Heyy
@Abbie Whitlock & TCLA crew
Saw this on TikTok and what do we think of the below for answering “Why this Firm” because I’m trying to figure out if I missed the memo or something and this is the new method? 😭😭😭😭
View attachment 7893
Hey!
That is an interesting take, but I don't think I agree with such a rigid viewpoint. In my view, a strong "why this firm" answer usually draws on 2-3 specific, well-developed reasons, rather than trying to write a few hundred words on one deal or transaction that the firm has completed recently.
Focusing on multiple aspects (such as a practice area that you are genuinely interested in, a particular pro bono initiative, and something like international secondment opportunities) helps show why this firm specifically has the right mix of factors motivating you. Simply saying that you are interested in PE, for instance, wouldn't necessarily explain why you are applying to Paul, Weiss rather than
Ropes & Gray.
As long as each point is concrete and explained in some depth, I don't think discussing more than one area comes across as desperate at all. If anything, I'd say it shows you've thought carefully about where you'll fit best and that you have a good understanding of the firm
