Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize tasks and delegate them.

Sample answer to the question

Sure! One time, I was working on a project that had a tight deadline and required a lot of different tasks to be completed. I sat down and made a list of all the tasks that needed to be done, and then organized them based on priority. I identified the most critical tasks that needed to be done first and delegated some of the less urgent tasks to my team members. I communicated with them clearly about the expectations and provided them with all the necessary information and resources they needed to complete the tasks. Throughout the process, I monitored the progress and provided guidance and support whenever needed. By effectively prioritizing and delegating tasks, we were able to meet the deadline and successfully complete the project.

A more solid answer

Certainly! Let me share a specific example from my previous role as a Legal Counsel. We were working on a complex merger and acquisition transaction that involved multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. I created a detailed project plan that outlined all the tasks and milestones, taking into account the legal requirements and potential risks. To prioritize the tasks, I analyzed their impact on the success of the transaction and the urgency of completion. I then assigned the tasks to the team members based on their expertise and workload capacity. I made sure to provide clear instructions, deadlines, and expectations to each team member, and regularly checked in with them to provide guidance and support. By effectively delegating tasks and keeping track of their progress, we were able to complete the transaction successfully within the desired timeframe while mitigating legal risks.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a specific example that demonstrates the candidate's expertise in prioritizing tasks and delegating them in a legal context. The answer also addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, such as organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, ability to delegate, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. However, the answer could still include more specific details and examples to further strengthen the candidate's response.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a challenging situation where I had to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively as a Legal Counsel. We were handling a complex litigation case that required intensive research, drafting of legal briefs, and coordination with external legal counsel. To ensure efficient task management, I conducted a thorough analysis of the case and identified critical deadlines and milestones. I then created a detailed task schedule that allocated responsibilities to team members based on their expertise and workload capacity. To promote collaboration and clarity, I organized regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and provide guidance. Additionally, I developed a comprehensive system to track deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks. This involved using project management software that allowed team members to update their progress and flag any potential issues. By effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating them, we were able to meet all the deadlines, provide strong legal representation, and achieve a favorable outcome for our client.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive example that showcases the candidate's exceptional ability to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively in a legal context. The answer also addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, including organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, ability to delegate, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. The candidate demonstrates their expertise by describing the specific actions they took, their approach to task management, and the successful outcome achieved. The answer provides a clear demonstration of the candidate's ability to handle complex legal matters and manage a team.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with project management methodologies and tools that can help you prioritize tasks and delegate effectively.
Reflect on your past experiences and identify specific examples where you had to prioritize tasks and delegate in a legal context.
Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills when it comes to task prioritization and delegation.
Develop strategies for effective communication and collaboration with team members when delegating tasks.
Research and stay up-to-date on legal developments and best practices in the areas of contracts, compliance, and corporate governance.

What interviewers are evaluating

Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Prioritize Tasks
Ability to Delegate
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills