Tell me about a time when you had to persuade a client or colleague to go along with your legal strategy.

Sample answer to the question

Once, I had a colleague who disagreed with my legal strategy in a case. We had a client who was facing a complex litigation and I believed that a proactive approach would be the best course of action. I explained my reasoning to my colleague, highlighting the potential benefits of my strategy, such as minimizing risks and maximizing our chances of success. I provided supporting evidence from previous cases and legal precedents. After a thorough discussion, my colleague agreed to go along with my strategy. As a result, we were able to secure a favorable outcome for our client.

A more solid answer

In one particular case, I was tasked with formulating a legal strategy for a complex litigation. My colleague initially had reservations about my approach, as it required a proactive and assertive stance. To persuade my colleague, I met with them one-on-one to discuss the strategy in detail. I explained the potential benefits, such as minimizing risks and maximizing our chances of success, while addressing any concerns they had. Additionally, I provided supporting evidence from previous cases and legal precedents to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy. Through open and collaborative communication, we were able to reach a consensus, and my colleague agreed to go along with the strategy. As a result, we were able to secure a favorable outcome for our client, achieving a successful resolution to the litigation.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the legal strategy and how the candidate persuaded their colleague. It emphasizes the candidate's skills in communication, persuasion, problem-solving, and client relationship management. However, it could still be improved by giving more specific examples of the candidate's contribution to the favorable outcome and how they utilized their time management and teamwork skills.

An exceptional answer

In a recent case involving a complex litigation, I encountered a disagreement with a client regarding the appropriate legal strategy. The client was hesitant about pursuing an aggressive approach, fearing potential risks. Recognizing the importance of addressing their concerns and building trust, I scheduled a meeting with the client to discuss the strategy in depth. I carefully explained the potential benefits, such as minimizing unnecessary costs and securing a favorable outcome. To further substantiate my argument, I provided real-life examples of similar cases and their successful resolutions. Additionally, I offered to collaborate with the client throughout the process, ensuring their participation in decision-making and incorporating their input. By establishing effective communication and leveraging my skills in persuasion and client relationship management, I successfully persuaded the client to go along with the strategy. As a result, we achieved a significant victory, prevailing in court and obtaining a favorable judgment for our client. This experience highlighted my adaptability and ability to tailor legal strategies to meet the specific needs of each client, ultimately strengthening the client-lawyer relationship.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the candidate's experience persuading a client. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle challenging situations and tailor their approach to meet specific client needs. The answer also highlights the candidate's skills in adaptability, teamwork, and professionalism. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of building trust and maintaining a strong client-lawyer relationship. The answer could be further improved by mentioning how the candidate utilized their time management skills to effectively handle the negotiation process and meet deadlines.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with various legal strategies and their respective benefits and risks.
Practice effective communication and persuasion techniques.
Develop a strong understanding of legal precedents and past case outcomes to provide supporting evidence when discussing strategies.
Enhance your problem-solving skills to address potential concerns and counterarguments.
Reflect on past experiences where you had to influence others to align with your legal strategy and identify key lessons learned.

What interviewers are evaluating

Client relationship management
Persuasion
Communication
Problem-solving