Expert Institute Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Expert Institute is a leading legal technology and data services company that connects legal teams with expert witnesses through innovative solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Expert Institute, you will play a crucial role in building and optimizing web applications that enhance the efficiency of the legal consulting process. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative solutions that align with business objectives while ensuring a seamless user experience. You will contribute to both new and existing projects, develop and maintain secure APIs, and drive the adoption of infrastructure-as-code practices using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation. Your ability to navigate cloud platforms, optimize performance, and provide technical leadership will be key in addressing complex challenges. Furthermore, you will foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation by embracing new technologies and frameworks.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's key responsibilities and the skills that are valued at Expert Institute. By understanding the expectations and aligning your experiences with the company’s goals, you can confidently present yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer position.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Expert Institute is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured steps that allow candidates to showcase their abilities while also learning about the company and its values.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with a brief initial screening, usually conducted via phone or video call. This interview lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and is primarily focused on understanding the candidate's background, experience, and interest in the role. The recruiter will discuss the company culture, role expectations, and general fit, ensuring that candidates have a clear understanding of what to expect moving forward.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in a more in-depth technical interview. This round typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes and may involve multiple interviewers. Candidates can expect to answer questions related to software development principles, algorithms, and specific programming languages relevant to the role, such as JavaScript, Python, or Node.js. Additionally, candidates may be asked to solve coding challenges or discuss their previous projects, focusing on their problem-solving approach and technical expertise.

3. Case Study or Practical Assignment

Candidates may be required to complete a case study or practical assignment as part of the evaluation process. This task often involves developing a small project or solving a real-world problem relevant to the company's work. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their technical skills, creativity, and ability to work under time constraints. This step allows candidates to showcase their understanding of API development, cloud technologies, and infrastructure-as-code practices.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically involves a panel of interviewers, including team members and management. This round focuses on assessing the candidate's fit within the team and the company culture. Candidates may be asked behavioral questions, as well as questions about their approach to collaboration, leadership, and continuous learning. This is also an opportunity for candidates to ask questions about the company, team dynamics, and growth opportunities.

5. Offer and Background Check

If successful, candidates will receive a conditional offer, which may be followed by a background check. Once the background check is completed, an official offer will be extended. Throughout the process, candidates can expect clear communication from the HR team regarding their status and next steps.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company Culture

Expert Institute values a collaborative and innovative environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission to support legal professionals through technology and data. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their commitment to high performance and teamwork. Show enthusiasm for contributing to a culture that embraces continuous learning and creativity.

Prepare for a Structured Interview Process

The interview process at Expert Institute typically includes multiple stages, such as a screening interview followed by in-depth discussions with team members. Expect to engage in both technical and behavioral questions. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have noted that the process is intentional and well-organized. This will help you feel more at ease and allow you to focus on showcasing your skills.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on algorithms and software development principles, ensure you are well-versed in relevant programming languages and frameworks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with JavaScript, Python, and API development. Additionally, practice solving algorithmic problems and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

Emphasize Your Experience with APIs and Cloud Technologies

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to develop and maintain secure APIs and engage with cloud platforms. Be ready to discuss your experience with RESTful APIs, microservices, and infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform or CloudFormation. Highlight any projects where you successfully implemented these technologies, as this will showcase your ability to contribute to the team effectively.

Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios

Candidates have reported being presented with hypothetical case studies during interviews. Practice articulating your thought process in tackling complex technical challenges. This could involve discussing how you would approach a specific problem, the trade-offs you would consider, and the technologies you would use. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Throughout the interview, focus on clear and concise communication. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. This skill is crucial in a collaborative environment where you will be working with cross-functional teams. Practice articulating your experiences and solutions in a straightforward manner.

Show Enthusiasm for Growth Opportunities

Expert Institute is a fast-growing company that values career development. Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the organization. Discuss any specific areas of technology or skills you are interested in developing further. This will demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth, aligning with the company’s values.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Expert Institute. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at Expert Institute. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience in collaborative environments. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software development, and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the SOLID principles and how you have applied them in your previous projects?

Understanding and applying SOLID principles is crucial for software design. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you implemented these principles to improve code maintainability and scalability.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of each principle and then share a concrete example from your experience where applying these principles led to a successful outcome.

Example

“In my last project, I applied the Single Responsibility Principle by breaking down a large class into smaller, more focused classes. This not only made the code easier to test but also improved collaboration among team members, as each class had a clear purpose.”

2. Describe your experience with RESTful API development. What are some best practices you follow?

APIs are a key component of modern web applications, and understanding how to design and implement them is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with API development, including any frameworks you’ve used, and highlight best practices such as versioning, authentication, and documentation.

Example

“I have developed RESTful APIs using Flask and Django. I always ensure to implement proper versioning and use OAuth for secure authentication. Additionally, I document the API endpoints using Swagger, which helps both the development team and external users.”

3. How do you approach performance optimization in web applications?

Performance is critical for user experience, and interviewers will want to know your strategies for optimizing applications.

How to Answer

Discuss specific techniques you’ve used to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, such as profiling tools or caching strategies.

Example

“I typically start by using profiling tools to identify slow queries or functions. In one project, I optimized a database query by adding indexes, which reduced load times by 50%. I also implemented caching for frequently accessed data, further improving performance.”

4. Can you explain your experience with cloud platforms and how you have utilized them in your projects?

Cloud technologies are integral to modern software development, and familiarity with them is often expected.

How to Answer

Share your experience with specific cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and how you’ve leveraged their services to enhance your applications.

Example

“I have worked extensively with AWS, utilizing services like EC2 for hosting and S3 for storage. In a recent project, I set up a CI/CD pipeline using AWS CodePipeline, which streamlined our deployment process and reduced downtime.”

5. What is your experience with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform or CloudFormation?

Understanding infrastructure-as-code is increasingly important for managing cloud resources efficiently.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with these tools, including any specific projects where you implemented them.

Example

“I have used Terraform to manage our infrastructure in AWS. By defining our infrastructure as code, we were able to replicate environments easily and ensure consistency across development and production. This approach also facilitated better collaboration among team members.”

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

1. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a critical bug that caused data loss during migrations. I quickly assembled a team to analyze the issue, and we discovered that the migration script had a flaw. We rolled back the changes, fixed the script, and implemented additional testing to prevent future occurrences.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Time management and prioritization are key skills for software engineers, especially in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize tasks. I assess the impact and urgency of each task and communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities.”

3. Can you give an example of how you have contributed to a team culture of continuous learning?

Expert Institute values innovation and continuous learning, so demonstrating your commitment to these principles is important.

How to Answer

Share specific initiatives you’ve taken to foster a learning environment within your team.

Example

“I initiated a bi-weekly knowledge-sharing session where team members could present new technologies or techniques they’ve learned. This not only improved our skills but also encouraged collaboration and innovation within the team.”

4. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers or supervisors?

Being open to feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. In a past project, I received constructive criticism on my code quality. I took it to heart, sought additional resources on best practices, and made a conscious effort to improve, which ultimately enhanced my contributions to the team.”

5. What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication within a cross-functional team?

Effective communication is vital in collaborative environments, especially when working with diverse teams.

How to Answer

Share your strategies for maintaining clear communication and collaboration across different functions.

Example

“I prioritize regular check-ins and use collaborative tools like Slack and Trello to keep everyone updated. I also encourage open dialogue during meetings, ensuring that all voices are heard and that we align on project goals.”