10 real-life corporate attorney interview questions

These corporate attorney interview questions are directly sourced from real hiring managers and they are ready to use.

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10 good corporate attorney interview questions

1. What roles have you served within negotiating transactions and drafting agreements?
2. How do you go about understanding a client’s risk tolerance?
3. What is your courtroom experience?
4. What is your deposition experience?
5. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a client, and how you handled it.
6. What would you do if an executive or client asked you to do something that puts their company at legal risk?
7. In reference to your book, how many portable clients and businesses do you have? What are the odds those clients will follow you?
8. Why are you interested in our law firm/company?
9. Walk me through a difficult conflict of interest situation you encountered. How did you analyze the situation?
10. How do you manage direct reports such as paralegals and junior lawyers? How would your direct reports describe you?

Here are 10 interview questions with sample answers, based on real hiring managers, to help you identify the best candidates for this role.

1. What roles have you served within negotiating transactions and drafting agreements?

Assesses experience in key corporate attorney responsibilities.

Sample answer:

“I have led the negotiation and drafting of various business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. My role often involves understanding the parties’ objectives, identifying legal risks, and crafting clauses that align with my client’s interests.”

2. How do you go about understanding a client’s risk tolerance?

Evaluates approach to client counseling.

Sample answer:

“I start by having detailed discussions with the client about their business goals and concerns. Understanding their industry and past decisions also helps me gauge their risk tolerance.”

3. What is your courtroom experience?

Inquires about litigation background.

Sample answer:

“I have significant courtroom experience, particularly in commercial litigation. This includes arguing motions, trial work, and handling appeals. These experiences have honed my litigation strategies and advocacy skills.”

4. What is your deposition experience?

Checks expertise in pre-trial procedures.

Sample answer:

“I have conducted and defended numerous depositions. My approach focuses on thoroughly preparing the witness and strategically framing questions to build a strong case.”

5. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a client, and how you handled it.

Probes into conflict resolution and client management skills.

Sample answer:

“Once, a client wanted to pursue a high-risk legal strategy. I presented my concerns and alternative options. After a thorough discussion, we reached a consensus on a balanced approach.”

6. What would you do if asked to do something legally risky?

Assesses ethical judgment and legal advisory skills.

Sample answer:

“If a client asked me to do something legally risky, I would clearly explain the potential consequences and advise against it. My priority is to maintain legal compliance while seeking viable alternatives.”

7. In reference to your book, how many portable clients do you have?

Inquires about client relationships and business development skills.

Sample answer:

“I have cultivated strong relationships with about 15 key clients. Given our history and my understanding of their legal needs, I believe there’s a high likelihood they would continue to seek my services.”

8. Why are you interested in our law firm/company?

Gauges motivation and fit with the firm’s culture.

Sample answer:

“I am impressed by your firm’s reputation in corporate law and its commitment to client service. I believe my expertise aligns well with your team, and I see great potential for collaborative growth.”

9. Walk me through a conflict of interest situation you encountered.

Tests ethical decision-making and analysis skills.

Sample answer:

“In a past merger case, I identified a potential conflict of interest as we had previously advised the opposite party. I disclosed this immediately and recused myself from the case to uphold ethical standards.”

10. How do you manage direct reports?

Assesses leadership and management skills.

Sample answer:

“I foster a collaborative environment, provide clear guidance, and support professional development. My direct reports would describe me as a mentor who encourages open communication and growth.”

What does a good corporate attorney candidate look like?

A strong Corporate Attorney candidate should possess extensive knowledge of corporate law, with proven experience in handling transactions, litigation, and providing sound legal advice. They should demonstrate strong analytical and negotiation skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to clearly communicate complex legal concepts.

A good candidate is also adept at managing client relationships and has a track record of successfully handling legal disputes and advising on various corporate matters. Leadership skills and the ability to mentor junior staff are important, as well as the ability to adapt to the changing needs of a corporate legal environment.

Red flags

Red flags for a Corporate Attorney candidate include a lack of clear understanding of corporate law principles or limited practical experience in key areas such as transaction negotiation or litigation. Ethical concerns, such as hesitancy to discuss how they handled conflict of interest situations or reluctance to refuse legally risky requests, are major warning signs.

Poor communication skills, inability to manage a team effectively, and a lack of solid references from previous clients or direct reports may also indicate that the candidate is not well-suited for the role.