Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
Log in
Register
Search
Search titles only
By:
Search titles only
By:
More options
Toggle width
Share this page
Share this page
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
WhatsApp
Email
Share
Link
Menu
Install the app
Install
Forum Home
Law Firms
Wiki
Events
Deadlines
Members
Leaderboards
Apply to Paul, Weiss
Premium Database
TCLA Premium:
Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
Join →
Forum Home
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
How to answer 'If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose?' in an application
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 221691" data-attributes="member: 42112"><p>Hello!</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>If I was answering this question, I would structure it in the following way:</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Introduce the alternative career briefly</strong> - 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.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Highlight what aspects of that career excite you</strong> - 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!</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Link those skills back to law subtly </strong>- 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.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>End with a short reflection </strong>- 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). </li> </ol><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application! <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Abbie Whitlock, post: 221691, member: 42112"] 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: [LIST=1] [*][B]Introduce the alternative career briefly[/B] - 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. [*][B]Highlight what aspects of that career excite you[/B] - 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! [*][B]Link those skills back to law subtly [/B]- 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. [*][B]End with a short reflection [/B]- 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). [/LIST] 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! :) [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?
Post reply
Forum Home
Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
How to answer 'If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose?' in an application
Top
Bottom
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
