Can you provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision?
Theme: Ethics Role: Legal Consultant Function: Legal
Interview Question for Legal Consultant: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Legal Consultant: Provides expert advice and guidance on legal matters to individuals or organizations. 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 Ethics with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Background Information: Provide a brief overview of the situation and your role in it
- Ethical Dilemma: Explain the specific ethical dilemma you faced and why it was difficult
- Decision-making Process: Describe the steps you took to analyze the situation and make a decision
- Resolution: Explain the outcome of your decision and how it resolved the ethical dilemma
- Reflection: Discuss what you learned from this experience and how it has influenced your approach to ethical decision-making
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Ethical judgment: Assessing your ability to navigate ethical dilemmas
- Decision-making skills: Evaluating your ability to make tough choices
- Integrity: Determining your commitment to ethical conduct
- Problem-solving: Exploring your approach to resolving ethical conflicts
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of accountability: Avoid blaming others or not taking responsibility for the decision made
- Unethical behavior: Avoid mentioning any unethical actions or decisions
- Lack of critical thinking: Avoid providing an example where you didn't consider all the ethical implications or failed to analyze the situation thoroughly
- Inability to handle pressure: Avoid sharing an example where you succumbed to pressure and compromised your ethical values
- Lack of integrity: Avoid mentioning any instances where you acted dishonestly or lacked integrity in your decision-making process
- Poor judgment: Avoid discussing a situation where your judgment was questionable or led to negative consequences
- Conflict of interest: Avoid mentioning any situations where you had a personal interest that influenced your ethical decision-making
- Inability to learn from mistakes: Avoid sharing an example where you didn't reflect on the ethical decision made or failed to learn from it