Anaya Nolan
Applying for law school or a law job can be a daunting process, with competition for training contracts intense. To help you prepare, here are some common law application questions. Knowing what to expect can give you the confidence to approach your application and interview with professionalism and enthusiasm. Law schools and firms are looking for talented, driven individuals with strong work ethics and a genuine interest in the field. So, be prepared to answer questions about your background, interests, and motivations for applying. You may also be asked about your legal work experience and why you chose your specialism. Competency-based questions are also common, so be ready to give examples of your skills and how you've demonstrated them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motivational questions | Interviewers ask candidates to provide their personal reasons for becoming a lawyer and for applying to the particular firm in question |
| Competency questions | Interviewers ask candidates to provide examples to show they have the specific attributes required of a trainee solicitor |
| Commercial awareness questions | Interviewers ask questions on commercial topics to gauge the candidate's understanding of local, national, and global issues |
| Hypothetical questions | Interviewers ask hypothetical questions to evaluate how well the candidate reasons and analyzes, and how clearly they think and speak |
| Questions about substantive areas of law | Interviewers ask questions about specific areas of law to evaluate the candidate's knowledge and ability to apply it to different scenarios |
| Extracurricular activities | Interviewers ask about the candidate's extracurricular activities, including any positions of responsibility held, to assess their strengths, abilities, and commitment |
| Academic awards | Interviewers inquire about academic awards and honors received by the candidate to gauge their academic achievements |
| Personal interests | Interviewers ask about the candidate's personal interests and hobbies to understand their personality and how they spend their time outside of work |
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What You'll Learn
Interviewers may ask about your hobbies and interests
When it comes to law job interviews, the type of interview you'll face depends on the firm and the role you've applied for. However, interviewers may ask about your hobbies and interests. This is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths and abilities. For instance, if you're applying to a commercial law firm, you might be asked, "Why are you interested in a career in commercial law?"
In addition to motivational questions, competency-based questions are also common in law interviews. These questions require you to provide examples that demonstrate the necessary skills and competencies for the role. For instance, you might be asked to "Tell us about a time you worked as a team" or "Give an example of a time you dealt with conflict and how you resolved this."
Public interest employers may ask more basic questions about your background, skills, and experiences. District attorney offices, for example, typically have a multi-stage hiring process that includes an initial screening interview, a panel interview with attorneys, and a final interview with the district attorney. During the panel interview, you may be asked hypotheticals about substantive criminal law and ethical issues.
Remember that following instructions and communicating succinctly are important skills for lawyers. When answering questions about your hobbies and interests, be sure to provide concise and compelling responses. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers and get straight to the point using plain language.
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Be prepared to answer competency-based questions
Law interviews can be intimidating, but being well-prepared will help you feel more confident. One of the most common types of questions you can expect to face are competency-based questions. These require you to give examples of a time when you demonstrated the necessary skills and competencies for the role.
To prepare for these questions, reflect on your experiences and identify situations where you have demonstrated the attributes required of a trainee solicitor. Draw on your legal work experience, university activities, extracurricular activities, gap year experiences, or part-time work. Structure your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, and be sure to provide specific details and a clear narrative.
- "Tell us about a time you worked as a team."
- "Give an example of a time you dealt with conflict and how you resolved it."
- "What would you do if you were alone in the office and a client called demanding instant advice?"
- "How would you handle a situation where three partners all wanted work delivered by 5 p.m.?"
- "What would you do if a client asked you to do something legal but morally questionable?"
Remember that the interviewer is trying to assess your suitability for the role and your fit within the team. While it's important to prepare, avoid sounding too rehearsed. Be positive, authentic, and showcase your strengths and abilities.
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Interviewers may pose hypotheticals or ask about areas of law
- How would you counsel a young client who had never been arrested and is proclaiming his innocence in the face of prosecution for a serious crime based on the testimony of several police officers?
- The client is facing a long jail sentence if convicted after a jury trial, but is now being offered a plea-bargained sentence of probation. What do you say to the client?
- Would you be willing to try to impeach a child's testimony on the stand, even though you know that the child is telling the truth, and that doing so is likely to get a favourable result for your client while further traumatising the child?
- What would you do if three partners all came to you with work they wanted to be done by 5 pm?
- What would you do if a client asked you to do something that was legal but morally questionable?
When answering these questions, the interviewer is evaluating your ability to respond to ethical concerns, your commitment to the mission, how you react under pressure, your thought process in reaching your decision, and your ability to defend your decisions when challenged.
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You may be asked about your motivations for applying
When applying for a job in the legal sector, you may be asked about your motivations for applying. This is a common feature of interviews for law jobs, and you may face a telephone or video interview and a panel interview. Interviewers will ask you to provide your personal reasons for becoming a lawyer and for applying to their specific firm. To prepare, you should practice your answers, but be careful not to sound too rehearsed.
In your response, you should showcase your strengths and abilities and demonstrate how you fit the specific criteria the firm is looking for. Provide examples from your studies, work experience, or your past to illustrate your answers. For example, if you are applying for a role as a trainee solicitor, you may be asked to provide examples to show you have the specific attributes required.
You should also be prepared to answer questions about your background, skills, and competencies. These may include questions about your extracurricular activities and positions of responsibility. You may also be asked to give examples of a time when you demonstrated the necessary skills and competencies, such as teamwork, conflict resolution, or dealing with a demanding client.
Remember that the interviewer is trying to assess if you would be a valuable addition to their team and someone they would be happy to work with every day. Be positive and be yourself!
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Be ready to discuss your extracurricular activities
When it comes to law applications, extracurricular activities are a valuable part of your profile. They reflect your interests and show a commitment to a community or discipline beyond yourself. This is your opportunity to show the recruiters who you really are outside of law and what your interests are. This can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual who can easily integrate into the firm's culture.
When answering questions about your extracurricular activities, it's important to be concise and communicate succinctly. Use everyday, plain English and avoid flowery language. Get straight to the point and use active verbs. For example, instead of saying "I was responsible for presenting a talk", say "I presented a talk". Ask a friend or relative to edit out any unnecessary words or to spot if you've repeated yourself.
Before your interview, make a list of your extracurricular activities, especially those that required a substantial time commitment and demonstrated leadership and teamwork. Pick 2-3 experiences that you want to talk about, preferably including at least one in which you held a position of responsibility. Focus on the details and be prepared to discuss the specific ways in which these activities have contributed to your personal growth and skill set.
Remember, law firms are looking for well-rounded individuals who can draw on their experiences outside of law to perform legal work more effectively. Your extracurricular activities can showcase your strengths and abilities, so don't be afraid to discuss them with confidence and enthusiasm.
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Frequently asked questions
Interview questions will depend on the firm and the role. Generally, candidates can expect telephone, video, and panel interviews. Common questions include: motivational questions, such as personal reasons for becoming a lawyer; competency questions, where the candidate must provide examples demonstrating necessary skills and attributes; and questions about the type of law the candidate wants to practice.
It is beneficial to prepare answers to common interview questions in advance. It is also essential to research the firm and demonstrate knowledge and a genuine interest in working there.
Interviewers may ask about a time you worked as a team, dealt with conflict, or give a scenario where a client demands instant advice while you're alone in the office. These questions aim to assess your skills and problem-solving abilities.
Maintain professionalism and manners during the interview. Avoid interrupting the interviewer and provide relevant answers without unnecessary details. After the interview, remember to send a thank-you note or email to show courtesy and maintain interest.
Law school interviews often include open-ended questions to learn about the candidate's background, interests, and motivations. They may also ask about shared values and how you can contribute to the school's programs. It is essential to provide concise and structured answers.
