Relativity Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Relativity is a pioneering company at the intersection of technology and justice, committed to building AI software solutions that power the pursuit of justice and enhance the practice of law.

As a Software Engineer at Relativity, you will be integral to the development of innovative software projects that enhance the company's platform. This role demands a strong foundation in software development, with responsibilities that include designing scalable systems, contributing technical expertise to ensure high-quality software, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement effective solutions. Key responsibilities involve architecting performant applications, conducting rigorous testing, and mentoring junior engineers to foster best practices in coding and design. Ideal candidates will have a robust understanding of algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming, alongside proficiency in multiple programming languages such as C#, Java, or Python. A self-starter attitude, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies are essential traits for success in this role.

This guide will provide you with insights and preparation strategies tailored to excel in your interview for the Software Engineer position at Relativity. By understanding the role's nuances and aligning your experiences with the company's values, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Relativity is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and alignment with Relativity's values.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone interview, usually lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. This initial conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter or hiring manager and focuses on your resume, previous experiences, and motivations for applying to Relativity. Expect to discuss your technical background, relevant projects, and how your career goals align with the company's mission.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment, which may be conducted through platforms like HackerRank. This assessment usually consists of multiple coding questions that test your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming principles. You may have a set time limit to complete the assessment, and it is crucial to demonstrate your problem-solving approach and coding proficiency.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment are invited to participate in one or more technical interviews. These interviews can be conducted virtually or onsite and typically involve a mix of coding challenges and system design questions. Interviewers may ask you to solve problems on a whiteboard, focusing on your thought process and ability to articulate your solutions. Expect questions related to object-oriented design, database schema design, and possibly some situational problem-solving scenarios.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also undergo behavioral interviews. These interviews assess how well you align with Relativity's core values and culture. Interviewers may ask about your past experiences working in teams, how you handle conflict, and your approach to collaboration and mentorship. Be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your interpersonal skills and commitment to quality and customer experience.

5. Final Panel Interview

The final stage often includes a panel interview, where you will meet with multiple team members, including engineers and managers. This session typically combines both technical and behavioral questions, allowing interviewers to gauge your fit within the team and your ability to contribute to ongoing projects. You may also be asked to discuss your understanding of the company's products and how you can add value to their development efforts.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to familiarize yourself with Relativity's core values and the specific technologies they use. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Relativity. The interview process will assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's core values. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge in software development, object-oriented programming, and system design, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of object-oriented programming and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP principles is crucial for software development. Be ready to discuss concepts like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of OOP principles and give specific examples from your experience where you applied these concepts to solve problems or improve code quality.

Example

“I have utilized encapsulation by creating classes that hide their internal state and expose only necessary methods. For instance, in a project where I developed a library management system, I created a ‘Book’ class that encapsulated properties like title and author, while providing methods to borrow and return books.”

2. Describe a challenging coding problem you faced and how you solved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges.

How to Answer

Choose a specific problem, explain the context, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Highlight your thought process and any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a data processing application where the algorithm was taking too long to execute. I analyzed the code and identified that a nested loop was causing inefficiencies. I refactored the code to use a hash map for faster lookups, which reduced the execution time by over 50%.”

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development. Be prepared to discuss your testing strategies.

How to Answer

Talk about the testing methodologies you use, such as unit testing, integration testing, and code reviews. Mention any tools or frameworks you are familiar with.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing unit tests using frameworks like NUnit for C#. I also conduct code reviews with my peers to catch potential issues early and ensure adherence to coding standards.”

4. Can you explain the concept of RESTful APIs and how you have used them in your projects?

APIs are essential for modern software development, especially in web applications.

How to Answer

Define RESTful APIs and discuss how you have implemented them in your projects, including any specific technologies or frameworks you used.

Example

“RESTful APIs are architectural styles that use HTTP requests to access and manipulate data. In my last project, I developed a RESTful API using ASP.NET Core to manage user data, allowing clients to perform CRUD operations efficiently.”

5. What is your experience with cloud technologies, particularly Azure?

Cloud computing is increasingly important in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with cloud platforms, focusing on Azure services you have used and how they benefited your projects.

Example

“I have worked with Azure for deploying applications and managing databases. I utilized Azure Functions for serverless computing, which allowed us to scale our application seamlessly during peak usage times.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal.

Collaboration is key in software development, and this question assesses your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your role in the team, the challenges faced, and the outcome of the collaboration.

Example

“In a recent project, our team was tasked with developing a new feature under a tight deadline. I organized daily stand-up meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and encouraged open communication. As a result, we delivered the feature on time and received positive feedback from stakeholders.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is an important skill in any collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and understanding different perspectives.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. In one instance, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their viewpoint, and we collectively decided on a hybrid solution that incorporated the best aspects of both ideas.”

3. Can you give an example of a time you received constructive criticism? How did you respond?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and grow from it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you reacted, and what changes you made as a result.

Example

“During a code review, a colleague pointed out that my code lacked sufficient comments. I took this feedback to heart and made it a point to improve my documentation practices. This not only helped my team understand my code better but also enhanced my own coding discipline.”

4. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewer gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you, whether it’s personal growth, team success, or the impact of your work.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and contribute to meaningful projects. Knowing that my work can help improve processes or enhance user experiences drives me to perform at my best.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools like Trello and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and importance of each task, allowing me to focus on high-impact activities while ensuring deadlines are met.”