Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision. How did you approach it?

Sample answer to the question

One difficult ethical decision I had to make was when I discovered that a client had provided false information in a case. The client had asked me to present the false information in court to strengthen their case. I approached this situation by first weighing the ethical considerations and consulting with my senior lawyer. We decided that presenting false information would violate our professional ethics and damage our integrity. I informed the client that we could not proceed with their request. Instead, I focused on strengthening the legitimate evidence we had. This decision was challenging, but it ensured that we maintained our professionalism and respected the legal system.

A more solid answer

I encountered a difficult ethical decision when I discovered that opposing counsel had inadvertently provided me with confidential information that could greatly benefit my client's case. Although it was tempting to use this information to my advantage, I knew it would be unethical and against my professional obligations. I immediately informed my senior lawyer about the situation and sought their guidance. We decided that the right course of action was to return the information to opposing counsel and maintain our integrity. This decision was challenging, but it allowed us to uphold the principles of our profession and maintain trust with our peers and the legal system.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the difficult ethical decision, including a concrete example and the candidate's actions. It also highlights the candidate's skills related to ethical decision-making, professionalism, and teamwork. However, it could be further improved by discussing the impact of the decision and the positive outcome it had for the candidate and their client.

An exceptional answer

A difficult ethical decision I faced involved a discovery of a conflict of interest within my firm while representing a high-profile client. I learned that another lawyer in my firm had a personal relationship with the opposing counsel, which could potentially compromise our client's interests. Recognizing the seriousness and potential ethical implications, I immediately reported this information to my senior partner, ensuring full transparency. Together, we decided to withdraw from the case to eliminate any perception of impropriety and to protect our client's best interests. Although it was a difficult decision, it demonstrated our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the legal profession.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and complex scenario that emphasizes the candidate's skills in ethical decision-making, professionalism, and teamwork. The candidate demonstrates their ability to recognize and address conflicts of interest, as well as their commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards. Additionally, the answer highlights the positive outcome of the decision, which is aligned with the job description's emphasis on integrity and professionalism.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the legal code of ethics and professional conduct to have a solid understanding of ethical decision-making in the legal field.
Reflect on past experiences where you faced ethical dilemmas and consider the approaches you took and the outcomes.
Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated professionalism and integrity in challenging situations.
Consider the potential impact of your ethical decisions and how they align with the best interests of your clients and the legal profession.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ethical decision-making
Professionalism
Client relationship management