Understanding the Question

When an interviewer asks, "Can you give an example of how you have contributed to the strategic goals of a company through legal advice?" they are looking for evidence that you can align legal guidance with a company's broader objectives. This question assesses your ability to apply your legal expertise in a way that supports business growth, risk management, and the achievement of strategic milestones. It probes your understanding of the business side of operations and your capacity to think beyond the legal department, demonstrating the value you bring to the table as a Corporate Lawyer.

Interviewer's Goals

The interviewer's primary goals with this question are to:

1. Evaluate Your Business Acumen: Understand if you can grasp the company's business objectives and how legal strategies can facilitate these goals.
2. Assess Strategic Thinking: Gauge your ability to think strategically about legal issues, offering solutions that not only mitigate risks but also promote business opportunities.
3. Determine Impact: Identify tangible examples where your legal advice has directly influenced the business's direction, growth, or risk management.
4. Measure Collaboration: See how well you collaborate with other departments and contribute to cross-functional teams to achieve the company’s strategic objectives.

How to Approach Your Answer

When preparing your answer, consider the following structure:

1. Briefly Outline the Strategic Goal: Start with a concise explanation of a specific strategic goal of a former employer or client. This sets the stage for your example.
2. Describe Your Contribution: Detail the legal advice you provided and how it aligned with the strategic goal. Be specific about your role and the actions you took.
3. Highlight the Outcome: Discuss the outcome of your advice. Focus on quantifiable results when possible, such as cost savings, revenue growth, risk mitigation, or the successful navigation of legal challenges.
4. Reflect on the Learning Experience: Optionally, reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your approach to providing legal advice in a corporate setting.

Example Responses Relevant to Corporate Lawyer

Example 1: "At my previous firm, one of our strategic goals was to expand our market presence internationally. I advised on the legal structuring of international partnerships, ensuring we complied with foreign laws and minimized tax liabilities. My guidance facilitated the establishment of two major partnerships in Europe and Asia, contributing to a 20% increase in international revenue over two years."

Example 2: "In my last role, the company aimed to reduce operational risks associated with intellectual property (IP). I led a comprehensive IP audit, identifying areas of vulnerability and implementing robust protection strategies. This advice not only safeguarded our assets but also enabled the company to leverage its IP portfolio more effectively, opening new revenue streams through licensing agreements."

Tips for Success

• Be Specific: Provide a clear, detailed example that demonstrates your ability to think both legally and strategically.
• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify the impact of your advice. This makes your contribution more tangible.
• Reflect on Teamwork: Highlight how you collaborated with others, showcasing your ability to work across departments.
• Stay Relevant: Tailor your example to the industry or the specific type of company you're interviewing with, if possible. This shows that you understand their unique challenges and goals.
• Practice Your Delivery: Ensure your answer is concise, focused, and delivered with confidence. Practice your response to maintain clarity and avoid rambling.

By thoughtfully preparing your response to this question, you demonstrate not only your legal expertise but also your strategic thinking and business acumen, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to any corporate team.