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Law Clerk Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Law Clerk interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you translate complex legal terms to your clients? See answer
  2. How do you think this position will advance your career? See answer
  3. What was your favourite case to study? See answer
  4. When have your research skills come in handy? See answer
  5. Do you take risks? See answer
  6. How do you inspire the people with whom you work? See answer
  7. Have you ever had to present a case? See answer
  8. What is your ideal work environment? See answer
  9. How do you give back to your community? See answer
  10. What do you know about our company? See answer
  11. Who is your favourite chief justice in Canada?
  12. How do you make sure you’re handling a case fairly?
  13. What are you looking for in this position?
  14. Have you encountered problems as a legal clerk that you haven’t been able to solve?
  15. Can you give me an overview of your professional experience as a legal clerk? 
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Hire your next Law Clerk today.

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Hire your next Law Clerk today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Law Clerk Interview Questions and Answers

How do you translate complex legal terms to your clients?

Law clerks frequently work as a liaison between legal specialists and those looking for case resolution. The candidate must have strong legal vocabulary skills. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates the ability to translate legal terms to various people
  • Shows understanding of legal proceedings
  • Understands procedures when passing on legal information

Example:

"In my previous place of employment, I frequently worked one on one with clients to ensure they understood the process we were going through. The majority of these clients had no legal background, and I had to translate information to them in a way they'd understand."

How do you think this position will advance your career?

This question determines what the candidate is looking for in their career. The ideal candidate will have a clear path for their career. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates understanding of their role in the field
  • Clearly explains why they're pursuing this career
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills

Example:

"My goal moving forward is to become a circuit court judge and, eventually, to the Court of Appeal. Becoming a law clerk is the perfect opportunity to become familiar with the way appellate courts function. I'd be learning the hard skills necessary to achieve my goals."

Who is your favourite chief justice of Canada?

This question informs you of who the candidate respects in the industry. It also identifies whether the candidate has retained a historical knowledge of the legal system. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knows the names of various Chief Justices of Canada
  • Elaborates on their reasoning
  • Remains neutral 

Example:

"My favourite Chief Justice of Canada is John Marshall. He contributed to the foundation of our legal system. This, combined with the fact that he made the Supreme Court of Canada's third branch of government, makes him my favourite."

How do you make sure you're handling a case fairly?

Law clerks need to remain neutral to ensure all cases are judged fairly. Candidates need to demonstrate this ability in court. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates good communication skills
  • Explains how their experiences have helped them understand the law
  • Provides a strategy or explanation for remaining neutral

Example:

"I've worked in an anti-trust advocacy group, so I have experience in this. More than anything, I know how the complexities of a case can build up and how important it is to stay impartial. During cases, so many facts are thrown out that it's easy to get lost, however, it's not my job to look at these from a personal lens."

What was your favourite case to study?

The candidate has been through law school and has likely extensively studied several legal cases. The candidate's answer will determine how they approach cases. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Has a clear idea of which case was their favourite
  • Provides clear reasoning for their choice
  • Describes what the general consensus is about the case

Example:

"My favourite case is Blencoe v. British Columbia. I believe this case took a significant step toward human rights and rights for women. It's one of the key moments in this country when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled for equality and justice."

When have your research skills come in handy?

A law clerk needs to have a clear grasp of research to excel in their career. The candidate's answer will determine whether they have the hard skills required to fill this position. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Researches cases as necessary
  • Demonstrates autonomy
  • Demonstrates experience preparing cases

Example:

"I've used my research skills almost every day. When developing a statement on a case, I have to look for precedent in similar cases. That's one of my favourite parts of the job because I can help lawyers build their cases and help judges make informed decisions."

What are you looking for in this job position?

This question provides you insight into what the candidate's priorities are. Moreover, it informs you of potential tasks and workloads to assign. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of open job position
  • Discusses current skill set
  • Discusses plan for their career at the place of employment

Example:

"I've been working on my hard and soft skills for some time now. More than anything, I'm looking for a position that allows me to use the skills I've acquired. I picked this job in particular because you provide career advancement and training opportunities. I'm always looking for new ways to improve myself."

Do you take risks?

This question identifies what you can expect from the candidate. When placed under pressure or given the opportunity, the candidate needs to have a clear vision of whether they should take a risk. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Has experience taking risks
  • Discusses strategy behind risk-taking
  • Understands implications involved with taking risks

Example:

"I've taken risks in the past, but I only do so if I know there's no danger to my client. I thoroughly assess situations to determine risks and to develop risk outcome reports. If the risk has a better chance of benefiting my client or doesn't harm them, I'll take it."

How do you inspire the people with whom you work?

This question addresses the candidate's ability to work in a team. It identifies whether they have something to contribute to the law clerk position. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Discusses strategies for inspiring coworkers
  • Has experience motivating those around them 
  • Understands why people feel uninspired

Example:

"The most important thing to remember about inspiring others is understanding what their motivations are. When I know what motivates them, I can create situations that inspire them to be their best."

Have you ever had to present a case?

Law clerks typically present cases to teams of coworkers and to their superiors. This answer will determine the candidate's skills speaking in front of groups. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates public speaking skills
  • Understands how to prepare a case to present
  • Understands confidentiality regulations

Example:

"I've had to prepare presentations in the past. The key to doing this is making sure the client's confidentiality is maintained at all times. Unless they consent to have their information shared with my team, I can't legally or morally justify sharing their information. When doing this, I use fake names and change any details that could identify the client. This provides my coworker with the knowledge required to understand the case but not enough knowledge to identify them."

Have you encountered problems as a legal clerk that you haven't been able to solve?

The candidate's answer determines how they find solutions to complex problems. It also identifies how you can expect them to handle situations that don't seem to have a solution. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates experience as a legal clerk
  • Makes decisions under pressure
  • Finds solutions despite uncertainty

Example:

"Most of the time, I believe all problems have solutions. There are times, however, when they don't. The latter primarily occurs when moral dilemmas are present. When I'm having a moral conflict, I try to find a solution that meets in the middle of my morals and what's expected."

What is your ideal work environment?

The candidate's answer to your question determines what their work culture has looked like in the past. It also provides you with additional insight into how the candidate will contribute to your team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates ability to contribute to work culture
  • Elaborates on previous work experiences
  • Has done research on your company culture

Example:

"My ideal work environment is one where my coworkers are excited to go to work. I like to be part of teams that are enthusiastic about what they do and who demonstrate a passion for this field. I know some of your previous employees, and this is one of the components that appeals most to me about the position."

How do you give back to your community?

This question tells you about the candidate's priorities. It also identifies whether the candidate shows initiative outside the office. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Discusses volunteering experience
  • Demonstrates a desire to help people
  • Discusses how the experience applies to the job position

Example:

"I've volunteered in legal clinics. These clinics had lower budgets and couldn't afford to hire a full-time law clerk. Two days a week for the past three years, I've gone to the clinics to provide additional support and to work on reports."

What do you know about our company?

The right candidate does research before attending a job interview. The candidate's answer to your question identifies whether they've done so for your law firm. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates research skills
  • Shows enthusiasm toward open job position
  • Reiterates details from job posting

Example:

"I first heard about your company when I was still in law school. I've always admired your dedication to social justice. I know you tend to take on cases that are harder to win but that you often win them. I appreciate the hard work you put toward your clients and your strong morals."

Can you give me an overview of your professional experience as a legal clerk?

The answer to this question provides you with information about the candidate's previous experience. It also tells you whether they'll make a good addition to your team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrates enthusiasm toward the job
  • Understands the responsibilities involved with the role
  • Demonstrates professional experience as a legal clerk

Example:

"I worked in an anti-trust advocacy group before applying for this position. I was there for approximately four years, where I learned many hard and soft skills. I became the best researcher in the group and developed significant experience as a liaison between the group and our clients."

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