Hey,
Huge congratulations on this!
I’ve provided some tips below:
1. Motivational Interviews
Motivational questions test whether you have a genuine and well-thought-out reason for pursuing a legal career and joining the firm you're applying to. Some common questions are:
This is often asked early on, so it’s important to have a solid, genuine answer. You should show a broad interest in the legal profession beyond any specific area. It’s okay if your interest in law came from a variety of influences. What matters is how you connect them to your current ambition.
Interviewers sometimes ask this immediately after "Why Law" to see if you can clearly distinguish between different legal paths. Make sure your answer shows you understand what commercial law actually involves and how it's different from, for example, criminal or family law. For me, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but my interest in commercial law developed through new experiences like open days and legal internships in corporate environments. That evolution of interest shows growth and awareness.
Show that you've done your research, not just by browsing the firm's website, but through real engagement. This could include attending events, speaking to trainees or associates, or reading about recent deals. Back up your answer with specific examples. For instance, maybe you scheduled a coffee chat with a current associate who helped you understand the firm's culture and client approach.
- Why This Firm Over Others?
This is where a lot of candidates get caught. Don’t just list features that many firms share, such as international reach or practice areas. Instead, talk about how the combination of their work, values, people, training structure, and your own goals make this firm a better fit for you than other similar ones. A holistic view shows real consideration and maturity in your decision-making.
2. Situational Interviews
Situational questions, also called competency-based questions, assess how you think, react, and solve problems. Examples:
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team
- Describe a time you overcame a challenge
- Give an example of when you had to show leadership
Tips:
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- Be specific. Vague or generic stories don’t land well.
- Choose examples that showcase commercially relevant skills like communication, adaptability, initiative, time management, and attention to detail.
- Where possible, reflect at the end of your answer by explaining what you learned and how it will help you as a future trainee.
In summary, back up every point with real, personal experiences, even small ones like sending a LinkedIn message to someone you admire or attending a niche event others might overlook. These examples humanise you and show proactivity.
Best of luck. I know you’ll do really well in the interview.
