How to answer 'If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose?' in an application

[addy2004]

Hey everyone - I'm wondering how other people have approached the question 'If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose?' in a written application question? My approach has been to choose a Financial Adviser for 3 reasons (keep updated with recent market and regulatory changes, the team-centric nature of working as an adviser, and providing ongoing client advice rather than a one-off meeting).

Last time I wrote this answer, I related each point back to commercial law and why I would prefer law as opposed to finance (mistake as I got rejected). Does anyone have any tips please on how to structure this and what content firms are looking for? Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello!

That's a really thoughtful approach - I think the key with this type of question is to show genuine curiosity and self-awareness without making it sound like you're trying to justify your choice of law all over again. Firms will usually use this question to see: (1) how well you understand your own motivations, (2) whether you have broad commercial awareness, and (3) if you can express enthusiasm for something outside law in an authentic, reflective way.

If I was answering this question, I would structure it in the following way:

1. Introduce the alternative career briefly - explain why it genuinely appeals to you and what skills or interests draw you to it. This is also an opportunity for the graduate recruitment team to learn a bit more about you, so I'd choose a career that you have some genuine interest in.
2. Highlight what aspects of that career excite you - for example, analysing market trends, building long-term client relationships, or navigating regulatory changes. Try and link this back to previous experiences to show how this interest has developed over time!
3. Link those skills back to law subtly - I would discuss the skills that are required in this role (e.g. analytical, client-facing, or commercially aware qualities) and how you have them / why you find this role interesting. Try and subtly link this to the qualities that would make you effective in a legal role - the key is to make the link implicit and natural, rather than turning it into a "law is better" comparison.
4. End with a short reflection - I would discuss what this reveals about you as a person (e.g. you're motivated by complex, evolving challenges and enjoy helping clients achieve tangible outcomes).

Your choice of financial adviser works well - it's commercial, client-focused, and involves staying on top of regulation - so focus on showing curiosity and insight into these areas, rather than justification (which I know can be very tempting!). Linking the transferable skills to law will show self-awareness, and help you implicitly show why you have chosen the legal route instead.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!