25 Assistant General Counsel Interview Questions and Answers

The role of an assistant general counsel is to provide legal support and advice to a company. They may work on a variety of legal issues such as contracts, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property.

If you’re interviewing for an assistant general counsel job, you can expect to be asked a mix of general legal questions and questions specific to the company you’re interviewing with. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of sample assistant general counsel interview questions and answers.

1. Are you comfortable working with a wide range of legal issues?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with a variety of legal issues. Use your answer to highlight any unique or challenging cases you’ve worked on in the past and how you handled them.

Example: “In my current role, I work with all types of legal issues including contracts, intellectual property rights, labor laws and regulatory compliance. In one instance, we were working on a contract for a client who was opening a new location. The company wanted to include a clause that would allow them to terminate the contract if they ever decided to close their existing location. We had to research state law to ensure it was legal to do so. After researching the matter, we determined that the company could include the clause in the contract.”

2. What are some of the most important skills for an assistant general counsel?

This question can help interviewers understand what you value as an assistant general counsel. You can answer this question by listing the skills that are most important to you and how they have helped you succeed in your career so far.

Example: “The two most important skills for me as an assistant general counsel are communication and organization. I find that these skills allow me to be successful at my job because I am able to clearly communicate with others and organize information effectively. In my last role, I was tasked with organizing a large amount of data from a recent merger. I used my organizational skills to create a database where all of the information could be easily accessed.”

3. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with the general counsel?

As an assistant general counsel, you may be asked to make decisions that differ from the opinions of your superior. An interviewer asks this question to learn how you handle disagreements and whether you can work independently or need constant supervision. In your answer, explain that you would approach your superior with your concerns and try to come to a compromise.

Example: “If I disagreed with my superior’s opinion on a legal matter, I would first discuss my thoughts with them in private. If we couldn’t reach a compromise, I would continue to research the issue until I found enough evidence to support my claim. Then, I would present my findings to my superior and ask for their input. Together, we could find a solution that satisfied both of our needs.”

4. What is your experience with legal research and analysis?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your experience with a variety of legal research and analysis tools. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your ability to use these tools effectively.

Example: “In my current role, I have used LexisNexis and Westlaw extensively for researching case law and other relevant information. In my last position, I also used Fastcase as an alternative resource for finding information on cases that were not available through traditional databases. I find that using multiple resources helps me gather more comprehensive data when conducting research.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you helped to manage legal risk for your employer.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with risk management and how you apply it in the workplace. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to identify, analyze and mitigate legal risks.

Example: “In my current role as assistant general counsel, I regularly help my employer understand potential legal risks associated with their business practices. For example, when we were developing a new software program for our company, I helped my employer assess the legal implications of releasing the product to the public. We discussed whether there was any intellectual property infringement or copyright issues with the software’s design. After reviewing these factors, we determined that there wasn’t an issue with releasing the software.”

6. If hired, what would be your priorities?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a plan for how you would approach your work as assistant general counsel. Your answer should include two or three things you would focus on in your first few months on the job, such as improving communication between departments and streamlining processes.

Example: “My top priorities would be to improve communication between legal teams and other departments within the company. I also want to create more efficient systems for tracking documents and case information so we can reduce our reliance on outside vendors. Finally, I’d like to develop a training program for new employees so they can learn about the company’s policies and procedures right away.”

7. What would you do if you discovered that the general counsel was violating company policies?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your ability to work with others and resolve conflicts. In your answer, demonstrate that you can collaborate with others while also maintaining a high level of integrity.

Example: “If I discovered the general counsel was violating company policies, I would first meet with them in private to discuss my concerns. If they were unwilling to change their behavior, I would report it to the CEO or other senior management so they could take appropriate action. As an assistant general counsel, I understand that I am responsible for upholding ethical standards within the organization. However, I would not want to compromise my values by working alongside someone who is acting unethically.”

8. How well do you understand the legal requirements of the industry in which your company operates?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the legal requirements that apply to their company. This can help them determine whether you have the necessary experience and expertise for the role. In your answer, try to highlight any specific industry knowledge you have. You can also mention how you would use this information in your work as an assistant general counsel.

Example: “I understand the legal requirements of my industry very well. I worked at a law firm that specialized in technology law, so I am familiar with many of the laws that govern tech companies. For example, I know that there are different regulations for public and private companies. I also understand the importance of protecting intellectual property and trade secrets. As an attorney, I helped clients create contracts that protected their IP.”

9. Do you have experience negotiating contracts?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with contracts and how you approach them. Your answer should include an example of a time when you negotiated a contract, the terms you included in it and what the outcome was.

Example: “In my current role as assistant general counsel, I have helped negotiate several contracts between our company and other businesses. For instance, we recently signed a new contract with one of our suppliers that increased their delivery times by two days but lowered the price per unit. In another situation, I worked with the marketing team to create a contract for a client who wanted to use our product in a way we hadn’t previously offered. We were able to work out a solution where they could use our product in the way they wanted while also allowing us to expand our offerings.”

10. When was the last time you presented a case in court?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your litigation experience. They want to know if you have any courtroom experience and how often you’ve presented cases in court. If you haven’t been involved in a case that went to trial, explain what steps you would take to prepare for one.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to present a case in court yet, but I am eager to do so. In my current role as assistant general counsel, I regularly review cases before they go to trial. I make sure all of our evidence is organized and ready to present in court. I also ensure we have an expert witness available to testify on behalf of the company.”

11. We want to improve our compliance with legal regulations. What areas would you focus on if you were hired?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of compliance and how you can help an organization improve its processes. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the specific steps you would take to ensure that your employer stays compliant with regulations.

Example: “I would start by reviewing all current policies and procedures to make sure they’re up-to-date. I’d also want to create a system for tracking changes in legislation so we can be aware of any new laws or amendments. Finally, I would implement regular training sessions on compliance to ensure everyone understands their role in staying compliant.”

12. Describe your experience with legal writing.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your writing skills and how you use them in your daily work. They might also want to know if you have experience with specific types of legal writing, such as contracts or patents. In your answer, try to describe the type of writing you’ve done and what it was like.

Example: “I’ve written many different kinds of documents during my career. I started out working on a team that wrote patent applications for clients. This involved researching prior art and creating detailed descriptions of our client’s inventions. Later, I worked on contract review teams where we reviewed large contracts between companies. We had to make sure all terms were fair and within legal guidelines.”

13. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. To answer this question, think of a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You can also mention any certifications you have.

Example: “I am the only candidate who has worked in both public and private sectors. I believe my diverse background will help me understand the needs of both departments. In addition, I hold two professional certifications in legal research and writing. These certifications show that I am committed to improving my skills and upholding ethical standards.”

14. Which law firms do you have the best relationships with?

This question can help the interviewer understand your networking skills and how you build relationships with other professionals. Use examples from previous jobs to show that you have a strong network of contacts in the legal industry.

Example: “I’ve worked with several law firms over the years, but I have especially good relationships with the attorneys at Smith & Jones Law Firm. We work together on many cases, so we often collaborate on strategies for our clients. The firm also has excellent resources, which helps us provide better services to our clients. In my current role, I’m working with another law firm called Doe & Doe Law Firm. They’re new to the area, but they’re already proving themselves as an effective team.”

15. What do you think is the most important skill for an assistant general counsel to possess?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer this question by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your work.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills an assistant general counsel needs is communication, as they need to be able to communicate with many different people on a daily basis. In my current position, I regularly speak with other members of the legal team, senior management and outside counsel. I also have regular meetings with clients and other stakeholders to discuss their concerns or questions about company policies. These conversations are all part of my job, so I make sure to prepare thoroughly before each meeting.”

16. How often do you update the company’s legal policies and procedures?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with legal policies and procedures. Your answer should include a specific example of how you updated the company’s policies and procedures in the past.

Example: “At my current position, I am responsible for updating our company’s privacy policy every two years. In addition, I update our employee handbook annually. These updates are important because they ensure that we have up-to-date information on all aspects of our business. For instance, when I updated our privacy policy last year, I added new language regarding social media usage by employees. This was due to changes in state law.”

17. There is a new legal precedent that impacts how the company operates. How do you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with other departments. You can use this question to highlight how you would collaborate with others, such as the general counsel or CEO, to find a solution that works for everyone.

Example: “If there was a new legal precedent that impacted our company’s operations, I would first meet with my general counsel to discuss the situation. Together, we would decide whether it makes sense to appeal the decision. If not, then we would need to figure out what changes need to be made to ensure compliance. We would also need to communicate these changes to all relevant parties, including employees, vendors and customers.”

18. How do you handle the pressure of tight deadlines?

Assistant general counsels often have to meet tight deadlines. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working under a time constraint. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and stay productive when you’re under a deadline. Share an example from your experience if it’s relevant.

Example: “I thrive in high-pressure situations because I know that my work is important. When I’m under a deadline, I try to focus on one task at a time. This helps me get through each project without feeling overwhelmed. I also find that breaking down large projects into smaller tasks makes them more manageable. For instance, when I was working for my previous employer, I had to write a report within two weeks. I started by writing an outline, then wrote the introduction and conclusion. After that, I broke the rest of the report into three sections. By focusing on small tasks, I was able to complete the entire report before the deadline.”

19. What strategies do you use to manage a large caseload?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a specific strategy you use to manage your workload, as well as the results of using that method.

Example: “I use my calendar to schedule meetings with clients and other attorneys on my team. I also set reminders for important deadlines so I can stay organized and ensure I meet all client needs in a timely manner. This system has helped me complete projects ahead of schedule and maintain excellent client relationships.”

20. Are you familiar with the laws that affect our industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform your job duties. Use your answer to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that relate to the position.

Example: “I am familiar with many of the laws that affect our industry, including those related to privacy protection, data security and intellectual property rights. I also understand how these laws apply to my role as an assistant general counsel because I regularly review company policies and procedures for compliance. In my last position, I helped develop a new policy on employee confidentiality after we discovered some employees were sharing confidential information about clients.”

21. Describe your experience with litigation and dispute resolution.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with legal proceedings and how you’ve handled them in the past. Use examples from your previous work or school experiences to highlight your knowledge of litigation processes, dispute resolution methods and any other relevant skills that relate to the role.

Example: “In my current position as assistant general counsel, I regularly handle disputes between clients and our company. For example, last year a client filed a complaint against us for not delivering their product on time. After reviewing the case, I determined that we had delivered the product within the specified timeframe but it was damaged during shipping. We offered to replace the product at no additional cost to the customer and they accepted.”

22. How do you ensure accuracy when reviewing legal documents?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your attention to detail and ensure you can perform the job’s responsibilities. Your answer should demonstrate that you have a system for ensuring accuracy in your work. You can describe how you use technology or other methods to check documents for errors.

Example: “I always read through documents carefully, but I also rely on my computer software to help me find any mistakes. For example, when I was working as an associate general counsel, I noticed that one of our clients had misspelled their name in a contract. I used spell-check software to correct the error before sending it back to the client. This saved time because we didn’t have to send the document back to the client for corrections.”

23. What have been some of your most important successes as an assistant general counsel?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your career and how you’ve contributed to your organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a specific project or accomplishment that helped your company achieve something important.

Example: “In my last role as assistant general counsel for a large corporation, I worked with the chief legal officer on developing an employee handbook. This was a big project because we had to make sure all of our policies were in compliance with state and federal laws while also creating a document that employees could understand. After many meetings with HR and other departments, we created a comprehensive handbook that addressed common questions about company policy and included resources for more information.”

24. Do you have any experience in developing corporate policies and procedures?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with creating and implementing policies that protect a company’s assets. Use examples from past work experiences to highlight your ability to create, implement and enforce policies and procedures for an organization.

Example: “In my current role as assistant general counsel at ABC Company, I have helped develop several policies and procedures for the legal department. For example, I worked with senior management to create a policy on data privacy protection that outlined how we would handle any issues related to protecting client information. I also developed a procedure for handling employee complaints about discrimination or harassment.”

25. How would you go about finding new sources of business for the company?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you might use your legal knowledge to benefit the company. Use examples from your experience that show how you would find new clients and expand the business’s client base.

Example: “I have a few strategies for finding new sources of business. First, I would look at our current clients’ needs and see if there are any opportunities to provide additional services or products. For example, when working with my previous employer, we noticed one of our clients was having trouble getting their product into retail stores. We helped them create a contract with a major retailer, which increased sales by 20%.”