Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Labor and Employment Attorney - 2025

Are you preparing for an interview for a labor and employment attorney position? This guide provides a list of questions and answers that will help assess your knowledge, experience, and values related to the field of employment law. Whether you're applying for a role at a law firm or in-house at a company, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a labor and employment attorney.
  

  A: I have been practicing labor and employment law for over 10 years. I have worked with both employers and employees, handling a wide range of key employment issues such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. I have also conducted numerous trials and negotiations, achieving successful outcomes for my clients.

• 2. How do you stay updated with changes in employment law?
  

  A: I regularly attend seminars and conferences related to employment law and am a member of various professional organizations. I also follow updates from federal and state agencies and regularly review changes in legislation.

• 3. What do you believe are the most important qualities for a labor and employment attorney to possess?
  

  A: In addition to being knowledgeable in the field of employment law, a good labor and employment attorney should also be detail-oriented, empathetic, and strong communicators. They should also possess strong research, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• 4. How do you handle cases where your client's requests conflict with the law?
  

  A: As an attorney, it is my duty to follow and uphold the law. If a client's request goes against the law, I will inform them of such and work with them to find a legal and compliant solution.

• 5. How do you handle high-pressure situations?
  

  A: As an attorney, I am no stranger to high-pressure situations. I remain calm, focused, and ethical, and use my problem-solving skills to find the best possible outcome for my client.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Describe a time when you successfully negotiated a settlement for a client.
  

  A: In my previous role, I represented a client in a discrimination case against their employer. Through skilled negotiations, I was able to secure a favorable settlement for my client, saving them from a lengthy and costly trial.

• 7. Tell me about a time when a client was dissatisfied with your services.
  

  A: While working with a client in a wage dispute case, they were initially unhappy with the result of our negotiations. I took the time to listen to their concerns, communicate my strategy and reasoning behind it, and ultimately, they were satisfied with the outcome.

• 8. Give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new or unexpected situation in a case.
  

  A: I had a case regarding the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. However, during the discovery process, we found evidence that showed the client may have been withholding wages from their employees. I quickly adjusted my strategy and was able to secure a victory for the employees who were owed back wages.

• 9. How do you prioritize and manage your workload when handling multiple cases?
  

  A: I prioritize my workload by evaluating deadlines and the complexity of each case. I also communicate clearly with my clients regarding timelines and manage expectations to ensure my workload is manageable. If necessary, I will delegate tasks to my team or seek assistance from colleagues.

• 10. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult client.
  

  A: I had a client who was emotional and hostile towards their employer during a discrimination case. I remained calm and professional, ensuring that their concerns were addressed while also focusing on finding a legal and fair resolution for both parties.

Situational Questions

• 11. Imagine you have a client who wants to file a discrimination claim against their employer, but you believe there is not enough evidence to support the claim. How would you handle this situation?
  

  A: I would thoroughly assess the evidence and discuss the potential risks and challenges with the client. If they still want to move forward with the claim, I would work with them to gather additional evidence and build a solid case before filing.

• 12. What would you do if you discovered a conflict of interest between one of your current clients and a potential new client?
  

  A: I would immediately disclose the conflict of interest to both clients and refrain from representing either party. I would also refer the potential new client to another reputable attorney.

• 13. How would you handle a situation where you found out an employee was being discriminated against but was asked by your client to not disclose this information?
  

  A: As an attorney, I have a duty to uphold the law and act in the best interest of my client. I would advise my client that discrimination is illegal and may result in legal consequences, and I would strongly encourage them to address the issue and make necessary changes in their workplace.

• 14. If hired for this position, how would you handle creating and managing budgets for your cases?
  

  A: I have experience in managing budgets for my cases and have a firm understanding of the costs associated with legal proceedings. I would work closely with my clients to establish a budget that aligns with their goals and expectations, and I would regularly review and adjust the budget as needed.

• 15. How would you handle a situation where a client was accused of discriminatory practices but maintains their innocence?
  

  A: I would thoroughly review the evidence and seek to understand the perspectives of both parties. If the evidence shows no discriminatory practices, I would advocate for my client and work towards clearing their name. However, if the evidence raises concerns, I would advise my client to take appropriate action to address and prevent any potential discrimination.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees?
  

  A: Exempt employees are typically salaried and do not receive overtime pay, while non-exempt employees are usually paid hourly and are entitled to overtime pay.

• 17. Can you explain the process for filing a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
  

  A: The employee must first file a charge with the EEOC, who will then investigate the claim and may pursue legal action if warranted.

• 18. What is a non-compete agreement, and when is it enforceable?
  

  A: A non-compete agreement is a contract that prohibits an employee from working for a competitor after leaving their current employer. It is typically enforceable if it is reasonable in duration, geographical scope, and job restrictions.

• 19. How do you determine if an employer is in violation of wage and hour laws?
  

  A: I would review the employee's compensation and compare it to minimum wage and overtime requirements. I would also assess the employer's pay policies and ensure they are compliant with all applicable laws.

• 20. Explain the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and when it applies.
  

  A: The FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. It applies to employers with 50 or more employees.