Interview preparation for legal, risk and compliance roles

Securing an interview for a legal, risk or compliance role is a significant step in advancing your career. Whether you’re a recent law school graduate, a paralegal, an in-house counsel or an experienced professional in risk or compliance, interviews are your opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience and suitability for the role. This interview preparation guide combines actionable tips and insights to help you impress and succeed in your next interview.

Understanding what employers look for

Before stepping into your interview, it’s essential to understand the key qualities and competencies employers are looking for. This will help you to prepare your answers to legal interview questions, and tailor them to demonstrate how your experience, skills and motivations align with the organisation’s goals and culture.

During an interview for a legal, risk or compliance role, the interviewer will aim to:

• Validate your experience: Confirm that your work history and achievements align with what you’ve represented on your CV
• Assess your technical skills: Identify your strengths, potential gaps and how seamlessly you can transition into the role
• Gauge your motivations and fit: Ensure your career aspirations align with the firm or organisation’s culture, values and long-term goals

Remember, interviews are a two-way process: the employer assesses your potential while you evaluate whether the role aligns with your career objectives.

Interview Preparation

Through interview preparation is one of the most important factors in setting yourself up for success in an interview. Taking the time to thoroughly research the company, rehearse your responses, and anticipate common questions will make you feel more confident and help you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who’s ready for the role. Follow these steps to stand out:

Reasearch thoroughly

• Understand the organisation: Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s history, values, practice areas and notable cases (for law firms) or projects and goals (for in-house, risk or compliance roles). Check their website, social media and recent news
• Analyse the job description: Identify the skills and qualities the organisation seeks in candidates
• Learn about your interviewers: Use LinkedIn or other professional platforms to understand their roles and backgrounds

Know your CV inside out

Your CV is the foundation of the interview discussion, so it’s important to be fully prepared to speak about it. Be prepared to discuss every point on your CV, including achievements, responsibilities and career moves. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare examples of challenges you’ve faced, how you handled them and the outcomes.

Rehearse common legal interview questions

Being ready for legal interview questions specific to legal, risk, or compliance roles can help you respond in a manner that shows both knowledge and strategy. Anticipating interview questions can help you offer strategic and knowledgeable replies. Here are some examples for legal, risk and compliance roles:

• Why are you interested in this legal/risk/compliance role?
• Why do you want to work in-house (or for this risk/compliance team)?
• What is your preferred management style?
• How do you motivate yourself when the pressure is off?
• How have you handled situations where you disagreed with policies or directives?

Practice responses to common competency-based questions

Competency-based interview questions are designed to gauge how you’ve handled past challenges and rehearsing your responses can make you more adept at answering them effectively. Conducting a mock interview with a recruiter or trusted colleague can further refine your approach. Some questions to rehearse:

• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Why are you interested in this role?”
• “Tell us about a time you faced a difficult challenge.”

Making a great impression

The first impression you make in an interview can set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Employers are evaluating not only your qualifications but also your professional demeanor, punctuality, and ability to engage in a conversation. Being mindful of these aspects can help you build rapport and establish yourself as a serious contender for the position.

Be punctual

Punctuality demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early for in-person interviews to allow time to settle in
• For virtual interviews, test your technology beforehand and log in 5-10 minutes early

Dress professionally

Your attire communicates a lot about your approach to the interview.

• Opt for business attire suitable for a corporate or legal setting. Being slightly overdressed shows respect and professionalism

Exude confidence and positivity

Your body language and demeanor will play a key role in how your answers are received.

• Use open body language, maintain eye contact and smile appropriately
• Listen attentively to questions, organise your thoughts and respond concisely
• Focus on your strengths and frame challenges positively. For instance, if you left a previous role, emphasise what you learned and how it prepared you for new opportunities. If your CV shows employment gaps, be prepared to explain them

Engaging in the conversation

An interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about creating a meaningful dialogue. How you interact with the interviewer and navigate the conversation can play a significant role in showcasing your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall fit for the team and organisation.

Questions to ask in an interview for legal, risk or compliance roles

Having insightful questions to ask demonstrates your interest and helps you gain a deeper understanding of the organisation and its goals. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and help you evaluate the firm or organisation’s fit for your career. Examples include:

• “What are your goals for the legal/risk/compliance team over the next year?”
• “How would you describe the culture of the legal team (or the risk/compliance department)?”
• “What opportunities for professional growth exist in this role?”

Adapt to the interview’s tone

Interviews can vary in their format, and it’s important to adjust your responses accordingly to ensure you’re delivering your best performance.

• Be flexible in your responses, adjusting to whether the interview is technical, conversational or scenario-based
• Seek clarification if you’re unsure about a question rather than making assumptions

Avoid common pitfalls

Being mindful of the common mistakes interviewees make can help you avoid them and improve your chances of success.

• Don’t waffle: Keep your answers concise and relevant
• Stay professional: Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or roles
• Minimise distractions: Silence your phone and ensure your environment is interruption-free for virtual interviews

Follow up

The follow-up is a simple yet often overlooked opportunity to reinforce your interest in the role and thank the interviewer for their time. A well-crafted follow-up message serves as a final opportunity to remind them of your qualifications, express enthusiasm for the position, and leave a positive, lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates.

After your interview, consider sending a brief thank-you email. Express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This simple gesture leaves a lasting positive impression. Interviews are your chance to showcase your value, so thorough interview preparation is key. By researching, rehearsing and engaging confidently, you can navigate the process with professionalism. Approach the interview as a mutual exploration of fit—for both you and the organisation.

Good luck as you take the next step in your legal, risk or compliance career! For additional resources or assistance, contact a Taylor Root consultant to help you excel in your job search and interview process.

If you are a legal professional based in Australia, see our region-specific interview guide here: The essential interview guide for Associate Lawyers interviewing in law firms