Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Standing Counsel Roles – 2025

Preparing for a standing counsel job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your legal expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in court. Whether you’re applying for a role at a law firm or as in-house counsel, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a standing counsel.
  I have over 10 years of experience working as a standing counsel for various clients, both in a law firm and as in-house counsel. I have handled a wide range of legal cases, including contract disputes, employment law, and intellectual property issues.
• 2. What motivated you to become a standing counsel?
  As an attorney, I am passionate about using my legal knowledge to help clients navigate complex legal issues and achieve favorable outcomes. Becoming a standing counsel allowed me to have more consistent and long-term relationships with clients, which I find incredibly rewarding.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell me about a challenging case you handled as a standing counsel and how you approached it?
  One of the most challenging cases I handled involved a breach of contract dispute between two large corporations. The stakes were high, and the case was highly complex, involving multiple parties, jurisdictions, and legal issues. To handle it, I had to carefully review all the relevant contracts, gather evidence, and collaborate with other attorneys to develop a solid legal strategy. In the end, I successfully negotiated a settlement that satisfied both parties without going to trial.
• 7. How do you handle difficult clients or opposing counsel?
  I believe in maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor at all times, even when dealing with difficult clients or opposing counsel. I listen attentively, stay calm under pressure, and try to find common ground to work towards a resolution. If necessary, I involve a neutral third party, such as a mediator, to help facilitate communication and find a mutually beneficial solution.

Situational Questions

• 11. How do you prioritize and manage your workload as a standing counsel for multiple clients?
  As a standing counsel, it is essential to have efficient time management skills. I prioritize my workload by the urgency of each case and the deadlines associated with it. I also regularly communicate with my clients to ensure I am meeting their needs and providing timely updates. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I am not afraid to delegate tasks to other attorneys on my team to meet deadlines and provide the best possible representation for my clients.
• 12. How do you stay updated on changes in laws and regulations?
  As a standing counsel, it is crucial to stay informed about changes in laws and regulations that may affect my clients. I regularly attend legal seminars and workshops, read legal publications and stay up-to-date on industry news. I also have a strong network of fellow attorneys who I can discuss and share information with.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain the process for collecting evidence and preparing for trial in a civil case?
  First, it is essential to review all relevant documents and gather all relevant evidence, such as contracts, emails, and witness statements. Then, I prepare a complaint or counter-complaint, depending on which side I am representing, and file it with the court. After that, I conduct discovery, which includes depositions, document requests, and interrogatories. Once all evidence is gathered, I work with my team to develop a solid legal strategy for trial.
• 17. How do you handle conflicts of interest as a standing counsel?
  As a standing counsel, conflicts of interest can arise when representing multiple clients. To avoid these conflicts, I always thoroughly screen potential clients and disclose any conflicts that may exist. If a conflict arises during representation, I take the necessary steps to withdraw from one case or obtain consent from all parties involved.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 20. What aspects of our company's culture attracted you to apply for this standing counsel role?
  I appreciate that your company values collaboration and teamwork. As a standing counsel, I believe it is crucial to work closely with colleagues, whether they are other attorneys or members of other departments, to provide the best representation for clients. Additionally, I appreciate your company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as I strongly value the perspectives and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• 21. How do you prioritize balancing ethical responsibilities with client representation?
  Ethical responsibilities are of utmost importance in my role as a standing counsel, and I never compromise them for the sake of a client. If a client's goals conflict with ethical principles, I will communicate this to the client and work towards finding an alternative solution that is both ethical and aligns with their interests. If necessary, I am also prepared to withdraw from representation if ethical concerns cannot be resolved.