Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Legal Secretary Roles – 2025

Are you preparing for a job interview as a legal secretary? Here are 20 up-to-date questions with simple answers to help you showcase your skills and experience in the legal field. These questions cover a wide range of topics, from your past experiences and decision-making to your technical knowledge and alignment with the company's values.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your previous experience as a legal secretary.
  

  I have been working as a legal secretary for the past five years, starting with an internship at a law firm during college. I have experience in various areas such as drafting legal documents, managing calendars, and communicating with clients.

• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career as a legal secretary?
  

  I have always been interested in the legal field and enjoy the fast-paced and challenging nature of the work. As a legal secretary, I am able to utilize my organizational and communication skills while being exposed to different areas of law.

• 3. How do you prioritize and manage your workload as a legal secretary?
  

  I use a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also make use of time-management techniques such as the Pomodoro method to maintain productivity. Additionally, I communicate with my team to ensure we are all on the same page and can help each other out if needed.

• 4. How do you handle confidential information as a legal secretary?
  

  I understand the importance of confidentiality in the legal field and always follow protocols such as password-protecting electronic documents and locking physical files. I also maintain discretion and only share information with those who have a need to know.

• 5. How do you handle difficult clients in a professional manner?
  

  I remain calm and understanding while actively listening to their concerns. I try to find a solution that satisfies both the client and the firm, and if necessary, I escalate the issue to an attorney. I always maintain a professional attitude and treat clients with respect.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Do you have experience with legal software?
  

  Yes, I have experience with legal software such as Clio, PracticePanther, and MyCase. I have used these tools to manage calendars, track billable hours, and organize case documents.

• 7. How do you ensure accuracy when drafting legal documents?
  

  I double-check all information and compare it to previous documents and templates to catch any errors. I also have strong attention to detail and am familiar with legal terminology and formatting to ensure accuracy.

• 8. What experience do you have with case management and calendaring?
  

  I have extensive experience managing calendars and deadlines for multiple cases simultaneously. I am proficient in using calendar management software and can effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

• 9. Have you ever coordinated depositions or hearings?
  

  Yes, I have coordinated numerous depositions and hearings in my previous role. This included scheduling with all parties involved, preparing necessary documents, and keeping track of any changes or updates.

• 10. How have you kept up-to-date with changes in legal procedures and regulations?
  

  I regularly attend legal seminars and webinars to stay informed about any changes in laws and procedures. I also subscribe to legal publications and stay in touch with peers in the industry to stay updated.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a coworker?
  

  In my previous role, I had a disagreement with a coworker regarding the prioritization of tasks. I calmly discussed our perspectives and came to a compromise that satisfied both of us. We were able to work together effectively and maintain a positive working relationship.

• 12. Have you ever made a mistake while preparing a legal document? How did you handle it?
  

  Yes, I once made a mistake in a contract, which could have had serious consequences if not caught. I immediately brought it to the attention of my supervisor and worked with the attorney to correct the error. I made sure to double-check all my work going forward to avoid similar mistakes.

• 13. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a demanding workload with tight deadlines.
  

  In my previous role, I had to assist with a major case requiring significant document review and drafting. I prioritized my tasks, communicated with my supervisor for support, and worked long hours to meet the deadline successfully.

• 14. How have you dealt with a situation where you had conflicting priorities from multiple supervisors?
  

  I have had experience working with multiple attorneys with different priorities. To handle this, I made sure to communicate openly with all parties, discuss deadlines, and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I also utilized time-management techniques to ensure I could meet all deadlines.

• 15. Have you ever faced a challenging situation where you had to think outside the box to find a solution?
  

  Yes, in my previous role, we encountered a technical issue with our document management system in the middle of a case. I researched alternative solutions, consulted with our IT department, and found a workaround that allowed us to continue working smoothly while the issue was resolved.

Situational Questions

• 16. If you received a confidential document intended for an attorney, what steps would you take?
  

  I would immediately inform the attorney and securely return the document to them. If the attorney is not available, I would lock the document in a secure location until they could retrieve it.

• 17. How would you handle a situation where a deadline for a document is moved up unexpectedly?
  

  I would assess my current workload and communicate with my team to see if anyone can assist. If not, I would prioritize the document and work efficiently to meet the new deadline. If necessary, I would escalate to my supervisor for support.

• 18. If a client calls with an urgent matter, how would you handle it?
  

  I would actively listen to their concerns and make a note of it. I would then ask for their contact information and let them know I will follow up with them as soon as possible. I would inform the appropriate attorney or team member of the issue and ensure it is addressed promptly.

• 19. How would you handle a situation where you made a mistake in a legal document?
  

  I would immediately bring it to the attention of the attorney and work with them to rectify the error. I would also take responsibility for my mistake and take steps to ensure it does not happen again.

• 20. If you encountered a disagreement with a client over a bill, how would you handle it?
  

  I would listen to their concerns and try to find a solution that works for both parties. If necessary, I would involve the attorney to discuss the matter and reach a resolution. I would also make a note of the issue and bring it up with my supervisor for future billing considerations.