Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for General Manager Legal & Company Secretary Roles – 2025

Preparing for an interview for a general manager legal and company secretary role? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your experience in managing legal aspects of a company, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and maintaining effective corporate governance. These questions cover all key areas of the job, including technical knowledge, decision-making abilities, and cultural fit with the company.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a general manager legal and company secretary.
  As a general manager legal and company secretary, I have extensive experience in overseeing legal operations, ensuring compliance, and managing corporate governance for various companies. I have held this role for over 10 years, working with both small startups and large corporations.
• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career as a general manager legal and company secretary?
  My passion for law, combined with my interest in the business world, led me to pursue this career. I enjoy the complex and dynamic nature of this role and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the company's operations and success.
• 3. How do you stay updated on changes in laws and regulations?
  I make it a priority to stay informed about current legal news and updates. I regularly attend legal seminars and conferences, subscribe to industry journals, and network with other legal professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
• 4. How do you handle conflicts with other departments or employees related to legal matters?
  I believe in open and effective communication to address conflicts. I approach conflicts in a calm and professional manner, seeking to understand each party's concerns and finding a mutually beneficial solution. I also make sure to prioritize the company's best interests while maintaining compliance with laws and regulations.
• 5. How do you handle confidential information in your role as a general manager legal and company secretary?
  Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of this role, and I take it very seriously. I adhere to the company's policies on safeguarding information and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to confidential data.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you give an example of a time when you identified a potential legal risk and implemented measures to mitigate it?
  In my previous role, I noticed a potential risk of non-compliance with a new regulation in our industry. I conducted thorough research and presented my findings to the management team. I then worked with relevant departments to implement necessary changes to ensure compliance, reducing the risk significantly.
• 7. How do you handle the process of drafting and reviewing legal contracts?
  I have extensive experience in drafting and reviewing legal contracts, including employment agreements, vendor contracts, and partnership agreements. I have strong attention to detail and make sure all legal aspects are accurately reflected in the contracts. I also work closely with the company's management team and legal counsel to ensure the contracts align with the company's goals and values.
• 8. How do you ensure the company's compliance with laws and regulations?
  Compliance is crucial in a company, and I have a thorough understanding of all relevant laws and regulations that apply to our operations. I regularly conduct audits to identify any areas of non-compliance and take necessary corrective actions. I also train employees on compliance procedures and monitor our practices to ensure they align with legal requirements.
• 9. How do you ensure the company's corporate governance is maintained?
  As a company secretary, I oversee all aspects of corporate governance and make sure the company is meeting its regulatory obligations. I work closely with the board of directors and senior management to ensure all decisions and actions align with the company's policies and values. I also organize and document board meetings, maintain corporate records, and ensure compliance with the company's constitution.
• 10. How do you handle legal disputes or litigation involving the company?
  I have experience in managing legal disputes and litigation for the companies I have worked with. First, I try to find a resolution through negotiation or mediation to limit any negative impact on the company. If necessary, I work with external legal counsel to represent the company in court and ensure the best possible outcome for the company.

Cultural Fit

• 11. Why do you want to work for our company?
  As I researched your company, I was impressed by your strong commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. I believe my skills and experience align well with your values, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company's success.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts between your personal values and the company's values?
  I understand the importance of upholding the company's values in my role as a general manager legal and company secretary. I make sure to communicate any concerns I may have with the management team and work towards finding a solution that aligns with both my personal values and the company's values.
• 13. What do you think is the most critical aspect of being a successful general manager legal and company secretary?
  In my experience, the most crucial aspect is having strong communication and interpersonal skills. This role involves working with various departments and stakeholders, and effective communication is crucial in managing legal matters and building relationships within the company.
• 14. How do you handle stressful situations or tight deadlines?
  I am well-equipped to handle stressful situations and tight deadlines. I prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively to ensure all necessary work is completed promptly. I also maintain a calm and composed demeanor, which allows me to handle pressure effectively.
• 15. How do you stay organized and manage multiple responsibilities as a general manager legal and company secretary?
  Organization is crucial in my role, and I have a system in place to manage my responsibilities effectively. I maintain a detailed calendar with deadlines, prioritize tasks, and communicate clearly with my team to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently.

Behavioral Questions

• 16. Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult situation with a team member?
  In a previous role, a team member was not completing their tasks on time, causing delays in a project. I approached the team member and had an open and honest conversation to understand the issue. After identifying the root cause, I worked with the team member to come up with a plan to improve their performance, which was successful in resolving the issue.
• 17. Tell us about a time when you had to implement a new process or procedure in your department.
  In my current role, I identified the need for a new process to streamline contract management. I led the effort to research and implement a new contract management system, working closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition. This new process has resulted in improved efficiency and reduced errors in contract management.
• 18. How do you handle conflicting priorities and manage your team's workload?
  As a manager, I regularly review my team's workload and prioritize tasks to ensure we are meeting all deadlines. I am transparent with my team about any conflicting priorities and involve them in the decision-making process to find a solution. I also make sure to recognize and appreciate their hard work in managing a heavy workload.
• 19. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.
  In a previous role, I had to make a decision on a legal matter with limited information and a tight deadline. I gathered as much information as I could, consulted with relevant stakeholders, and made a decision based on the best possible outcome for the company. Fortunately, it was the right decision, and it helped mitigate potential risks for the company.
• 20. How do you handle criticism or feedback from your team or superiors?
  I welcome constructive criticism and feedback as it helps me improve and grow in my role. I make sure to listen actively, acknowledge areas of improvement, and take necessary steps to address any concerns. I also value feedback from my team and use it to create a positive work environment and foster personal and professional growth.