Can you describe a time when you had to conduct legal research for a case? What was your process and what were the results?
Competency
Legal Research
Analytical Thinking
Communication
This question assesses your legal research skills, analytical thinking, and ability to apply findings to real-world scenarios—key competencies for a junior lawyer.
How to answer
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response
- Clearly describe the case and the specific legal issue you were addressing
- Explain your research process, including resources used (e.g., databases, case law, statutes)
- Discuss how you analyzed and synthesized the information gathered
- Highlight the impact of your research on the case outcome, including any metrics or feedback received
What not to say
- Focusing only on the tools you used without explaining the thought process
- Neglecting to mention the significance of the research to the case
- Providing vague examples without specific details or outcomes
- Failing to acknowledge any challenges faced during the research process
Sample answer
“During my internship at a local law firm, I was assigned to assist with a breach of contract case. I identified the need to research similar case law to support our argument. I utilized legal databases such as Westlaw to find relevant cases, analyzed the precedents, and summarized my findings in a memorandum. My research helped the senior lawyer strengthen our position, ultimately leading to a favorable settlement for our client. This experience taught me the importance of thorough legal analysis in case preparation.”