why do you want to be a lawyer interview question

How to answer why you wanted to become a lawyer

1. Focus on your strengths and skills. Give examples of your strongest skills that make you successful as a lawyer. ...
2. Describe a personal experience that inspired you. Discuss something you experienced in your previous roles or background that inspired you to become a lawyer.
3. Give examples of your past success and how it motivates you. ...

More items...

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.

What is a job interview like in the legal field?

Some aspects of a job interview in the legal field may be similar to interviews in other industries. This includes discussing your interests, personality, and values. However, p repare to hear more in-depth questions about your legal background and experience.

How do you answer why do I 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 people want to be lawyers?

All types of lawyers are needed in specializations as diverse as tax law, maritime law, criminal law, family law and corporate law. Reasons to become a lawyer vary from one person to the next, but common motivations include a comfortable salary, prestige and a chance to better society.

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.

What appeals to you about working in law?

Legal professionals must be problem-solvers and innovators, willing to assume new responsibilities, tackle new challenges, master new technology and navigate an ever-evolving legal system. This dynamic legal landscape makes each day unique and fosters an enjoyable, fulfilling work experience.

Why do you want this job?

Emphasize what you can contribute. Your answer should also emphasize what you can contribute to the company – what will you bring to the position? Mention any skills or work experience that makes you a unique, strong candidate for the job. If possible, use numbers to express how you can add value to the business.

What are your strengths as a law student?

You Have Excellent Communication Skills Your public speaking skills will also be tested time and time again as a law student. Building excellent communication and public speaking skills is an essential part of your success as a future lawyer. It's also important to be able to write clearly and persuasively.

What is nice about being a lawyer?

Flexibility One of the best perks of being a lawyer is the flexibility it affords, in many different areas. For a start, many people in the legal profession have the ability to set their own fees, choose their hours, and select the clients they want to work with.

What does being a lawyer mean to you?

Lawyers advise individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes, and represent them in court and legal transactions. Also called attorneys, lawyers inform their clients about their legal rights and obligations, and help steer them through the complexities of the law.

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...•

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you elaborate on a situation where you were unsuccessful and how you handled it?

You should get a sense of how the lawyer handles adversity because there is quite a bit of it in the legal profession. 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.

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.

2. Top reasons to become a Lawyer – WeAreTheCity

Feb 17, 2015 — 1. The Ability to Help Others. Many lawyers join the legal profession because they want the chance to help make the world a better place. · 2. (4) …

3. Law School Admissions Essays: Why Do I Want to Be a Lawyer?

Mar 31, 2009 — In the tired eyes of an admissions officer, nothing is more tedious than an essay that starts off, “I have always wanted to be a lawyer,” (7) …

6. How to Become a Lawyer: Law Schools & Careers

Jun 7, 2021 — Prospective lawyers must undertake a series of steps to practice law, interested should ask themselves why they want to become a lawyer (17) …

Common Law Firm Interview Questions

While there is always a chance you could get an off-the-wall question, recruiters typically 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.

More Examples of Law Firm Interview Questions

There are many more questions an interviewer may ask during a job interview. This depends on the type of law you’re practicing, the job position you’re applying for, and of course, the interviewer’s level of expertise.

After the Job Interview

After the potential employer goes through all the legal interview questions, the tables turn, and it’s time for you to start asking questions. Most interviewers will ask whether you have any questions for them. This is a perfect opportunity to come off as curious by asking open-ended and substantive questions about the job and the firm.