Paralegal Interview Preparation Guide
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Paralegal based Frequently Asked Questions by expert members with experience as Paralegal. These questions and answers will help you strengthen your technical skills, prepare for the new job test and quickly revise the concepts

50 Paralegal Questions and Answers:

1 :: Tell us what Does a Paralegal Do?

You should tell the interviewer about times you were under pressure and the steps that you took. You should use specific examples, to highlight key issues. You should highlight your application process, and the relevant legal principals you used when doing so.

2 :: Why did you decide to become a paralegal?

The interviewer wants to know your motivation for entering the field. Make it clear that your true intention is to be a paralegal and not a lawyer.

"I became a paralegal because I have a true passion for the law and criminal justice. I am drawn to the research and data aspect of the industry. Additionally, I love working with a team and playing an integral role in the process."

3 :: What tools and methods do you use for the day to day organization and planning of your work?

Describe the systems you use to stay organized. How do you prioritize your workload? How do you plan and schedule your work tasks and activities? How do you stay focused and productive despite interruptions and conflicting demands on your time?

This is a good opportunity to highlight the paralegal software you are familiar with such as Lexis/Nexis, Concordance, CaseMap.

4 :: Why did you choose to become a paralegal? Why did you choose to specialize in this area of the law?

In your paralegal interview be convincing about your passion for the law. A paralegal position offers an opportunity to participate meaningfully in the legal process. It allows you to think critically and analytically and to optimize your communication skills.

As a paralegal you will be constantly learning and growing. Look at your particular specialization - litigation, criminal, corporate, insurance, family law etc - and consider what it is about the specific demands of the job that you enjoy.

5 :: Tell us what skills are most important for a Paralegal?

When answering this question you will need to include some of the following:

Organization and planning, research and analytical skills, writing skills, judgment and decision-making skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills, patience and perseverance, confidentiality and sensitivity.

6 :: How have you dealt with confidential and sensitive information in the past?

It's essential that a Paralegal shows a lot of diplomacy, when using and dealing with sensitive and confidential information. You will need to provide a specific time when you done so.

7 :: What tools and methods do you use for the daily planning and organization of your work?

As a paralegal, you must be organized and able to prioritize your workload. Use this question to explain how you achieve that. This is a great opportunity to highlight your use of any paralegal software as well.

"In order to plan and schedule my work tasks and activities, I use Microsoft Outlook. I use various paralegal software programs to organize my case files. A few examples include CaseMap and Concordance. These tools allow for a more efficient and productive work environment."

8 :: What are the most important skills for a paralegal?

In your paralegal interview answer include organization and planning, research and analytical skills, writing skills, judgment and decision-making skills, attention to detail, strong communication skills, patience and perseverance, confidentiality and sensitivity.

9 :: How do you check the accuracy of your work?

Highlight your attention to detail and your focus on all areas involved in the task no matter how small. Describe the systems and processes you use to check your work for accuracy and completeness.

10 :: What tools does a Paralegal need for organizing and planning day to day?

The things you should tell the interviewer are as follows:

► The systems you use to keep your self organized.
► How you prioritize your workload
► The way you plan and schedule your work
► How you are able to keep focused throughout any conflicts and time limitations.

You can also tell the interviewer about any computer software you have used, such as Lexis/Nexis, Concordance, CaseMap.