Why are you interested in working as a Legal Secretary?

Sample answer to the question

I am interested in working as a Legal Secretary because I have a strong interest in the law and legal procedures. I enjoy working in a professional and confidential environment, and I have strong administrative and clerical skills. I have experience with managing attorney calendars, preparing legal documents, and conducting basic legal research. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office suite and legal case management software. Overall, I believe that my skills and passion for the law make me a great fit for this role.

A more solid answer

I am highly interested in working as a Legal Secretary because I have always been fascinated by the law and legal procedures. I find the intricate workings of the legal system and the attention to detail required in legal documentation to be intellectually stimulating. Additionally, I have developed strong administrative and clerical skills through my previous experiences. For example, in my previous role as an Administrative Assistant, I successfully managed multiple attorney calendars, ensuring all deadlines were met and appointments were scheduled accordingly. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office suite and legal case management software, which will allow me to efficiently handle legal documentation and maintain organized files. Overall, working as a Legal Secretary aligns perfectly with my passion for the law and my skills in administration, making it an ideal position for me.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands upon the candidate's interest in the law and legal procedures, providing more specific details and examples of their relevant skills and experiences. It demonstrates a strong alignment between the candidate's passion and the job requirements. However, it could still be improved by including more information about the candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as their professionalism and customer service orientation.

An exceptional answer

I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to work as a Legal Secretary, as it allows me to combine my passion for the law with my strong administrative and problem-solving abilities. My interest in the law originated from my involvement in a mock trial program during college, where I had the opportunity to simulate legal proceedings and develop a deep understanding of legal terminology and documentation. This experience sparked my fascination with the intricacies of the legal process and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the legal field. In addition to my passion for the law, I possess excellent administrative skills honed through my previous role as a Legal Assistant at a prestigious law firm. In this position, I was responsible for managing attorney calendars, preparing legal documents, and conducting thorough legal research. I consistently demonstrated professionalism and confidentiality in all communications and provided exceptional customer service to clients. I also consistently exercised critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, anticipating and addressing potential issues before they arise. With my strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and passion for the law, I am confident that I would excel as a Legal Secretary in your organization.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer takes the candidate's interest in the law and legal procedures to a deeper level, providing a compelling personal story and highlighting their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, professionalism, and customer service orientation. The answer also emphasizes their experience in a similar role and their ability to anticipate and address potential issues. By incorporating these additional details, the answer stands out as exceptional and addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Research the specific legal procedures and terminology relevant to the industry or field you are applying for. This will demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
Reflect on your past experiences where you have demonstrated strong administrative and clerical skills, such as managing calendars, organizing files, and preparing legal documents. Be prepared to provide specific examples and outcomes.
Consider any situations in which you have exercised critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in a legal or administrative context. Be prepared to discuss how you approached the situation and the results you achieved.
Highlight your professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality in previous roles. Provide examples of how you have handled sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrate your customer service orientation by discussing any experiences working directly with clients or colleagues and how you have effectively communicated and supported their needs.

What interviewers are evaluating

Interest in the law and legal procedures
Strong administrative and clerical skills