Tell us about a time when you had to work autonomously and under pressure.

Sample answer to the question

I had to work autonomously and under pressure when I was a law clerk at a busy law firm. One time, I was assigned to research and draft a complex legal brief that had a tight deadline. My supervisor was out of the office, so I had to take complete ownership of the project. I had to quickly gather relevant case law, analyze the facts, and construct a persuasive argument. I worked long hours and stayed focused even when faced with distractions. Despite the pressure, I was able to deliver a high-quality brief on time, which impressed both my supervisor and the client.

A more solid answer

As a law clerk at a busy law firm, I frequently had to work autonomously and under pressure. One notable occasion was when I was assigned to research and draft a complex legal brief with a tight deadline. My supervisor was out of the office, so I had to take complete ownership of the project. To ensure success, I developed a detailed timeline and broke down the task into manageable steps. I conducted thorough legal research, analyzing relevant case law and statutes to build a strong argument. Alongside this, I maintained meticulous attention to detail, reviewing and revising my work multiple times to ensure accuracy. Despite the demanding workload and tight schedule, I remained calm and focused, managing my time effectively to meet the deadline. In the end, I delivered a high-quality brief that impressed both my supervisor and the client. This experience taught me the importance of autonomy, analytical thinking, time management, and attention to detail in delivering outstanding results under pressure.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This answer is solid because it provides a detailed example of working autonomously and under pressure, addressing all the evaluation areas. It explains how the candidate managed their time, conducted research, and maintained attention to detail. However, it can still be improved by providing more specific and quantifiable outcomes of their work.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a law clerk at a busy law firm, I faced numerous situations where I had to work autonomously and under immense pressure. One of the most challenging instances was when I was assigned to handle a high-profile litigation case with a rapidly approaching trial date. The firm's top client's reputation was at stake, and the case involved complex legal issues. With minimal guidance from my supervisor, I took full ownership of the case. I developed a comprehensive strategy involving extensive legal research, witness interviews, and document analysis. I meticulously reviewed thousands of pages of evidence, identifying key arguments and potential defenses. To manage the immense workload, I created a detailed timeline, prioritizing tasks based on their impact on the case. I communicated effectively with opposing counsel, negotiated settlement options, and prepared expert witnesses for trial. Despite the overwhelming pressure, I remained focused, adapting to unexpected challenges while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Ultimately, our team achieved a favorable outcome for the client, and my contributions were recognized by both my supervisor and the client's senior executives. This experience solidified my ability to work autonomously, excel under pressure, think analytically, manage time effectively, and pay meticulous attention to detail.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This answer is exceptional because it provides a highly detailed and quantifiable example of working autonomously and under pressure, addressing all the evaluation areas. The candidate describes how they handled a high-profile litigation case with specific actions and outcomes. They also emphasize their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and their professionalism. Furthermore, the answer demonstrates the candidate's strong understanding of the job requirements, such as working autonomously and under pressure. The only improvement could be adding a reflection on lessons learned or personal growth from the experience.

How to prepare for this question

1. Familiarize yourself with the job description and note the emphasis on working autonomously and under pressure.
2. Reflect on your past experiences where you had to work independently and handle high-pressure situations.
3. Select a specific example that showcases your ability to meet deadlines, think analytically, manage time effectively, and pay attention to detail.
4. Highlight the outcomes and results achieved in your example, showcasing the impact of your work.
5. Practice articulating your example concisely while emphasizing the key skills and qualities mentioned in the job description.

What interviewers are evaluating

Autonomy
Pressure
Analytical thinking
Time management
Attention to detail