Good Questions to Ask a Lawyer About Their Career
Strategic questions that demonstrate your understanding of the legal profession and help you evaluate career paths and opportunities in law.
1What drew you to practice law, and how has your motivation evolved throughout your career?
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What drew you to practice law, and how has your motivation evolved throughout your career?
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Why this works
Reveals their core values and shows how their understanding of the profession has developed, giving insight into what drives them professionally.
2What's been the most rewarding aspect of your legal career, and what keeps you passionate about the work?
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What's been the most rewarding aspect of your legal career, and what keeps you passionate about the work?
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Why this works
Shows what they find fulfilling and reveals the aspects of law that energize them, helping you understand what might motivate you in the field.
3How do you approach work-life balance in a profession known for demanding hours?
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How do you approach work-life balance in a profession known for demanding hours?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the practical challenges in law and shows you're thinking about sustainability in your own career.
4What's been your biggest professional challenge, and how did you overcome it?
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What's been your biggest professional challenge, and how did you overcome it?
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Why this works
Reveals their problem-solving approach and shows you understand that legal careers involve significant challenges that require resilience.
5How has the legal profession changed since you started practicing, and how do you stay current with developments?
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How has the legal profession changed since you started practicing, and how do you stay current with developments?
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Why this works
Shows awareness of industry evolution and reveals their approach to continuous learning in a field that's constantly changing.
6What's your approach to building and maintaining client relationships, and how do you handle difficult clients?
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What's your approach to building and maintaining client relationships, and how do you handle difficult clients?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the client service aspect of law and reveals their interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.
7How do you approach ethical dilemmas in your practice, and what framework do you use for decision-making?
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How do you approach ethical dilemmas in your practice, and what framework do you use for decision-making?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the ethical complexities in law and reveals their moral compass and decision-making process.
8What's your view on the role of technology in modern legal practice, and how has it changed your work?
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What's your view on the role of technology in modern legal practice, and how has it changed your work?
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Why this works
Demonstrates awareness of industry trends and shows you understand how technology is transforming legal practice.
9How do you approach professional development and continuing education in your field?
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How do you approach professional development and continuing education in your field?
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Why this works
Shows commitment to growth and reveals their approach to staying current with legal developments and improving their skills.
10What's your approach to managing stress and maintaining mental health in a high-pressure profession?
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What's your approach to managing stress and maintaining mental health in a high-pressure profession?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the mental health challenges in law and shows you're thinking about sustainability and self-care.
11How do you approach networking and building professional relationships in the legal community?
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How do you approach networking and building professional relationships in the legal community?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the importance of professional relationships in law and reveals their approach to building a professional network.
12What's your view on the future of the legal profession, and how do you see it evolving?
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What's your view on the future of the legal profession, and how do you see it evolving?
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Why this works
Demonstrates forward-thinking perspective and shows you're interested in understanding industry trends and potential changes.
13How do you approach pro bono work and giving back to the community through your legal skills?
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How do you approach pro bono work and giving back to the community through your legal skills?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the social responsibility aspect of law and reveals their values around public service and community impact.
14What's your approach to mentoring junior lawyers, and what advice do you give to those starting their careers?
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What's your approach to mentoring junior lawyers, and what advice do you give to those starting their careers?
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Why this works
Reveals their leadership philosophy and shows you value their experience and perspective on career development.
15How do you handle the business side of practicing law, including client acquisition and practice management?
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How do you handle the business side of practicing law, including client acquisition and practice management?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the entrepreneurial aspects of legal practice and reveals their business acumen and practical skills.
16What's your approach to handling cases that don't align with your personal values or beliefs?
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What's your approach to handling cases that don't align with your personal values or beliefs?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the complex ethical landscape in law and reveals how they navigate personal-professional conflicts.
17How do you approach building expertise in your practice area, and what's your strategy for staying current?
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How do you approach building expertise in your practice area, and what's your strategy for staying current?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of specialization in law and reveals their approach to developing deep expertise in their field.
18What's your view on the role of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and how do you approach it?
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What's your view on the role of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and how do you approach it?
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Why this works
Demonstrates awareness of current issues in the profession and shows you understand the importance of diversity in legal practice.
19How do you approach handling cases that involve significant emotional or personal impact?
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How do you approach handling cases that involve significant emotional or personal impact?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the emotional aspects of legal practice and reveals their approach to managing the human side of law.
20What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law, and what do you wish you'd known when you started?
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What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law, and what do you wish you'd known when you started?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share wisdom and shows you value their experience and perspective on career development in law.
Best Practices for Engaging with Lawyers About Their Careers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Understanding of the Profession
Demonstrate knowledge of legal practice areas, ethical considerations, and the challenges lawyers face. This establishes credibility and shows you're serious about the conversation.
Ask About Their Journey
Focus on their career development, challenges they've overcome, and how their practice has evolved. This shows you understand that legal careers are journeys of growth and adaptation.
Show Interest in the Human Side
Ask about work-life balance, stress management, and the emotional aspects of legal practice. This shows you understand that law is a human profession with real challenges.
Question Sequences
The Career Journey Sequence
The Professional Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask for Legal Advice
Avoid asking for specific legal advice or opinions on legal matters. Focus on their career experience, not their legal expertise.
Don't Focus Only on Prestige
Avoid asking only about prestige, money, or status. Focus on their professional development, values, and the meaningful aspects of their work.
Don't Make Assumptions About Their Practice
Avoid making assumptions about their practice area, client base, or work style. Ask open-ended questions that let them define their own experience.