Why this matters:
Many legal assistants are tasked with drafting legal documents on behalf of an attorney. Depending on the type of law their company practices, this may include subpoenas or letters of intent. This question tests your candidate’s knowledge of these documents and their experience writing them. If they’ve worked in a similar role before, they should be highly familiar and comfortable with them.
What to listen for:
- Comfortability in discussing the process for drafting a subpoena or letter of intent
- Mention of the importance of confirming names and addresses
- Reference to working off provided notes
Why this matters:
Legal assistants spend much of their days preparing documents such as legal memos, court pleadings, contracts, and letters which are used by attorneys, co-counsel, and court staff — and many document types even require constant cross-checking. As such, the candidate must be able to type quickly to deliver error-free work in a timely manner.
What to listen for:
- Ability to accurately type between 50 to 80 words per minute
- Diligence in reviewing work prior to submission
- References to strategies for checking accuracy, such as facts cross-referencing
Why this matters:
Legal assistants will frequently be asked to transcribe case notes and dictated reports to generate transcripts for clients’ files. These transcripts must be free from grammatical errors and other mistakes — so the legal assistant candidate should have strong proofreading skills and pay close attention to detail.
What to listen for:
- Knowledgeable of and comfortable with legal terminology
- An emphasis on ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
- A proven ability to work with dictation and transcription software
Why this matters:
In a legal setting, emotions can run high, so it’s not uncommon for legal assistants to encounter demanding or unreasonable clients. For example, a client may get impatient after multiple calls to a busy attorney. As a representative of the company, it’s a legal assistant’s job to remain composed in the heat of the moment.
What to listen for:
- A professional attitude and approach to fostering client relationships
- Awareness that a response approach reflects on the firm or office as a whole
- Mention of listening to the client’s grievances and making tactful suggestions
Why this matters:
Confidentiality is critical in the legal field. Since legal assistants deal daily with highly sensitive information, the candidate must act with integrity and take every precaution to protect clients’ confidentiality. Failure to do so could result in the loss of a client, potential harm to your company’s reputation, and even professional penalties in certain circumstances.
What to listen for:
- The importance of never discussing case details outside the workplace
- Carefulness in not misplacing documents or records
- A clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality in a legal setting
Why this matters:
Technology has transformed the legal field. But when it malfunctions, legal assistants are often forced to revert back to outdated methodologies. For example, if the internet goes down as an important document needs to be filed, the candidate should understand how to use the fax machine. Legal assistant candidates must adapt to any situation to keep the office running smoothly.
What to listen for:
- Adaptability and ability to quickly identify and execute alternative solutions
- Willingness to take initiative
- A dedication to meeting deadlines, regardless of obstacles
Why this matters:
In a fast-paced legal environment, legal assistants frequently need to juggle multiple tasks with tight deadlines. These can include coordinating difficult schedules while dealing with a flood of emails, calls, and requests. The legal assistant candidate should be able to keep pace while remaining accurate and patient regardless of how busy they get.
What to listen for:
- Reference to proactive strategies, like properly indexing documents to save time later
- An ability to focus under pressure
Why this matters:
Legal assistants have to communicate with clients, attorneys, and other legal professionals every day. As such, the candidate should have strong verbal and written communication skills throughout a variety of communication channels. Regardless of preference, the candidate should be ready to adapt their communication style to the specific circumstance.
What to listen for:
- Comfortability with all three methods of communication
- Discussion of the pros and cons of each method
- Specific examples of when one method is preferable to another
Why this matters:
Legal assistants are regularly tasked with performing legal research, preparing legal documents, and attending discovery, closings, negotiations, and court hearings. As such, having a genuine interest in the law is extremely beneficial for success. This question can help you gauge a candidate’s interest in the field, and whether they’ll be interested in working at your company in the long-term.
What to listen for:
- Evidence of a passion for the law
- Excitement for the specific legal function of the role
- An emphasis on an overarching interest in justice or helping clients
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