Legal Counsel Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Legal Counsel job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Legal Counsel question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Legal Counsel interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How would you describe the role of legal counsel in a business, and what would a typical day look like?

Why they ask: They want to see that you understand the breadth and pace of corporate counsel work.

2. What is the difference between a warranty, an indemnity and a guarantee, and when would you use each?

Why they ask: These are core contractual tools that counsel must distinguish and apply accurately.

3. Explain how force majeure and frustration operate under English law, and how you would draft a force majeure clause.

Why they ask: Disruption clauses were tested heavily after Covid and remain central to commercial risk allocation.

4. How does the penalty rule apply to liquidated damages clauses following Cavendish v Makdessi?

Why they ask: They want to see mastery of contract remedies and current case law.

5. What is your role in supporting a corporate acquisition, and what are the key protections in a share purchase agreement?

Why they ask: Many legal counsel roles involve transactions, and they want to see practical deal knowledge.

6. What terms are most important when negotiating a SaaS or software licence agreement on behalf of the business?

Why they ask: Technology contracts are a staple of corporate counsel work, so they expect specific commercial knowledge.

7. A supplier serves notice terminating your key contract for alleged material breach. What do you do?

Why they ask: Termination disputes require quick, careful legal and commercial decisions.

8. Tell me about a time you led a commercial negotiation to a successful outcome.

Why they ask: Negotiation is a core skill, and they want to hear how you prepare and create value.

A sample answer to question 1

How would you describe the role of legal counsel in a business, and what would a typical day look like?

Legal counsel acts as the business's embedded adviser, helping commercial teams make decisions that are legally sound and commercially workable. My day would usually start by triaging requests, such as contract queries from sales, questions from procurement, or a regulatory question from compliance. Mid-morning might involve negotiating a licence agreement with the counterparty's lawyer, followed by a call with an external firm on an ongoing dispute or transaction. I'd typically spend part of the afternoon on a longer project, such as updating standard terms, reviewing a policy, or supporting an acquisition, and I'd end the day recording advice and updating trackers. Between these, I'd attend stand-ups with business teams, so that I hear about issues before they escalate. The role needs strong prioritisation and the ability to switch between topics, and I'd report risks and trends to the General Counsel regularly. I enjoy that variety and the direct link to business outcomes.

Common mistake to avoid: Describing only contract review; presenting the role as purely reactive

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Legal Counsel interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.