Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for General Counsel – 2025

Preparing for a general counsel job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your legal expertise, leadership skills, and experience working in a corporate setting. These questions cover all key areas of a general counsel’s role, from handling litigation to managing risk and compliance.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous experience as a general counsel?
  

  A: Absolutely. I have over 10 years of experience working as a general counsel for various companies, both large and small. In my previous role, I was responsible for overseeing all legal matters, including contract negotiations, risk management, and compliance.

• 2. How do you stay updated on current legal trends and developments?
  

  A: As a seasoned general counsel, I understand the importance of staying updated on legal trends and developments. I regularly attend industry conferences and seminars, and also make time to read legal publications and journals. I also network with other legal professionals and seek their insights on various legal matters.

• 3. How do you handle high-pressure situations and manage tight deadlines?
  

  A: In my experience, staying organized and proactive is key to handling high-pressure situations and meeting tight deadlines. I prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary, and also make sure to communicate effectively with all stakeholders involved. I also remain calm and focused under pressure to find the best solutions for the company.

• 4. How do you ensure effective communication with other departments and teams within a company?
  

  A: As a general counsel, it is crucial to establish and maintain open lines of communication with other departments and teams within a company. I make an effort to attend cross-functional meetings and engage with different teams regularly to understand their needs and address any legal concerns or issues that may arise.

• 5. How do you approach decision-making in a legal context?
  

  A: When making legal decisions, I always consider the potential impact on the company and seek input from relevant stakeholders. I also thoroughly analyze all available information and apply my legal expertise to reach a well-informed decision. Ultimately, my goal is to protect the company's interests while also ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult legal situation.
  

  A: In my previous role, I had to handle a complex legal dispute between our company and a major supplier. The situation required extensive negotiations and legal analysis, but I was able to successfully resolve the issue through effective communication and collaboration with both parties.

• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a tough decision that had a significant impact on a company?
  

  A: As a general counsel, I have had to make tough decisions that have had a significant impact on a company many times. One such decision was when I had to withdraw our company from a particular market due to regulatory changes. I conducted thorough research and analysis and presented my findings to the executive team, ultimately leading to the successful decision to withdraw and mitigate potential risks for the company.

• 8. Describe a time when you had to handle confidential information.
  

  A: As a general counsel, I regularly handle highly confidential and sensitive information. In one instance, I had to manage the legal aspects of a company merger while keeping relevant information confidential until the public announcement. I ensured strict confidentiality measures were in place and communicated with team members about the importance of respecting confidentiality.

• 9. How do you handle conflicts within a legal team or with other departments?
  

  A: Conflicts are inevitable in any team, especially in the legal context. When conflicts arise, I take a proactive approach to addressing them by fostering open communication and working towards finding a mutually beneficial solution. I also prioritize maintaining positive relationships with team members and other departments, which helps prevent conflicts from escalating.

• 10. Share an experience where you had to adapt to changing legal policies or regulations.
  

  A: As a general counsel, staying updated on changing legal policies and regulations is crucial. In a previous role, I had to quickly adapt to new data privacy laws and ensure our company was in compliance. I conducted a thorough review of our practices, updated policies and procedures, and provided training to employees to ensure they were aware of the changes.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you suspect an employee is engaging in fraudulent activities, how would you handle the situation?
  

  A: My first step would be to gather as much evidence as possible to support or refute my suspicion. If there is enough evidence, I would consult with the appropriate departments and escalate the situation to higher management as needed. I would also carefully document all steps taken and ensure confidentiality is maintained to protect the company's interests.

• 12. How would you approach negotiating a contract with multiple stakeholders and conflicting interests?
  

  A: Negotiating contracts with multiple stakeholders can be challenging, but I would first try to understand each party's interests and concerns and find common ground. I would facilitate open communication and actively listen to all parties to find a compromise that satisfies everyone's needs. If necessary, I would also seek guidance from external legal experts to ensure our company's interests are protected.

• 13. What would you do if you discovered a legal breach within a company?
  

  A: If I discovered a legal breach, my first step would be to take immediate action to stop the breach and assess the extent of the damage. I would then communicate the situation to the relevant stakeholders and work towards finding a solution to mitigate the impact and prevent any future violations. I would also document the incident and take any necessary disciplinary actions.

• 14. How would you handle a high-profile lawsuit against the company?
  

  A: A high-profile lawsuit can be challenging to handle, but I would approach it with a strategic mindset and gather all necessary information to build a strong defense. I would also consult with external legal experts and work closely with relevant departments to prepare for the trial. I would ensure regular communication and update senior management on the progress of the case.

• 15. Imagine you disagree with a decision made by senior management. How would you handle the situation?
  

  A: If I disagreed with a decision made by senior management, I would first try to understand their reasoning and present my own argument backed by relevant data and legal considerations. If a compromise cannot be reached, I would respect their decision and work towards finding alternative solutions that align with the company's best interests.

Technical Questions

• 16. What experience do you have with corporate governance?
  

  A: As a general counsel, I have extensive experience with corporate governance, including creating and implementing policies, managing board meetings, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

• 17. How do you handle legal research and analysis?
  

  A: Legal research and analysis are crucial aspects of a general counsel's role. I am well-versed in conducting thorough research, utilizing various legal databases, and utilizing my expertise to analyze information and provide recommendations for the company's benefit.

• 18. Can you explain your experience with contract negotiation and management?
  

  A: Negotiating and managing contracts is a core part of my job. I have experience negotiating various types of contracts, including commercial agreements, distribution agreements, and employment contracts. I also have experience drafting and reviewing contracts to ensure they align with the company's interests and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

• 19. How do you handle risk management in the corporate setting?
  

  A: As a general counsel, I am responsible for identifying and mitigating potential risks for the company. I conduct regular risk assessments, create risk management plans, and work closely with other departments to ensure potential risks are addressed and managed proactively.

• 20. Can you discuss a time when you handled a complex project from start to finish?
  

  A: In my previous role, I led a cross-functional team in implementing a new compliance program for our company. I managed every stage of the project, from researching and designing the program to creating training materials and conducting presentations to employees. The project was successfully completed on time and significantly improved our company's overall compliance.