Thinking about entering the world of public defenders and investigators? A career in public defense and investigation is a rewarding and important one and can make a difference in the lives of countless people. It is no surprise then that so many people want to pursue this career path. To help those interested in this career, we have put together a list of interview questions to help them get ready for their interview. This blog post explores the most commonly asked public defender investigator interview questions and offers advice on how to best prepare for them.
Public defender investigators play an integral role in the justice system and have knowledge of the law, court procedures, and investigative techniques. They also must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interview witnesses and suspects, negotiate plea bargains, and testify in court. Before any potential public defender investigator can be hired, they must go through an interview with the hiring manager. This interview is the key to determining whether or not the candidate is suitable for the job. It is important to
Investigator Interview Questions with Answer Examples
Could you tell me more about your interviewing and questioning abilities and techniques?
The candidate’s answer will demonstrate this ability. The ability of district attorney investigators to elicit crucial information from key sources is crucial to their success.
Could you give me three success stories relating to complicated cases in your previous positions?
The candidate’s answer will display their investigative abilities.
Could you give me examples from your past experience where you displayed excellent memory abilities?
District Attorney Investigators need outstanding short-term and long-term memory capabilities. Listen carefully for the potential hire to reveal this attribute.
Interviews for Top Jobs at Brooklyn Defender Services
Public Defender Interview
I interviewed at Brooklyn Defender Services
Interview
There were 3 rounds. 1 Screener, 1 simulation, and a meeting with the head of the organization. The interviews were timed within close proximity of one another usually reaching out the day after each interview to schedule the next one.
- The first interviewer inquired extensively about how to handle a job that is so traumatizing and depressing.
Paralegal Interview
I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Brooklyn Defender Services (Brooklyn, NY) in Oct 2019
Interview
I applied online and had a connected attorney friend recommend me, and was contacted 2 weeks later to come in for an interview. Two attorneys interviewed me, and it was a pretty even split between (1) them asking me standard interview questions, about stuff like multitasking and why I wanted to work there, and (2) describing the team that they work on, which was somewhat complicated as it was an integrated area of criminal and family law. They gave in-depth examples of some intense cases that they were working on, so be prepared to hear some potentially rough stuff. They emailed me 3 weeks after the interview to let me know that they hired someone else.
- How would you work with a traumatized client?
Paralegal Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Brooklyn Defender Services (Brooklyn, NY)
Interview
I was contacted about a week after submitting my resume and asked to come in. The interview itself was about 30-40 minutes and consisted of 3 people asking me scenario questions. I was contacted shortly after for a Spanish phone interview to test my proficiency skills. A couple of days later I was contacted and asked to schedule a second interview. I confirmed the date and asked for the time off at work. Four days later, I got an email saying that due to timing they were forced to make an offer to someone.
- How would you respond to a client who calls repeatedly to inquire about the status of their case?
Interviews for Top Jobs at Bronx Defenders
Intern Interview
I interviewed at Bronx Defenders
Interview
My panel interview was held virtually. The panelists seemed to be staff members from different practice areas. The panel was respectful and engaged. There was good communication during the interview planning and follow up.
- They questioned me on a number of occasions regarding my interest in and dedication to their mission.
Internship Interview
I applied through college or university. I interviewed at Bronx Defenders (New York, NY) in Aug 2022
Interview
Interviewer seemed to have no interest in me, but rather in making sure that I understood my privilege all the while spending no time getting to know me. Questions were verbatim from a list they send you the night prior. Interviewer’s camera was shut off. While the person mentioned camera fatigue, it demonstrated to me that the defenders don’t care about who is representing them; they’re prestige trumps all. Interviewer seemed very disconnected and indifferent to the process
- Why you want to be a defender
Entry Level Staff Attorney Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Bronx Defenders (New York, NY) in Sep 2022
Interview
The interview feels very impersonal. They give you the questions beforehand but they don’t even pay attention to the answers when you give them. They ghost you for a while as well. Still haven’t heard back.
- Give an instance when you were racist, and explain what you learned from it.
#1 Why do you want to be a public defender? The most obvious of all public defender interview questions.
This is the most significant interview query for common public defenders. Why not work for the ACLU, abolish mandatory minimum sentences, or support prisoner rights instead? These are all noble causes.
You must be prepared for the obvious question, “Why do you want to be a public defender?”
Do you have a personal story to share? Was there something you saw or read (see my blog post on books to read before an interview) that ignited your passion? ).
You should also be able to speak to the systemic need for public defenders. And to that point, if you haven’t read Gideon v. Wainwright, get on it!
This query can assist interviewers in figuring out how you decide what’s best for your client. They can use it to determine whether your company shares their values and principles. It can be useful to provide a specific example from your prior experience when answering this question where you had to decide between your personal values and what was best for your client.
For instance, “I always make sure a client feels comfortable speaking to me when we first meet.” I try to be as approachable and amiable as I can to encourage my clients to tell me their stories. Additionally, I take notes during our first meetings to ensure that I have all of the pertinent details from our discussions. ”.
Example: “As a public defender, I would love to concentrate my efforts on assisting clients who are being charged with nonviolent crimes because I have always been passionate about criminal justice reform.” I think that many inmates would benefit more from rehabilitation than from being locked up, and I want to use my legal expertise to help those inmates find better lives. ”.
We’ll give you some practice questions and responses in this guide so you can ace your public defender interview.
Example: “In my previous position, I was in charge of documenting all of our courtroom motions and arguments. This involved gathering evidence from statutes and case law to back up our claims and crafting a strong defense. Before submitting the facts to the judge, I had to make sure they were all true. ”.
#2 Don’t you believe that a good liberal prosecutor can do more justice than a defense attorney with those same views?
This is not an unreasonable position to take. In fact, a friend of mine has established an organization centered around this perspective. Check it out here. So why not be the reformist prosecutor? Don’t get stumped on this interview question!
There are many reasons. There are a lot of people who want to work as reformist prosecutors, first and foremost. It’s becoming a trend. Second, even a reformist prosecutor will seek jail time for those who are indigent. Do you want to spend your professional life locking people up?
I highly recommend that you read this article. It might help you think about this question for and develop your position.
FAQ
How do I prepare for a public defender interview?
You should practice describing instances that exhibit these abilities prior to the interview. Your enthusiasm for and dedication to serving as a public defender is possibly the most crucial quality the interviewer is looking for. Why do you want to be a public defender? they almost always ask first.
Why do you want to work as a public defender?
Some attorneys choose to work as public defenders because they enjoy representing the weaker parties. Those who enjoy the highs and lows of winning and losing enjoy the courtroom drama. A common driving force behind public defenders is a desire to assist those who society has largely abandoned.
What are some legal interview questions?
- What education do you have?
- What experience qualifies you for this job?
- Do you have licenses and certifications for this job?
- Are you willing to travel?
- What name(s) are your work records under?
- Do you possess the authority necessary to work in the United States?
- Are you available for overtime?
How do you interview for a detective position?
- Could you tell me a little bit about your background and training as a criminal investigator?
- What is your case success rate? …
- What was your most challenging investigation? …
- Could you elaborate on the appropriate evidence gathering methods used by criminal investigators?
