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20+ Paralegal Interview Questions

hiring manager holding interview with paralegal with resume in hand.

The hunt for a well-rounded paralegal begins with asking the right questions during the interview process. An initial round of interviews can reveal the “people” behind the “paper” of a resume and ultimately determine if they’re the right fit for the role.

If you’re looking to hire a paralegal and searching for questions to ask candidates that may help glean insight into their respective experiences, look no further– we’ve got you covered!

Skills and Character

Paralegal positions require regular interactions with attorneys, legal support staff, and maybe even a judge from time to time. Because of these regular exchanges, asking candidates about their soft skills and previous workplace collaborations is essential.

  1. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
  2. What do you think are the most important qualities for a paralegal to possess?
  3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
  5. What do you enjoy most about working in the legal field?
  6. What are your long-term career goals?
  7. How do you prioritize your tasks?
  8. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
  9. How have you handled conflicts with colleagues in the past?
  10. How do you stay up to date with changes in the law?
  11. How do you manage your time effectively?

Related: What is a Paralegal? Responsibilities, Pay & More


Experience and Expertise

With the rise of skills-based hiring, experience in the legal industry can be just as important as educational background. The following questions will help determine whether the candidate’s previous experience aligns with the responsibilities of the open paralegal position.

  1. How comfortable are you with communicating with court personnel and attorneys?
  2. What is your experience with legal research?
  3. What is your experience with case management software?
  4. What is your experience with drafting legal documents?
  5. What is your experience with trial preparation?
  6. Have you worked in legal support? If so, what role(s)?
  7. What practice areas are you familiar with?
  8. How many attorneys have you supported in a legal support role?
  9. Are you familiar with electronic court records and eDiscovery?
  10. What is the most interesting case you have worked on so far?
  11. What is the most challenging case you have worked on so far?
  12. Have you handled client billing in the past?
  13. Have you filed legal documents with local courts?
  14. What legal documents have you drafted as a professional or student?

Related: The Rise of the Gray-Collar Worker


Critical Thinking

Ask the following paralegal interview questions to identify whether a candidate has tangible problem-solving experience and skills.

  1. What is your understanding of the role of a paralegal?
  2. How do you approach complex legal problems?
  3. Can you describe a time when you identified a potential problem and developed an effective solution?

Seeking Counsel? We Can Help

The paralegal industry is growing rapidly, and we’re here to help you navigate the hiring process with ease! Let us take care of the heavy lifting by building a pool of qualified talent, screening them, conducting interviews, and finding a star legal professional for your team. Connect with us today!

Hiring a Paralegal?

Reach out to Insight Global today. We can find you qualified candidates in as little as 48 hours! Questions? Call us toll-free: 855-485-8853