Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Managing Attorney – 2025

Preparing for an interview for a managing attorney position? This guide provides a list of important questions and their corresponding answers that will help you demonstrate your legal knowledge, leadership skills, and experience managing a team of attorneys. Whether you’re applying for a position at a law firm or in a corporate setting, these questions cover all key areas of the role.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult client. How did you address their concerns while still maintaining a professional relationship?
  At my previous law firm, I had a client who was very dissatisfied with our services and constantly complained about our team's work. I decided to set up a meeting with the client to address their concerns and listen to their feedback. I remained calm and empathetic throughout the conversation, and was able to find solutions that satisfied the client while also upholding the firm's standards. By the end of the meeting, we were able to improve our relationship with the client and achieve successful outcomes on their case.
• 2. Give me an example of a time when you had to handle a high-stress situation in the workplace.
  As a managing attorney, I often have to handle high-stress situations in the workplace, whether it's a tight deadline or a difficult case. One instance that stands out to me is when I had to prepare for a last-minute hearing while also managing a full workload and leading a team. I prioritized my tasks and delegated some responsibilities to my team members, while also staying organized and focused. In the end, we were able to complete the hearing successfully and achieve a positive outcome for our client.
• 3. Can you tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict between two team members?
  At my previous firm, two of my team members had a disagreement over a case strategy. It was causing tension between them and affecting their work productivity. I decided to have a one-on-one meeting with each team member to understand their perspectives and concerns. I then facilitated a group meeting where we discussed and compromised on a solution that satisfied both team members. This helped us maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.
• 4. Share with me a situation where you had to make a difficult decision that went against the majority opinion.
  In my current role as a managing attorney, I am regularly faced with difficult decisions. One particular decision that I had to make went against the majority opinion of my team members. After thoroughly analyzing all sides of the issue, I decided to go against the majority and it ultimately proved to be the best decision for the firm and our client. This experience has taught me the importance of critical thinking and standing by my decisions, even in the face of opposition.
• 5. Describe a time when you had to handle a highly confidential matter.
  Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the legal profession, and as a managing attorney, I have dealt with many sensitive matters. One particular instance was when I had to handle a high-profile case involving a celebrity. We were under strict confidentiality agreements and it required careful handling of all information and communication. I ensured that all team members were aware of the importance of confidentiality and took all necessary measures to uphold it.

Situational Questions

• 6. How would you handle a situation where a client becomes uncooperative and difficult to work with?
  I understand that clients can become difficult to work with due to stress and emotions surrounding their legal matters. In this situation, I would try to maintain a calm and professional demeanor, listen to their concerns, and empathize with their situation. Then, I would communicate clearly and effectively, setting boundaries if necessary, to ensure that the client's case can still be handled successfully.
• 7. If a team member was consistently underperforming, how would you handle the situation?
  Consistent underperformance can negatively impact a team's productivity and the overall work environment. As a managing attorney, I would first approach the team member and privately discuss their performance, identifying any potential underlying factors. Then, I would create a performance improvement plan and offer support and guidance to help the team member succeed. If there is no improvement, I would then take further steps, such as reassigning tasks or providing additional training.
• 8. In a situation where you are presented with conflicting priorities, how would you handle them?
  Prioritizing tasks is a key aspect of managing an effective and efficient legal team. If I am presented with conflicting priorities, I would first assess the urgency and importance of each task. I would then delegate tasks to team members and communicate clear expectations and deadlines. If needed, I would also prioritize my own tasks and make sacrifices to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and with quality.
• 9. How would you handle a situation where there is a disagreement between you and a senior attorney?
  Disagreements are common in a fast-paced legal environment, and as a managing attorney, I have had disagreements with senior attorneys. In this situation, I would first try to understand the senior attorney's perspective and calmly explain my own. If we cannot reach a resolution, I would seek input from other team members or a higher authority. Ultimately, I recognize the importance of working collaboratively and effectively with senior attorneys to achieve our shared goals.
• 10. What would you do if you received new information that significantly impacted the outcome of a case?
  In the legal profession, new information can often come to light unexpectedly. If I received new information that could significantly impact a case, I would first assess its validity and relevance. Then, I would work with my team to determine the best course of action, whether it's further investigation, consultation with other attorneys, or a revised case strategy. It's important to prioritize the client's best interest in these situations.

Technical Questions

• 11. Can you explain the concept of attorney-client privilege?
  Attorney-client privilege is a legal principle that protects the confidentiality of communications between an attorney and their client. It allows clients to share information with their attorneys without fear of it being disclosed to others, including in legal proceedings. This privilege extends to all forms of communication, including written, oral, and electronic communication.
• 12. What are the common types of law practiced in this firm?
  The types of law practiced in a firm can vary depending on the firm's focus and the clients it serves. However, some common types of law practiced in firms include corporate law, real estate law, family law, and employment law. It's important for a managing attorney to have a broad understanding of different areas of law to effectively manage a team of attorneys handling a diverse range of cases.
• 13. Can you explain the litigation process and the role of a managing attorney?
  Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system. As a managing attorney, I oversee all stages of litigation, from conducting initial case assessments to preparing pleadings, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court. I also ensure that all team members are adhering to the firm's standards and managing their cases effectively.
• 14. How do you handle conflicts of interest between clients?
  As a managing attorney, it's important to identify and manage conflicts of interest between clients to avoid any ethical or legal issues. If a potential conflict of interest arises, I would first assess the situation and determine if it could impact the representation of either client. If it does, I would take steps to remove myself or my team from the representation or seek informed consent from all parties involved.
• 15. How do you ensure that your team is up-to-date on current laws and regulations?
  The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and it's crucial for attorneys to stay updated on new laws and regulations that may impact their clients' cases. As a managing attorney, I organize regular trainings, workshops, and research sessions for my team to stay informed and ensure that our strategies and advice are in compliance with the latest laws and regulations.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. Why did you choose to become a managing attorney?
  I chose to become a managing attorney because I have a passion for both law and leadership. I enjoy mentoring and guiding my team members to reach their full potential and achieve successful outcomes for our clients. I also have a strategic mindset and find satisfaction in managing cases and ensuring that all legal work is of the highest quality.
• 17. What core values do you believe are most important for a managing attorney to possess?
  In my experience, the most important core values for a managing attorney to possess are integrity, critical thinking, and effective communication. Integrity is crucial for building trust with clients and maintaining ethical standards. Critical thinking is necessary for strategic decision-making, and effective communication is key for managing a team, collaborating with other attorneys, and advocating for clients.
• 18. Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership in the workplace?
  At my previous firm, I took on a project to streamline our case management process. I led a team of attorneys and support staff to implement new software and workflows to improve efficiency and organization. I was able to effectively communicate with team members, coordinate tasks, and manage any challenges that arose. The project was a success and it improved the overall efficiency of the firm.
• 19. How do you handle conflicts within a team?
  Conflicts within a team are normal and can often lead to positive outcomes if managed effectively. As a managing attorney, I believe in fostering open communication and creating a safe and respectful work environment. I encourage team members to voice their concerns and try to facilitate discussions to reach a resolution. If necessary, I also provide guidance and mediation to help resolve conflicts.
• 20. How do you handle work-life balance as a managing attorney?
  As a managing attorney, I recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To ensure this, I have systems in place to track my work hours and prioritize tasks effectively. I also encourage my team members to do the same and remain mindful of their well-being. Additionally, I take regular breaks and participate in activities outside of work to recharge and maintain a balance between my personal and professional life.