roles.

2. “Describe a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Caught the error quickly

• Took accountability

• Implemented safeguards to prevent recurrence

✅ Why it’s good: Demonstrates integrity, responsibility, and a growth mindset—employers want attorneys who own their work and learn from missteps.

3. “Tell me about a time you had to manage competing deadlines.”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Assessed urgency and impact

• Communicated clearly with stakeholders

• Delivered high-quality work on time or with renegotiated timelines

✅ Why it’s good: Shows time management, prioritization, and your ability to work under pressure—key skills in fast-paced legal environments.

4. “Give an example of a time you worked on a team project. What was your role?”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Took initiative while collaborating effectively

• Respected others’ input and kept the project on track

• Helped resolve disagreements constructively

✅ Why it’s good: Demonstrates collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal effectiveness—especially important in cross-functional in-house teams or large firm matters.

5. “Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to adopt your legal recommendation.”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Presented a well-reasoned argument with business impact in mind

• Listened to objections and addressed them calmly

• Ultimately earned buy-in or found compromise

✅ Why it’s good: Shows communication, persuasion, and business-minded thinking—all traits top legal employers value.

🔁 Bonus: “What’s your biggest strength and your biggest weakness?”

Good Answer Highlights:

• Strength: “I’m highly responsive and detail-oriented—I rarely let anything slip through the cracks.”

• Weakness: “I used to overextend myself by taking on too many matters at once. I've learned to delegate when appropriate and prioritize more strategically.”

✅ Why it’s good: Your strength reinforces key legal competencies, while your weakness shows self-awareness, honesty, and growth. It avoids clichés and ends on a positive note.

If you ever have interview questions, Premier Pursuit is here to help. Use our contact information below to connect with us!

Martina Ellerbe
Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
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