Practice Interview Questions: City of Johannesburg Paralegal Internship

Interview Questions on Career Interest and Role Fit

These questions assess your motivation for the internship, understanding of public-sector legal work, and interest in a paralegal career.

• Why are you interested in the City of Johannesburg Paralegal Internship?
• What do you understand about the role of the Group Legal and Contracts Department within the City of Johannesburg?
• Why do you want to start your legal career in local government rather than private practice?
• Which aspects of your legal studies do you think are most relevant to a paralegal role?
• What skills or experience are you hoping to gain from this internship?

Role-Specific Interview Questions and Example Answers

These questions assess your understanding of legal administration, litigation support, research, and professionalism in a municipal environment.

• What is the role of a paralegal in a legal department? → A paralegal supports legal professionals by preparing documents, conducting research, managing files, and assisting with administrative and procedural tasks.
• Why is document accuracy important in legal matters? → Legal documents form part of official records and court processes, so errors can affect outcomes and expose the organisation to risk.
• How would you support the litigation management unit? → By assisting with case files, tracking deadlines, preparing documentation, coordinating with legal practitioners, and following prescribed procedures.
• Why is research an important part of legal support work? → Research helps legal teams understand legislation, case law, and precedents to support informed legal decisions.
• How would you handle confidential legal information? → By following confidentiality rules, limiting access to authorised persons, and handling documents responsibly at all times.
• What is the importance of following procedures in a public-sector legal environment? → Procedures ensure fairness, compliance with legislation, and consistency in how legal matters are managed.

Behaviour-Based Interview Scenarios for Graduates

These questions assess organisation, communication, responsibility, and how you handle real situations using examples from your studies or personal experience.

• Tell us about a time you worked with detailed or sensitive information.
• Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple tasks or deadlines.
• Give an example of how you followed strict rules or procedures.
• Tell us about a time you had to communicate professionally with different stakeholders.

Structuring Strong Interview Answers Using the STAR Approach

The STAR approach helps you answer behavioural questions clearly:

1. Situation – What was happening
2. Task – What you needed to do
3. Action – What steps you took
4. Result – The outcome and what you learned

Example (Graduate Level):

1. Situation: During a legal research assignment, I had to review several case files.
2. Task: I was responsible for summarising key legal points accurately.
3. Action: I reviewed each document carefully and cross-checked information with legislation.
4. Result: The summary was accurate and helped the group complete the assignment successfully.

Using Academic and Personal Experience in Interviews

If you have no formal work experience, you can use examples from:

• Legal research assignments
• Moot court or practical law modules
• Group projects or presentations
• Administrative or office-based tasks
• Volunteering or community legal support

The City of Johannesburg values accuracy, professionalism, and willingness to learn, not only prior experience.

Common Graduate Interview Errors to Watch Out For

• Not understanding the paralegal role
• Giving vague answers without legal examples
• Showing poor attention to detail
• Ignoring confidentiality and ethics
• Not preparing questions about the role

Graduate Interview Preparation Guide

• Research the City of Johannesburg and its legal functions
• Revise basic legal terminology and procedures
• Prepare 2–3 STAR examples from your studies
• Practise clear and professional communication
• Prepare questions about litigation and legal administration
• Dress professionally and arrive on time

Interview Questions by Area of Study with Sample Answers

These questions assess how your qualification applies to a paralegal and legal support role.

Law / LLB

• How does an LLB qualification prepare you for a paralegal role? → It provides knowledge of legal principles, legislation, case law, and legal research methods used in practice.
• Why is understanding legislation important in municipal law? → Municipal actions must comply with legislation, making legal knowledge essential for lawful decision-making.
• What role does research play in legal work? → Research supports accurate advice, informed decisions, and effective litigation preparation.
• Why is ethics important in the legal profession? → Ethics ensure fairness, integrity, and public trust in legal processes..
• Why is attention to detail critical in legal documents? → Small errors can affect legal outcomes and credibility.
• Why is knowledge of administrative and constitutional law important in municipal work? → Municipalities operate within strict legislative and constitutional frameworks, so understanding these areas helps ensure decisions and actions are lawful and defensible.
• How would you apply legal research skills in this role? → I would research legislation, regulations, and case law to support legal opinions, prepare summaries, and assist legal practitioners with accurate information.
• What role does ethics play in public-sector legal work? → Ethics are critical because legal decisions affect the public, and integrity, fairness, and accountability must always be upheld.
• How would you manage multiple legal matters at the same time? → By staying organised, prioritising deadlines, and following established procedures to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Legal Assistance

• How does a Legal Assistance qualification prepare you for this role? → It focuses on legal administration, drafting documents, filing, and supporting attorneys, which are key responsibilities in a litigation and contracts environment.
• Why is correct filing and record-keeping important in legal departments? → Proper filing ensures documents are accessible, deadlines are met, and legal matters are managed efficiently.
• How would you support attorneys or legal advisors in litigation matters? → By preparing documents, managing case files, tracking court dates, and coordinating communication with stakeholders.
• Why is following procedures important in legal support roles? → Procedures ensure consistency, compliance with legislation, and proper handling of legal matters.
• How do you handle confidential information in a legal office? → By restricting access, following confidentiality policies, and handling documents responsibly.
• What role does communication play in legal assistance work? → Clear communication helps ensure smooth coordination between legal teams, departments, and external service providers.

Paralegal Studies

• How does a Paralegal qualification prepare you for this internship? → Paralegal studies focus on litigation support, document preparation, legal research, and office administration, all of which are essential in a municipal legal department.
• Why is litigation support an important function of a paralegal? → Paralegals help ensure cases are well organised, deadlines are met, and legal practitioners can focus on legal strategy.
• How would you assist with court or litigation documentation? → By preparing, filing, tracking, and updating documents in line with court rules and internal procedures.
• Why is time management important in a litigation environment? → Legal matters are deadline-driven, and missing timelines can negatively affect cases.
• How do you ensure accuracy when working with legal documents? → By checking details carefully, reviewing documents before submission, and following standard templates and procedures.
• Why is professionalism important when dealing with external legal practitioners? → It reflects the credibility of the municipality and supports effective working relationships.

Legal Assistance / Paralegal Studies

• Why is case file management important? → Proper file management ensures documents are accessible, complete, and up to date.
• How would you assist with court-related documents? → By preparing, filing, and tracking documents according to legal procedures.
• Why is communication important in legal support roles? → Paralegals interact with legal teams, officials, and external practitioners regularly.
• How do you ensure compliance with legal procedures? → By following prescribed processes and seeking guidance when unsure.
• Why is professionalism important in dealing with external stakeholders? → It reflects positively on the institution and supports effective collaboration.