20 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Interview Questions and Answers

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is one of the world’s leading law firms. With over 1,000 lawyers in 19 offices around the globe, Paul, Weiss is a truly global firm.

If you’re applying for a job at Paul, Weiss, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Paul, Weiss interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Interview Process

The interview process at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is relatively quick and straightforward. For summer associate positions, there is an initial online screening interview followed by a callback interview. The callback interview is usually conducted over video and lasts around 2 hours. For other positions, such as business development assistant or translator, there may be two rounds of interviews. Overall, the interviewers are friendly and mostly ask behavioral questions.

1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry client.

This question can help interviewers learn about your conflict resolution skills. When answering, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the client and what steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “I once had a client who was upset with my work because they felt I wasn’t doing enough for them. They were very aggressive in their tone when speaking to me, but I remained calm and explained that I would continue working on their case until they were satisfied. After several weeks of hard work, I was able to solve their problem and win back their trust.”

2. What do you think are the most important qualities in a lawyer?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you view the legal profession. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention qualities that are important to you personally as well as those that you think make an excellent lawyer.

Example: “I believe the most important quality in a lawyer is empathy. I have seen many lawyers who are very intelligent but lack compassion when working with clients. Empathy allows us to understand our client’s situation and provide them with the best possible service. Another quality I admire in other lawyers is their ability to remain calm under pressure. In my experience, there are always going to be challenging situations where we need to stay focused and composed.”

3. How would you describe your work style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you would fit in with their team. It’s important to be honest about your work style, but also highlight any skills or traits that might make you successful at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person and I like to have all my tasks planned out for the day. This helps me stay focused on what needs to get done and ensures I’m meeting deadlines. I find it helpful to meet with clients one-on-one to discuss their case and learn more about them. This helps me build rapport and trust with my clients, which is essential when working as a lawyer.”

4. What is your experience working on large teams?

Paul, Weiss is a large law firm with many different practice areas. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you interact with others in a professional setting. Use your answer to highlight your communication and collaboration skills.

Example: “In my current role as an associate attorney at Smith & Jones Law Firm, I work on a team of five other attorneys. We each have our own clients, but we often collaborate on cases that involve multiple parties or issues. For example, one case I worked on involved two separate families who were suing each other over the same piece of property. My job was to help determine which family had rightful ownership of the land.”

5. Are you comfortable working long hours when needed?

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is a large law firm that often has high-profile cases. The interviewer wants to make sure you’re willing to work long hours when necessary and can handle the stress of working on important cases. Use your answer to show that you are committed to your career and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable with long hours. In my last position, I worked many late nights and weekends because we had several high-profile cases at once. I understand that sometimes these situations arise in law firms, so I’m prepared for this type of schedule.”

6. Why did you choose law as a career path?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the law and how it can benefit others. When answering this question, try to highlight what inspired you to pursue a career in law. You may also want to mention any personal experiences that led you to choose this path.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the legal system. My parents were always watching court shows on television, so I would sit with them and watch as well. This sparked my interest in the law, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a lawyer. Throughout high school, I took many advanced placement classes, including one on constitutional law. This class really helped me understand the importance of our laws and why they are so important.”

7. Do you have any experience with legal research and writing?

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is a large law firm that offers many different legal services. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with the type of work they do and how you might fit in at their company. If you have relevant experience, share it. If not, explain what kind of research and writing you’ve done in the past and why you think you’d be good at doing it.

Example: “I worked as a paralegal for three years before going to law school. During that time, I learned how to conduct thorough legal research and write clear, concise memos and briefs. I also gained valuable experience working on complex cases involving business contracts, intellectual property rights and other issues.”

8. Have you ever worked for a firm before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. If you have worked for a firm before, share what you learned from that experience and how it helped prepare you for this interview.

Example: “I actually haven’t worked for a law firm before, but I did work as an intern at a small legal office in my hometown. There were only two lawyers there, so they had me do everything from filing paperwork to answering phones. It was a lot of responsibility, but I learned a lot about different aspects of being a lawyer. The attorneys also taught me some valuable skills like negotiation and communication.”

9. How do you handle stress?

Paul, Weiss is a highly competitive law firm that handles complex cases. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working in such an environment. In your answer, share two or three strategies you use to manage stress. Explain how these techniques help you stay focused and productive at work.

Example: “I find it helpful to take short breaks throughout the day. I also practice yoga twice a week to keep my mind and body healthy. Another strategy I use to relieve stress is journaling. When I feel overwhelmed by a case, I write down all my thoughts so I can organize them. This helps me see where I need to improve as a lawyer.”

10. When was a time that you went above and beyond for a client?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your work ethic and how you approach client service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example that showcases your dedication to clients and your ability to meet their needs.

Example: “When I was working as a paralegal for my previous firm, one of our senior partners had been out on medical leave for several weeks due to a serious illness. As his assistant, I helped him with all of his correspondence and ensured he met all deadlines while he was away. This responsibility required me to stay late at the office almost every night for two months, but I knew it was important to ensure the well-being of our team.”

11. What type of cases interest you most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with their firm’s practice. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific case or type of case that you find interesting and why.

Example: “I am most interested in cases involving intellectual property law. I find it fascinating how one person’s idea can become so valuable and important to others. In my last role, I worked on a case where an inventor was suing his former company for stealing his ideas. It was rewarding to see him win the case and get the compensation he deserved.”

12. Describe a time where you had to prioritize multiple tasks, how did you decide what came first?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and what skills you use to complete tasks efficiently. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you had multiple projects due at once, but only had enough time to focus on one task at a time.

Example: “In my last position as an associate attorney, I was working on several cases at once. One case required me to draft a brief for a client while also preparing for a deposition with opposing counsel. In this situation, I decided that drafting the brief came first because it would be more beneficial to have it ready before the deposition so I could ask questions if needed. The deposition was scheduled later in the week, so I knew I had plenty of time to prepare.”

13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. It can also be used to determine whether or not the company will be able to help you achieve those goals. When answering this question, make sure that your answer shows that you are ambitious and willing to work hard to get where you want to go.

Example: “I hope to still be working at Paul Weiss five years from now. I would like to continue to grow as an attorney and eventually become a partner here.”

14. How do you handle deadlines?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and complete tasks on a daily basis. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific strategies you use to stay organized and meet deadlines.

Example: “I have several methods I use to ensure that I meet all of my deadlines. First, I create a calendar where I write down all important dates and deadlines. This helps me keep track of when assignments are due and what other events are happening in my life. Second, I set reminders for myself so I don’t forget about upcoming assignments or meetings. Finally, I always make sure to leave enough time between starting an assignment and its deadline.”

15. If hired, how would you contribute to Paul Weiss?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the firm and how you would fit in. You can use this time to highlight any skills or experiences that match what Paul Weiss looks for in its attorneys.

Example: “Paul Weiss has a reputation as one of the top law firms in the country, so I know it’s important to uphold that reputation. As someone who values hard work and dedication, I would do everything I could to ensure my clients are happy with our services. I also understand that teamwork is essential to success, so I would be willing to take on more challenging cases if needed.”

16. How many hours per week can you commit to working?

This question is a way for employers to learn about your availability. They want someone who can work the hours they need them to, so it’s important that you’re honest when answering this question. If you have other obligations in your life, like family or school, be sure to mention those as well.

Example: “I’m available to work 40 hours per week. I do have two children at home, though, so I would need some flexibility with my schedule. I also attend night classes three nights a week, so I’d need to leave by 6 p.m. on those days.”

17. Do you have any experience managing people?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills. If you have management experience, share a few examples of how you helped your team succeed and what you learned from those experiences. If you don’t have management experience, you can talk about other ways you’ve led teams or projects in the past.

Example: “In my last position as an associate attorney at Smith & Jones Law Firm, I was responsible for managing a small team of paralegals. We worked together to create a system that allowed us to manage our workload more efficiently. This process also helped me learn how to delegate tasks effectively so everyone on my team could feel confident in their work.”

18. Are you comfortable working independently?

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is a large law firm that offers many opportunities for professional growth. Your answer to this question can help the interviewer determine if you are comfortable working independently and whether you would be able to thrive in their organization. To answer this question effectively, highlight your ability to work on projects without constant supervision.

Example: “I am very comfortable working independently. In my last role as an associate attorney at Smith & Jones Law Firm, I was often given assignments where I had to research information and write legal briefs without any guidance from senior associates or partners. This experience has helped me develop my independent problem-solving skills and learn how to manage my time efficiently.”

19. How do you feel about working overtime?

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is a large law firm that often requires its attorneys to work overtime. The interviewer wants to know if you’re willing to do so when necessary and how it will affect your performance.

Example: “I’m happy to work overtime as needed. I understand the importance of getting cases done on time and am committed to doing whatever it takes to meet deadlines. However, I also believe in taking regular breaks throughout the day to ensure my best work. I find that this helps me stay focused and productive during long days.”

20. Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is a large law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Dubai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The firm’s website states that it offers relocation assistance to attorneys who are relocating for work.

If you’re interviewing for an attorney position at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, expect questions about your willingness to relocate. This question can also be used to determine if you have the flexibility to move around the country or world based on the needs of the firm. When answering this question, be honest about your willingness to relocate. If you know you would not be willing to relocate, consider how you could answer this question without lying.

Example: “I am open to relocating if necessary. I understand that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has offices all over the world. While I currently live in San Diego, I would be willing to move anywhere within the United States if it meant working for such a prestigious firm.”