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INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Can you discuss a situation where you had to collaborate with external legal counsel? How did you ensure effective communication and a successful outcome?

General Counsel Interview Questions
Can you discuss a situation where you had to collaborate with external legal counsel? How did you ensure effective communication and a successful outcome?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have worked with external legal counsel in the past. One situation that comes to mind is when our company was involved in a complex litigation case. We needed the expertise of a specialized law firm to handle the case. To ensure effective communication, I scheduled regular meetings with the legal team to discuss strategy, updates, and any new developments. We also established clear lines of communication through email and phone calls. I made sure to provide the legal counsel with all the necessary information and documents they needed to effectively represent our company. The outcome of this collaboration was successful as we were able to achieve a favorable resolution in the case.

A more solid answer

Certainly! In a previous role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with external legal counsel on a high-stakes merger deal. To ensure effective communication, we established a weekly meeting schedule to discuss the progress, address any concerns, and align on the overall strategy. Additionally, I created a shared online document repository where both parties could easily access and share relevant information and documents. This improved efficiency and reduced any potential delays in communication. Moreover, I regularly provided status updates to the executive team to keep them informed and involved in the collaboration process. As a result of our close collaboration and open communication, we successfully navigated the legal complexities of the merger and achieved a favorable outcome for our company.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific details of a merger deal where the candidate collaborated with external legal counsel. It addresses the evaluation areas by mentioning the establishment of a meeting schedule, a shared document repository, and regular status updates. However, it could further improve by including more information on how the candidate ensured effective communication and a successful outcome.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a situation where I collaborated with external legal counsel in a complex international arbitration case. To ensure effective communication, we implemented several strategies. First, we held weekly video conferences to discuss the case, align on strategy, and address any challenges. These sessions allowed for real-time collaboration and ensured that all team members were on the same page. Second, we utilized a secure online platform where we could securely exchange sensitive documents, track revisions, and leave comments for seamless collaboration. Additionally, I assigned a dedicated team member as the primary point of contact for the legal counsel, facilitating immediate responses to any inquiries. To track progress and ensure deadlines were met, we implemented a robust project management system that allowed everyone involved to have visibility into the status of each task. These measures resulted in effective communication, streamlined collaboration, and ultimately, a successful outcome for our company as we secured a favorable settlement in the arbitration case.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and specific example of collaborating with external legal counsel in an international arbitration case. It addresses the evaluation areas by outlining strategies such as weekly video conferences, secure online document exchange, a dedicated point of contact, and a project management system. The answer also highlights the successful outcome of securing a favorable settlement. It demonstrates thorough communication and collaboration practices.

How to prepare for this question

  • Research and familiarize yourself with legal databases and resources commonly used in the industry.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with legal research and how you have utilized it to support your work in previous roles.
  • Highlight instances where you have demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a legal context.
  • Prepare examples of how you have effectively managed multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Reflect on your experience in providing legal advice and guidance in compliance, contract law, and corporate governance.
  • Think about situations where you have worked with external parties, such as vendors or partners, in a legal capacity and how you ensured effective communication and successful outcomes.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Successful outcome

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