Can you provide an example of a complex legal issue you resolved?
Theme: Problem-solving Role: Legal Counsel Function: Legal
Interview Question for Legal Counsel: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Legal Counsel: Provides legal advice and guidance to organizations, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. This role falls within the Legal function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Problem-solving with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Legal Issue: Provide a brief overview of the complex legal issue you resolved
- Background: Explain the context and factors that made the issue complex
- Research & Analysis: Describe the steps you took to research and analyze the issue
- Strategy & Approach: Explain the strategy and approach you adopted to resolve the issue
- Collaboration & Communication: Highlight any collaboration or communication involved in resolving the issue
- Resolution & Outcome: Summarize how you successfully resolved the complex legal issue
- Lessons Learned: Discuss any lessons learned or key takeaways from the experience
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Problem-solving skills: Assessing my ability to handle complex legal issues and find effective solutions
- Analytical thinking: Evaluating my capacity to analyze intricate legal problems and provide sound legal advice
- Experience & expertise: Determining my level of experience in dealing with complex legal matters and assessing my ability to handle similar issues in the future
- Communication skills: Assessing my ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of specific details: Providing a vague or general response without specific details about the complex legal issue resolved
- Inability to explain the complexity: Failing to articulate why the legal issue was complex and how it required specialized knowledge or skills
- No mention of legal research or analysis: Neglecting to highlight the research and analysis conducted to resolve the complex legal issue
- Lack of outcome or impact: Not discussing the outcome or impact of resolving the complex legal issue, such as successful litigation or risk mitigation
- Inability to demonstrate problem-solving skills: Failing to showcase problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking in resolving the complex legal issue