10 Interview Questions for Aspiring In-House Counsels

In this article, we discuss the questions aspiring In-House Counsels are likely to be asked in a job interview. Read on to discover how to approach responding to these questions and to find out what corporate employers are looking for. 

In the Australian legal recruitment market, transitioning from a role within a law firm to one of in-house counsel can be a significant career move for lawyers. While many of the skills you will have learned in your career to date are transferrable and legal expertise remains crucial, in-house counsel positions require a broader skill set. Corporate employers will be looking for commercial awareness, business development acumen, and strong risk management. At Legal People, our corporate clients often seek candidates who can provide both strategic legal advice whilst mutually supporting business growth and operational objectives.

If you are preparing for an in-house legal role, here are ten key questions you are likely to be asked during the interview process.

1. Why do you want to transition from your current role to an in-house counsel role?

This is a fundamental question that assesses your motivation and understanding of the role. Employers want to see that you have a genuine interest in working as part of a business and that you understand the differences between working for a law firm with many clients, and in-house legal work where you may just have one client, but many stakeholders.  

2. How do you balance legal risk with commercial objectives?

In-house counsel must be great risk managers while simultaneously supporting business goals. Employers will want to see how you navigate legal complexities while enabling commercial success. When faced with this question you should provide examples of how you have helped clients or businesses achieve their objectives while managing risk effectively.

3. Can you describe a time when you provided legal advice that had a significant commercial impact?

This question assesses your ability to integrate legal expertise with business strategy. Consider highlighting a situation where your legal insights contributed to a positive business outcome, such as a contract negotiation, regulatory compliance strategy, or risk mitigation plan.

4. How do you approach contract negotiation and dispute resolution?

Contracts can be a key focus for corporate counsels, and businesses want lawyers who can negotiate effectively. To respond to this question, demonstrate your ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensuring they align with business interests while minimising risk. Consider providing examples relevant to the company’s industry niche. 

5. What experience do you have with regulatory compliance and corporate governance?

Businesses must adhere to complex regulatory environments, and in-house counsel play a crucial role in ensuring compliance. Discuss your experience with Australian corporate governance frameworks, regulations relating to the specific industry, and how you stay up to date with legal changes.

6. How do you communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders?

In-house counsel must communicate legal risks and solutions in a way that business leaders can understand. In response to this question provide examples of how you have simplified complex legal matters for executives, board members, or operational teams.

7.  What strategies do you use to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines?

In-house counsel roles often involve handling multiple legal issues simultaneously. Demonstrate your time management, prioritisation, and decision-making skills by discussing a scenario where you successfully managed conflicting priorities.

8. How do you contribute to business development and strategic decision-making?

Unlike working for a law firm, where billing and client acquisition are primary concerns, corporate legal counsel roles focus on supporting business growth. Employers will want to know how you can add value beyond legal advice, such as through risk assessment, compliance efficiencies, or process improvements.

9. What experience do you have working with external legal counsel?

Many corporate legal teams engage external lawyers for specialised matters. Explain your approach to managing external counsel relationships, including selecting the right firms, negotiating fees, and ensuring efficient collaboration and communication.

10. What do you know about our business, and how do you see your role contributing to our success?

This question tests your research and understanding of the company. We always recommend doing your research for a job interview at any level! Show that you have studied their industry, challenges, and opportunities. Highlight how your legal and commercial expertise can help the organisation achieve its strategic goals.

Making the shift to an in-house role requires more than just strong legal skills. You will need to demonstrate commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and the ability to integrate legal expertise into broader business objectives. By preparing for these key interview questions, you will be well-positioned to show prospective employers why you are the right fit for an in-house counsel role in Australia.

Should you like a confidential discussion about your next legal industry career opportunity please get in touch at [email protected]. We are specialists and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia.