General Counsel Interview Preparation

Top 15 General Counsel Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re preparing for a general counsel interview, you’re likely trying to anticipate the questions that may come up during the interview. By understanding the types of questions you may be asked and having well-thought-out responses, you’ll be better able to impress your interviewer and land the job.

1. Can you tell us about a difficult legal issue you faced in your previous role?

The interviewer is looking to see how you tackle challenging legal issues. Provide a specific example and describe how you analyzed the problem, determined the best approach, and resolved the issue.

2. What legal industry challenges do you think our company may encounter in the future?

You should be familiar with industry trends and challenges in the legal field. Provide an example and describe how you would approach the situation.

3. Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the best interest of your client?

This question is designed to see how you make tough calls, while keeping the interests of the client in mind. Provide an example and discuss the situation, including the decision you made and why.

4. What is your management style?

The interviewer wants to know how you manage your team or legal department. Provide specific examples of your approach to management, and detail any leadership or training experience.

5. What do you think is the biggest legal issue facing our company?

The interviewer is looking to gauge your understanding of the company's industry and potential legal issues. Offer specific legal threats and discuss how you would approach the issue.

6. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to work cross-functionally with other departments?

The interviewer is asking about your communication and collaboration skills. Share an example of a successful cross-functional project, including the impact you had on the outcome.

7. What strengths do you think you can bring to the role?

This question is your chance to highlight your skills, knowledge and experience. Share the strengths that are most beneficial to the company and the general counsel role.

8. What areas do you think you need to improve on?

The interviewer is looking to see if you have self-awareness and recognize areas of personal and professional development. Highlight areas you have identified and what steps you’ve taken to improve on them.

9. How would you handle a situation where a member of your team is not meeting expectations?

The interviewer is testing your management skills and your ability to address concerns with your team. Share an example of a previous situation where you successfully brought an under-performing employee up to standard, while offering improvement strategies and support.

10. What do you think are the essential skills for a general counsel?

This question is designed to see if you understand the key competencies for a general counsel. Highlight the qualities that are most important and relevant to the role.

11. What motivates you in your work?

The interviewer wants to know your professional drivers and what gets you excited about the work you do. Be honest and specific about what motivates you, such as the opportunity to work on complex legal issues or the ability to make a positive impact on a client.

12. How do you stay up-to-date on legal developments?

The interviewer is testing if you have a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Share specific examples of how you stay up-to-date on legal developments, such as attending industry conferences, online training, or reading legal publications.

13. How do you handle a situation where you disagree with your CEO or board?

The interviewer is looking for a diplomatic and thoughtful approach to conflict management. Share an example of a time when you had a disagreement with a superior, and how you effectively addressed the situation.

14. Tell us about a team or department you built, and what the outcome was.

The interviewer wants to know your past experiences with team-building and how you affected the outcome. Share an example of successfully building a team or department, outlining the skill sets required and components for project success.

15. Can you describe a time when you had to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously?

The interviewer is testing your organizational skills and your ability to multitask. Share an example of a time when you effectively managed numerous projects simultaneously, structure, and method you utilized for project management and success.

Preparing for a general counsel interview is a daunting process, but by anticipating the potential questions and having well-thought-out responses, you’ll set yourself apart from other interviewees and land the job.

How to Prepare for General Counsel Interview

If you are looking for a job as a general counsel, then you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare for an interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the company

2. Review the job description

3. Prepare questions

4. Practice your answers

5. Dress professionally

6. Be on time

7. Bring copies of your resume and other relevant documents

8. Be confident and engaged

By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for a successful interview for a general counsel position. Remember to be yourself and let your skills and experience shine through.