Can you describe a challenging case you worked on during your internship and how you approached it?
Behavioral
Problem-solving
Legal Research
Communication
This question gauges your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure, which are crucial for a junior litigation attorney.
How to answer
- Begin by providing context about the case and its significance
- Detail the specific challenges you faced and why they were difficult
- Explain the steps you took to tackle these challenges, including research and collaboration
- Discuss the outcome of the case and what you learned from the experience
- Highlight your contributions and any feedback you received from supervisors
What not to say
- Focusing only on the outcome without discussing the process
- Not mentioning specific actions taken to overcome the challenges
- Blaming others for difficulties faced during the case
- Providing vague or unrelated case details
Sample answer
“During my internship at a local law firm, I worked on a complex defamation case. The biggest challenge was gathering enough evidence to support our claims against a high-profile public figure. I conducted extensive legal research and coordinated with our client's witnesses to prepare their testimonies. Ultimately, we secured a favorable settlement, and my supervisor praised my thorough preparation and ability to think critically under pressure.”