Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Corporate Lawyers – 2020

Preparing for a job interview as a corporate lawyer? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your legal expertise, communication skills, and decision-making abilities. Whether you’re interviewing for a position at a large corporation or a small start-up, these questions cover all key areas of corporate law.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience as a corporate lawyer?
  My name is [Your Name] and I have been working as a corporate lawyer for [X years]. I have experience working with a variety of industries and have helped companies navigate complex legal issues, such as mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
• 2. How do you stay updated on the latest developments and changes in corporate law?
  I make it a priority to attend industry conferences, participate in legal workshops, and stay informed through legal publications and online resources. I also regularly review legal decisions and rulings to stay current on changes in the legal landscape.
• 3. Can you walk us through a successful case that you have handled in your career?
  One of my most successful cases was when I helped a client resolve a breach of contract dispute with a major supplier. I worked closely with our legal team to review the contract terms, assess the evidence, and negotiate a settlement that saved our client a significant amount of money.
• 4. How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks?
  I make sure to set realistic deadlines and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on the company. I also regularly communicate with my team to ensure we are on track and adjust priorities if necessary.
• 5. How do you manage difficult or challenging clients?
  I make sure to listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. I remain calm and professional, and work to find a solution that meets their needs while also protecting our client's best interests.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a conflict with a colleague?
  In my previous role, I had a disagreement with a colleague over a legal interpretation. I approached the situation calmly and communicated my reasoning and supported it with evidence. We were able to work through our differences and come to a mutually agreeable solution.
• 7. How do you handle high-pressure situations or tight deadlines?
  I prioritize tasks and work efficiently to meet the deadline while still producing quality work. I also make sure to communicate any potential issues or delays with my team, and make necessary adjustments to ensure the deadline is met.
• 8. Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
  In my previous role, I had to work on a complex merger deal that involved multiple parties and legal considerations. I took the time to thoroughly research and understand all aspects of the deal and worked closely with my team to ensure we were all on the same page. The deal was successfully completed within the designated timeframe.
• 9. Can you describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal?
  I recently worked on a project with a team of lawyers from different departments to review and update our company's privacy policies. We organized regular meetings to discuss progress and delegated tasks based on our individual strengths. The project was completed successfully and our updated policies were well-received by our clients.
• 10. Give an example of a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem.
  In a previous job, I was tasked with finding a solution to a complex tax issue for a client. I researched different tax laws and consulted with colleagues to come up with a creative solution that saved the client a significant amount of money while still complying with all applicable laws.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a client is not satisfied with the outcome of a legal case?
  I would first try to understand their concerns and gather all the facts. Then, I would explain the decision-making process and any potential remedies available. If necessary, I would work with my team to find a solution that satisfies all parties.
• 12. If you discover your colleague has made a mistake on an important legal document, how would you handle it?
  I would approach my colleague privately and discuss the situation, offering support and assistance if needed. I would also alert my superiors or the appropriate department to ensure the mistake is corrected before it causes any issues for our clients.
• 13. How do you handle large volumes of sensitive information and maintain confidentiality?
  I understand the importance of confidentiality in the legal profession and make sure to follow all company protocols and ethical guidelines. I also regularly review and update our internal processes to ensure the utmost security for our clients' sensitive information.
• 14. Imagine a client comes to you with a new business opportunity but you have concerns about the legality of the venture. How would you handle it?
  I would conduct thorough research and consult with colleagues and legal resources to ensure I have a full understanding of the situation. Then, I would communicate my concerns to the client and offer alternative solutions that are in line with legal requirements.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where you're under a lot of pressure to complete a task quickly, but you don't feel like you have enough information?
  I would discuss the situation with my team and make sure we are all on the same page. If necessary, I would communicate with clients or other parties involved to gather any missing information. It is important to ensure accuracy in our work, so I would not rush the process at the expense of quality.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain the difference between mergers and acquisitions?
  A merger is when two companies combine to form one entity, while an acquisition is when one company takes over another company and becomes its owner.
• 17. What is the role of a legal due diligence in a corporate transaction?
  Legal due diligence is the process of investigating a company's legal situation, including contracts, litigation, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. This is done to identify any potential legal issues or liabilities before completing a merger, acquisition, or investment transaction.
• 18. Can you explain the concept of joint ventures?
  A joint venture is when two or more companies form a new entity and contribute resources, such as capital, technology, or expertise, to achieve a specific business goal. Each company maintains their own identity and responsibilities within the joint venture.
• 19. What is the purpose of a shareholder agreement?
  A shareholder agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in a corporation and provides rules for how the company will be operated. It covers important matters such as shareholder rights, management structure, and decision-making processes.
• 20. Can you explain the concept of insider trading?
  Insider trading is when someone who has access to confidential information about a company trades securities based on that information, typically to make a profit. This is illegal and can result in severe penalties for both the insider and the person who receives the illegally obtained information.