20 Dechert Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Dechert, a global specialist law firm, you’ll want to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions.

What sets Dechert apart from other law firms is its focus on delivering practical commercial insight and judgment for its clients’ most important matters. So, when you’re interviewing for a job at Dechert, you can expect questions that will test your ability to think practically and provide commercial insight.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Dechert interview questions and answers. With these, you’ll be able to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for.

Dechert Interview Process

The interview process at Dechert is generally pretty smooth and efficient. There are usually two rounds of interviews, the first being with a Senior Associate, an HR representative, and a project manager. The second round is with two partners who will ask more general background questions. Overall, the process is fairly informal and relaxed.

1. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a law student?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand how you overcame challenges in your past. Use this opportunity to highlight any skills or experiences that helped you succeed as a law student.

Example: “The biggest challenge I faced was time management. As a dual major, I had many classes each day and often felt overwhelmed by all of my assignments. However, I learned to manage my time more effectively by using an online calendar system to keep track of due dates for assignments and projects. This allowed me to plan ahead for upcoming deadlines and prioritize my work so I could complete it on time.”

2. How would you prioritize your tasks if you had multiple deadlines at once?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and whether you have experience with multiple projects at once. Use examples from previous work experiences to show that you are organized, efficient and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “I would first look at all of my tasks for the day and prioritize them based on their importance. I would then create a schedule for myself so that I could complete each task within the appropriate amount of time. If there were any emergencies or urgent matters that came up during the day, I would make sure to address those as soon as possible so they did not interfere with my other scheduled tasks.”

3. Tell me about a case you worked on that was particularly challenging to resolve.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to resolve the case and how you overcame any challenges that arose.

Example: “I once worked on a case where my client was being sued for copyright infringement by another company. The other company had hired an attorney who was very aggressive in his approach to the case. My client’s attorney asked me to find evidence that would prove our client did not infringe on the other company’s copyright. I spent several weeks researching and gathering information before presenting my findings to the court. We were able to provide enough evidence to convince the judge that our client did not infringe on the other company’s copyright, which resulted in the case being dismissed.”

4. Do you have any experience working with clients from different cultures and backgrounds?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures. This can be an important skill to have as a lawyer, especially when representing clients in court or other legal proceedings.

Example: “I have worked with many clients from different cultural backgrounds throughout my career. I find that it is important to understand their background and culture so that I can better serve them. For example, I once had a client who was from China. He spoke very little English, but he wanted me to represent him in a business dispute. I made sure to hire interpreters for our meetings and also hired someone who could translate his documents into Chinese.”

5. Describe what type of lawyer you want to be.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have goals and ambitions for your career. It also shows them what type of work you want to do, which can help them decide if you are a good fit for their firm. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what kind of lawyer you would like to become. You should also explain how you plan on achieving these goals.

Example: “I want to be an attorney who helps clients solve problems in creative ways. I am always looking for new solutions to legal issues, and I believe that my creativity will benefit my clients greatly. I also want to be known as someone who cares deeply about social justice. I hope to use my law degree to make the world a better place.”

6. How do you handle stress?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle pressure and stressful situations. When answering, it can be helpful to discuss a time when you faced stress in the workplace and how you overcame or managed it.

Example: “I find that one of the best ways to manage stress is by taking breaks throughout the day. I also try to practice mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises. These help me stay calm and focused on my work. Another way I reduce stress at work is by being honest with myself and others about what I need to do my job well. If I feel overwhelmed, I will speak up so that my manager knows I need additional support.”

7. Why do you think we should hire you?

This question is a great opportunity to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the position. It’s also an excellent chance to highlight some of your skills, accomplishments or other qualifications that make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I think you should hire me because I am highly motivated and eager to learn new things. I have several years of experience in this field, but I know there are always more opportunities to improve my skills and knowledge. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to Dechert as I continue to grow professionally.”

8. Tell us about a time where you went above and beyond for a client.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example from your past experience where you went above and beyond for a client.

Example: “I had a client who was looking to expand their business into Europe. They were unsure about which countries would be best for them to enter, so I spent several weeks researching each country and comparing different factors like population size, GDP per capita and more. After my research, I presented my findings to my client and helped them decide on the best European countries for their company.”

9. Give an example of a time when you did not meet a deadline. How did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to learn from mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how you learned from the experience and what steps you took to ensure that you don’t make the same mistake again.

Example: “In my first year of law school, I was working on an assignment for a class where we had to write a brief. I was so focused on writing the best brief that I didn’t realize I hadn’t submitted it until the night before it was due. I stayed up all night rewriting the brief and turned it in just minutes before it was due.”

10. Have you ever disagreed with a decision made by an employer or manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to challenge authority. When answering, it’s important to show that you can disagree respectfully with your superiors while also explaining what actions you took to resolve the disagreement.

Example: “I’ve disagreed with a decision made by my employer before, but I always did so respectfully. In this situation, I was working on a case where we were representing a company in a dispute over their contract terms. The opposing party claimed that our client had violated several clauses of the contract, including one stating they could not hire any other employees from the other company for five years after terminating employment.

After reviewing the contract thoroughly, I determined that there was no clause prohibiting hiring former employees. I brought this information to my supervisor, who agreed that the contract didn’t include such a clause. We informed the opposing party that we would be hiring the employee as part of our defense strategy.”

11. Can you tell me about one of your favorite cases that you worked on?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleagues and their work experience. It can also help you decide if the firm’s culture aligns with your own. When answering this question, try to choose a case that highlights your skills or interests.

Example: “I really enjoyed working on my client’s patent infringement lawsuit because it was so interesting to see how different elements of law could be used to solve problems in unique ways. I love learning about new things, and this case gave me an opportunity to do just that.”

12. We are looking for someone who is able to problem solve independently. Can you provide an example of a time when you used good judgment in a work situation?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the ability to think critically and solve problems on your own. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you used critical thinking skills to find a solution to a problem or challenge.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a client who had a contract dispute with another company. The other company claimed our client owed them money for services they provided. My team and I worked together to review all of the documentation and evidence provided by both parties. We were able to determine that our client did not owe the other company any money.”

13. Which area of law interests you the most?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have done your research on the firm and its practice areas. When answering this question, make sure to mention an area of law that Dechert practices and how it aligns with your own interests.

Example: “I am very interested in intellectual property law because I believe it’s important for businesses to protect their ideas and brands. In my last position as an IP attorney, I helped clients register trademarks and patents and navigate copyright issues. I also enjoy working with clients who are looking to expand their business internationally.”

14. Have you received any awards in your field? If so, which ones?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are committed to excellence in your field. If you have received any awards, be sure to mention them and explain what they mean to you.

Example: “I was recently named the top attorney for my firm’s bankruptcy department. This award means a lot to me because it shows I am doing something right and helping others through difficult times. It also motivates me to continue providing excellent service to my clients.”

15. Are you comfortable using technology such as Microsoft Office and Outlook?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your comfort level with technology and how you use it in the workplace. If you have experience using these programs, discuss what you like about them or if you are learning new software programs, mention that you are eager to learn more.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Office and Outlook. I used both of these programs at my last job for several years and found them easy to navigate. I also enjoy learning new software programs, so I would be happy to take a class on any other programs Dechert uses.”

16. How do you keep up with current changes in the laws in your state?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations in your state. This can show that you have a passion for learning about the law, which is an important quality for attorneys. In your answer, try to explain how you stay informed about changes in the law.

Example: “I am passionate about my career as an attorney, so I make it a point to keep up with current developments in the law. I subscribe to several newsletters from my state bar association that provide information about new legislation and case law. I also regularly attend seminars hosted by local judges and lawyers who discuss recent cases.”

17. Do you prefer working alone or with others?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their team. If you are interviewing for a position that requires independent work, it’s important to mention this in your answer.

Example: “I enjoy working alone because I find it easier to focus and get my work done without distractions. However, I also know that sometimes collaboration is necessary to complete projects effectively. In those cases, I am willing to collaborate with others as long as they respect my need for quiet time.”

18. Tell us about a time you handled a difficult client.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to resolve it. When answering this question, try to focus on your problem-solving skills and highlight your communication abilities.

Example: “I once had a client who was very demanding. He would call me at all hours of the day with questions about his case and often wanted immediate answers. I learned that he felt nervous about his case and needed reassurance. So, I started calling him before work each morning to let him know what I planned to do for the day. This helped him feel more confident in my abilities as an attorney.”

19. Do you have any experience handling large caseloads?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are prepared to handle a large workload at Dechert. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any experience you have with handling multiple projects or clients at once and how you managed your time effectively in those situations.

Example: “In my current position as an associate attorney, I am responsible for managing a caseload of up to 20 cases at one time. In order to manage my time efficiently, I use project management software to create task lists that allow me to stay organized and on schedule. This has helped me complete all of my work on time while still providing excellent client service.”

20. What do you know about Dechert?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your research skills and determine whether you are familiar with their company. When preparing for this question, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly and look at any information about the company that they provide on their website or social media accounts.

Example: “I know that Dechert has been in business since 1873 and has offices all over the world. I also know that it’s one of the top law firms in Philadelphia and specializes in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, real estate, tax and litigation.”