Interview Tips for Legal Assistant
It should always be remembered when considering a career in the legal profession that we are discussing the situation in England and Wales. The Scottish legal system is completely different and qualifications, training and job descriptions will be specific to Scotland.
In England and Wales a legal assistant, sometimes referred to as a paralegal, has an essential role within any organisation requiring legal services. The legal assistant isn’t a qualified solicitor, but does much of the work of a solicitor. In many cases, the legal assistant uses the position as a starting point to climb the ladder to experienced paralegal.
At this time there aren’t any specific qualifications necessary to become a legal assistant. There are, however, the options of training and qualifications from various organisations including the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), and the Institute of Paralegals.
There are usually vacancies for legal assistants, and although a university degree isn’t necessary most employers will require a high standard of English and Maths. The duties of a legal assistant can vary tremendously and will evolve with experience. The basic work will include general administration such as arranging appointments for your solicitor, speaking on the phone, preparation and proofreading of draft documents, managing case files, some legal research, liaising with clients.
The work will vary on a daily basis and with experience your solicitor will allow you greater responsibility, whilst remembering that the paralegal or legal assistant is just that – an assistant.
The Interview
Many positions require experience and it can be difficult to obtain a first position. It is worth contacting all companies in the area which have a legal department as they may have an unadvertised vacancy.
It is important to know something about the work undertaken by the company, so before the interview check out their website to establish the type of clients they have and in what sectors of business.
The legal assistant always needs to be dressed smartly, and it is essential to be on time. Ensure that you arrive at your interview a few minutes early. The interviewer will expect you to be a little nervous, particularly if will be your first job, and will try to put you at your ease. Smile at the interviewer and speak clearly in reply to questions.
Be enthusiastic as the company want their staff to enjoy being at work. Thank the interviewer at the end of the meeting and stress that you would like the job if it is offered to you.
Some good tips here. I dont see many of these jobs advertised generally, so you will be looking in the specific places that would require a legal assistant, ie directly with solicitors or websites etc for this. Either way if you feel this is the right career for you, then good luck
This is a job that attracts people who are interested in the legal industry and would like to get some first hand experience of it. It can be an incredibly varied and rewarding job for the right candidate.
Key characteristics you should be hoping to portray to the interviewer include; high level of maturity, dedication, teamwork, I.T skills, organisational skills, integrity, good communication skills and be comfortable with mathematics and writing.
Common tasks of the legal assistant, in the duties of assisting a solicitor or solicitors, will range from making the tea, to assisting in the writing of legal documents.
Common interview questions would include, but not be in any way limited to:
Question: Why do you think you would make a good legal assistant? (Assuming no previous experience in the trade)
Answer: I have always had a keen interest in this industry. I believe I would be a strong candidate for this job because I believe I have many characteristics that you are looking for. I am hard working and dedicated to everything I do. Have achieved high grades in maths and English, as well as I.T. In my last job at a call centre I have progressed my communication skills and teamwork. These are both skills I believe are transferable and can prove very useful tools for a legal assistant.
You may also be required to take an exam to prove some of your skills are up to the standard required. It is not completely uncommon to be given a task which involves entering data into a spreadsheet or typing up a sample piece of work. In this profession accuracy is of vital importance and you must be able to prove that you can work quickly and accurately.
If you research the company well, and rehearse the answers you intend to give to the interviewer, your confidence will grow and you will give yourself an increased chance of landing the job.