This Legal Counsel interview profile brings together a snapshot of what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of suitable interview questions.
30 Assistant General Counsel Interview Questions & Answers
Get ahead of your competition by practicing from one of the following company question sets
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If you want to ace your upcoming interview, practice with our topical-based interview question sets.
If you want to ace your upcoming interview, practice with our topical-based interview question sets.
Get ahead of your competition by practicing from one of the following company question sets
Gain further insight into your interview by practicing from one of the following careers
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Ask the right questions to find the best legal and corporate counsel
One of the most important responsibilities of a General Counsel and other managing counsel is building a team. Get it right and you will have a team that delivers significant value to the organization. Get it wrong and the negative impact on your productivity and reputation can be significant.
As executive search consultants, our job is to deliver a diverse slate of exceptional candidates who have the qualifications necessary to meet the needs of the role, and, as best as possible, the personality that will fit within the culture of the organization. The interview is your chance to identify the best talent and fit for your organization.
Top interview questions for in-house counsel according to GCs
I surveyed successful GCs across the nation to provide some of their favorite interview questions to ask in-house counsel candidates, and I’m happy to share their responses with you. A special thank you to each of the GCs who provided input for this article.
1. Tell me about your current position and how have your responsibilities evolved since joining the company/firm?People who have earned the trust of the business and leadership team tend to take on greater responsibility year after year. If someone has been doing the same thing for several years, you must dig deeper.
2. Where do you bring the business the greatest value?The answer should describe how the candidate has provided solutions (legal and business related), reduced cost, increased efficiencies, etc.
3. Tell me about a time when you have had to say “no” to the business and what was the outcome?The reality is only the GC should say “no” to the business. In-house counsel should bring potential solutions to the table, identify the associated risks, and make a convincing recommendation for the best move forward. The business will choose their own path and the counsel should be there to support the outcome, good or bad.
4. What is the positive feedback from your recent review? What adjectives do those around you use to describe you?Look for words describing high EQ and leadership – good listener, humble, roll-up-your-sleeves, calm under pressure, relationship builder, solutions oriented.
5. Again referring to your performance reviews, what are the areas mentioned for personal development?Be on the lookout for any of the examples above. Someone with low EQ will not become a successful strategic advisor.
6. Tell me about a time when a business partner was adamant about not taking your legal advice. What was the situation and how did you resolve it?Elicits what someone has done, not what they say they would do, in a difficult circumstance.