so why do you want to be a lawyer interview question

The purpose of asking this question is for your interviewer to determine what drives you, what motivates you. They want to know if you can self-reflect and provide a clear, thoughtful answer. They want to see where your passion for the law or your interest in becoming a lawyer comes from.

Full Answer

What is a good interview question for a lawyer?

Interview Question: "Why Did You Want to Become a Lawyer?" Interviewing for a position as a lawyer means you'll likely encounter several different types of questions that will help the interviewer get to know you, assess your skills and compare your qualifications with what they're looking for.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

Your past successes and achievements can also be very compelling reasons for pursuing a career as a lawyer.

Why do law firms use standardized interview questions?

This is done for a variety of reasons, one of which is to ensure a level playing field for analyzing all potential employees. By using standardized interview questions, a law firm tries to narrow down the selection of candidates. Of course, these aren’t always phrased in the same way, but they’re centered on the same general idea.

How can our law interview programme Help You?

Our Law Interview Programme effectively prepares you for your Interviews through many avenues of learning. The support includes: One-To-One Tuition , Intensive Courses , Comprehensive Materials and Enrichment Supervisions to give you the best chances of Oxford Law Success.

How do you answer the question why do you want to be a lawyer?

How to answer why you wanted to become a lawyerFocus on your strengths and skills. ... Describe a personal experience that inspired you. ... Give examples of your past success and how it motivates you. ... Relate your values and philosophy to the job. ... Discuss how you plan to contribute to the firm.

Why do you want to work with a law firm interview question?

Some example points to include: “I believe that being a solicitor/lawyer is more than filing paperwork with the court—it's a chance to represent someone who needs help”. “I want to practice law because I am passionate about bringing justice to clients and upholding the law of our country”.

Why do I love being a lawyer?

I knew then that I loved being a lawyer. I loved protecting people in a court of law. I loved the feeling of accomplishment I get from helping others fight—win or lose. I get to think through problems every day for people I really like.

Why do you want to be a lawyer essay?

1) Since childhood, I loved the profession of a lawyer and want to become the same. 2) From a younger age, I like to fight for the rights of others. 3) I want to be a lawyer because I am a great supporter of truth. 4) By becoming a lawyer I want to aware people of their rights.

What are your strengths as a lawyer?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the Job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•

What are interesting facts about being a lawyer?

Lawyer Statistics and FactsThe US legal business sector has an estimated $160 billion market share. ... The highest-paying niche in the legal sector belongs to medical lawyers. ... 49% of law practitioners practice privately. ... 16% of attorneys work for bigger law firms that employ 100 legal professionals or more.More items...•

What is a lawyer simple definition?

Definition of lawyer : one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters.

Why do employers ask 'why do you want to be a lawyer?'

An interviewer may ask 'why do you want to be a lawyer?' to gain insight into your reasons for entering this career. Answering this question can help employers understand your key motivations and interests in the role, which can be useful for determining your aspirations.

Tips for answering 'why do you want to be a lawyer?'

There are various responses you could provide following this question, each bringing distinct advantages. Aim to show the interviewer that you have the right skills, knowledge and ambition to succeed in your answer. You can use this question as an opportunity to market yourself to employers and leave a lasting, positive impression.

Example answers for why you want to become a lawyer

Providing a detailed answer can set you apart from other candidates. You may also leave a positive, lasting impression on the interviewer. Outlined below are three example answers that may provide your interviewer with an insight into your ambition, professional work experience and skill set.

What does a lawyer learn from failure?

A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point . The key question is whether the lawyer can deal with it and bounce back in the future. What to look for in an answer:

How do you handle a disagreement with a superior over a legal matter?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing. You will want to see how the candidate handles conflict, especially with someone for whom they work. What to look for in an answer:

Can you give an example of where you have chosen to involve yourself in the broader legal community?

Lawyers that network and do the “ extra-curricular” activities are generally better informed about recent developments than other attorneys. In addition, networking helps a lawyer build a reputation in the legal sector. Attorneys who have better connections with other attorneys benefit from getting referrals of business from those other attorneys. When an attorney has a leadership position in a legal organization, they command more respect in their profession. What to look for in an answer:

Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis?

The purpose of this question is not necessarily to test the substance of the answer but more the fact that the candidate has an answer. This is indicative of the fact that they are informed and see the larger picture. So much of what a lawyer does relies on having strong background knowledge of the law. A strong applicant will have legal principles on the tip of their tongue. What to look for in an answer:

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers solve people's problems for them. For example, a client may say that they want to buy a particular business but are unsure what steps they need to take. We help them achieve that goal by working out the best way to buy that business and then help them do it.

What does it mean to work in law?

Working in the law means that you will deal with people. It is a client-facing industry and you will have to liaise with clients on the telephone, in meetings, via email and at events. This may not appeal to everyone but a good firm will make sure that you are comfortable.

What do lawyers do?

What Lawyers Do. Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. · Work Environment · How to Become a (31) …

What is the book "So You Want to Be a Lawyer" about?

So You Want to be a Lawyer: The Ultimate Guide to Getting into and Succeeding in Law School [Fairchild Jones Esq., Lisa, Francis, Timothy B., Jones, (19) …

Why do lawyers ask questions in interviews?

Stress is an inevitable part of every lawyer’s career, so it’s natural that lawyer interview questions often include something related to stressful situations. Nobody’s perfect, but you’re expected to keep your cool and handle difficult clients.

What is the purpose of a law firm interview question?

The question serves several purposes. First, it tests your knowledge of the legal system and the judicial branch. Moreover, it offers valuable insight into your critical thinking abilities and opinions. Just like our advice on previous law firm interview questions and answers, we recommend that you tread carefully here. You don’t want to come off as too controversial.

How to do a video interview?

Treat the video interview as you would the in-person interview. Be presentable and go through the most common interview questions and answers, of course. Finally, make sure everything on your end works - test the audio and video, prepare good lighting, and familiarize yourself with the video conferencing app before you join the call.

Why do recruiters ask this question?

This is a frequent opener. Recruiters ask this question to try and get a better sense of the candidate's interests. It can also be rephrased in the following ways:

What is standardized interview question?

By using standardized interview questions, a law firm tries to narrow down the selection of candidates. Of course, these aren’t always phrased in the same way, but they’re centered on the same general idea. Being well prepared to answer these questions can make the difference between getting the job and being shown the door.

What to ask an attorney in an interview?

The list of attorney interview questions always involves topics related to the courtroom and your approach to representing clients. Describe your thought process, how you would prepare for trial, and your attitude during the court proceedings. It’s best to stick to a checklist in order to make sure you don’t leave any important steps out.

Why do recruiters stick to certain routines during job interviews?

This is done for a variety of reasons, one of which is to ensure a level playing field for analyzing all potential employees.

1. The Trigger

What was the initial trigger that made you start researching into a degree in Law? It could be anything, but whatever it is, be honest about it. Admissions tutors will be able to tell if you are fabricating an answer.

2. The bigger picture

You may not know the intricacies of how our legal system works or how a Bill is put through Parliament, but that does not matter. The tutors don’t expect you to know the ins and outs of everything. What does matter is you demonstrate that you understand the impact the concept of ‘the law’ has locally, nationally, and globally.

How to answer the Star question in a law school interview?

In your answer, share some thoughts about your law school experience. Consider explaining how you prepared for it and what you did to overcome the challenges. You can also use the STAR technique to form your response, which includes outlining a situation, your task, the action you took, and the positive result.

Why do you ask questions in an interview?

Asking these questions helps the interviewer understand your qualifications and what you can bring to the company:

How to make a good first impression in an interview?

If you want to make a memorable first impression during your interview, adhere to a business formal dress code. For example, you can choose to wear a pantsuit, a skirt suit, or a well-fitting suit in neutral tones.

Why do employers ask about weaknesses?

They may ask you about your weaknesses to understand how you see yourself and whether you'd be willing to continue improving your skill set to excel in your career. Consider answering honestly and selecting a weakness that doesn't hinder your ability to do well in the role.

What is the question "Overview"?

Question Overview: This is a very common question and one that you should be prepared for. You want to find out what the candidate considers to be his/her strengths and weaknesses. The candidate may have a different view of his/her strengths and weaknesses than you do.

Is the legal profession changing?

Question Overview: The legal profession is changing. There are many new technologies that are changing the way that legal services are delivered. You will want to know what the candidate thinks about the future of the industry and how he/she will fit into it.

Is it uncommon for a client to be unhappy with the outcome of a case?

Question Overview: Clients are not always happy with the outcome of their case. In fact, it is not uncommon for a client to be unhappy with the outcome of a case. It is important that you find out how an attorney handles these situations.