"Why law?" as opposed to "Why commercial law?"

Isabelcampbell

Standard Member
Sep 2, 2025
9
3
Im filling out an application for an insight scheme, the first question is 'why are you interested in a career in law'. Should I structure this in the same way that I would answer 'why commercial law'?? Should I touch on commercial law too??
Hi! “Why a career in law?” is a certainly different from “Why commercial law?” as it’s more about your personal journey, what drew you to the profession, and the experiences that confirmed your interest. This is your chance to tell a unique story that helps the firm get to know you, rather than just listing technical points. You can definitely use a similar clear structure like STAR, just be mindful that the content shifts: focus on motivations and values for “Why law”, and save the more detailed reasons around clients, transactions and the commercial world for “Why commercial law”. Touching on commercial law briefly is fine if it’s part of your journey, but the emphasis should stay on why law overall makes sense for you. Hope this helps!
 
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SRT

Active Member
Aug 22, 2023
11
12
Im filling out an application for an insight scheme, the first question is 'why are you interested in a career in law'. Should I structure this in the same way that I would answer 'why commercial law'?? Should I touch on commercial law too??
Hi there,

Great question - you can definitely use the same structure or follow a 'PEE' (Point, explanation, evidence) kind of structure. You can start broad, and mention what draws you to law in general (e.g. analysing complex problem, helping clients achieve outcomes, etc..). However, you should definitely focus on commercial law if you're applying to a commercial law firm, and your reasons to join might be different than just for law. I think you should definitely include the major features of a career in commercial law and how it appeals to you. For example, frequent client interactions, working on major cross-jurisdictional transactions and deals, fast-paced nature of the work, mixing law and business... For each point you make, definitely mention how it suits your interests and your strengths.
Hope this helps!
 

Finnc890

New Member
Premium Member
Jul 29, 2025
3
1
Hi! “Why a career in law?” is a certainly different from “Why commercial law?” as it’s more about your personal journey, what drew you to the profession, and the experiences that confirmed your interest. This is your chance to tell a unique story that helps the firm get to know you, rather than just listing technical points. You can definitely use a similar clear structure like STAR, just be mindful that the content shifts: focus on motivations and values for “Why law”, and save the more detailed reasons around clients, transactions and the commercial world for “Why commercial law”. Touching on commercial law briefly is fine if it’s part of your journey, but the emphasis should stay on why law overall makes sense for you. Hope this helps!
Thank you, that's great!!
 

Finnc890

New Member
Premium Member
Jul 29, 2025
3
1
Hi there,

Great question - you can definitely use the same structure or follow a 'PEE' (Point, explanation, evidence) kind of structure. You can start broad, and mention what draws you to law in general (e.g. analysing complex problem, helping clients achieve outcomes, etc..). However, you should definitely focus on commercial law if you're applying to a commercial law firm, and your reasons to join might be different than just for law. I think you should definitely include the major features of a career in commercial law and how it appeals to you. For example, frequent client interactions, working on major cross-jurisdictional transactions and deals, fast-paced nature of the work, mixing law and business... For each point you make, definitely mention how it suits your interests and your strengths.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for your reply, that's great!!
 

vera.mekhonoshina

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2023
23
19
Hi there,

Great question - you can definitely use the same structure or follow a 'PEE' (Point, explanation, evidence) kind of structure. You can start broad, and mention what draws you to law in general (e.g. analysing complex problem, helping clients achieve outcomes, etc..). However, you should definitely focus on commercial law if you're applying to a commercial law firm, and your reasons to join might be different than just for law. I think you should definitely include the major features of a career in commercial law and how it appeals to you. For example, frequent client interactions, working on major cross-jurisdictional transactions and deals, fast-paced nature of the work, mixing law and business... For each point you make, definitely mention how it suits your interests and your strengths.
Hope this helps!
This is a very good explanation! Completely agree.
 
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