<p>It is almost guaranteed that you will be asked, why this firm or why do you want to work at this firm on a job application form or as an interview question. This type of question is particularly popular on training contract, vacation scheme, and SQE programme applications and interviews. You are also very likely to encounter it in the recruitment process at any other legally related position. In this article, you will learn how to perfectly answer this type of question.</p>



<p>The question can have different variations:</p>



<ul><li>Why are you applying to our law firm?</li><li>Why are you interested in working our law firm?</li><li>How does our firm differ from others that you have applied to?</li></ul>



<p>They want to test your knowledge of the firm and your motivation to work at that firm.</p>



<h2>Structure of Your Why This Law Firm Answer</h2>



<p>You need to make it easy for the recruiters to follow your answer. The best way to do it is to structure your answer in an easy-to-understand and easy to present way. Whether it is a written answer or an oral interview answer, the below structure will be a good starting point.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/Flowchart-of-how-to-structure-the-answer-1024x576.jpg" alt="This flowchart explains how to answer why this firm question"/></figure>



<p><strong>What attracted you to the firm</strong> – This is the very exact reason that attracted you to apply. This part of your answer will depend heavily on your research. For example, perhaps the culture appealed to you.</p>



<p><strong>Why does that matter to you</strong> – Here, you want to explain why and how that reason that made you apply to the firm matters to you personally. For example, the culture reflects your own personal values.</p>



<p><strong>Connect to the firm</strong> – Lastly, you must connect your “why” to the firm. You need to explain how exactly the “why” is related to the firm. For example, having personal values that are aligned with their culture will make you helpful/useful/improve processes because of XYZ.</p>



<h2>Answering the “Why This Firm?” Questions</h2>



<p>Since now you have the basic outline of how you need to structure your answer, below is a deeper explanation on how to excel in every point of your answer.</p>



<h3>Answering the “What” - Research the Firm</h3>



<p>To have a good foundation for your answer you must first research the firm. You may have an idea as to what attracted you to apply, but you must be very precise in what exactly it was.</p>



<p>Research the company's history and its expertise. What are they known for? If you are interested in a specific <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/areas-of-law/">practice area</a> like corporate practice or private client, why not research recent deals or cases in that area. Take a look at <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/law-firms/">overviews of law firms </a>for insights and insider advice.</p>



<p>When researching the firm think about:</p>



<ul><li>Do they have a special approach to training its trainee solicitors?</li><li>Do they have a special competitive edge?</li><li>Do they implement any innovative technologies?</li><li>Do they have a unique culture or a support network?</li><li>Do they have unique type of clients or key clients?</li></ul>



<p>For your research, you can use their website, talk to their trainees and the recruitment team, and conduct a detailed internet search. There are plenty of reasons that could make you attracted to apply to a specific firm. Make sure to do your research and narrow down on some ideas and be very precise as to what attracted you to apply.</p>



<h3>Answering the “Why” of Why This Firm Question - Provide Reasons</h3>



<p>After you have outlined what attracted you to apply, you need to state a reason as to why it is important to you. It is all about detail. Be very, very specific in your motivations. Your answer should not sounds too generic.</p>



<p>Talk about personal experiences that have motivated you to apply to that firm. Those experiences can come from <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/university-students/">university</a>, employment, volunteering, or life events! Make sure that you develop your points and include a great deal of detail to back up your reasoning.</p>



<p>For example, if the firm’s international work attracted your interest, then you must state why it did so. Do you come from an international background? Do you speak multiple languages? Do you have experience working internationally? This part of the answer will be very personal to you and you must include evidence to back up your reasoning.</p>



<h3>Connecting the “Why” to the “What” – Show Value</h3>



<p>You must tie everything together by connecting the “why” to the “what” in a way that shows the value that you can add to the firm.</p>



<p>This part of the answer is highly dependent on what you have already written. However, here are some ways in which you can show that connection.</p>



<ul><li>You can explain how you can help the company succeed.</li><li>You can explain how you can repeat your previous successes at the firm.</li><li>You can explain how your “why” can complement the “what?</li></ul>



<p>For example, the firm’s culture was attractive to you because it encourages innovation. Innovation is important to you because come from an entrepreneurial background and you can show an example of innovation that you have done. Finally, then you will make a connection that your experience with being innovative would complement the firm’s culture and allow you to help the firm succeed in its innovation initiatives.</p>



<h2>Common Mistakes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/Law-firm-conference-room-e1646395168942-1024x245.jpg" alt="Recruiters review training contract applications and conduct interviews in this room"/></figure>



<p>Below are some of the most common <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/job-interview-tips/how-to-answer-why-do-you-want-to-work-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mistakes</a> people make when answering what attracts you to this firm, as part of their interview questions or application process.</p>



<h3>Overly Descriptive – not detailed</h3>



<p>Avoid being overly descriptive when answering this question. The recruiters work there and they likely already know about all of the details regarding their recent deals, innovative programs, and the culture. Instead, focus on the details and tell them why that specific something about the firm made you want to apply.</p>



<h4>Example of an overly descriptive answer</h4>



<p>I am applying to XYZ because the firm is a leader in the commercial real estate sector in the UK and I am very passionate about helping business clients achieve their real estate needs. The company is ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500 and in Band 2 by Chambers and Partners nationwide and Band 2 by Legal 500 internationally. XYZ has recently advised BBP Construction Inc on a ground-breaking sale of their facility in North Wales, which secured them the prize of the Deal Makers of the Year by Lawmagazine.com.</p>



<p>This answer is too descriptive. Although it does show the applicant’s knowledge of the firm, it merely states facts that the recruiters already know. As for the motivation, it was mentioned in the first sentence but not developed in detail whatsoever. This answer will fail to “wow” recruiters.</p>



<h3>Lack of Evidence</h3>



<p>As in the above overly descriptive example, the applicant completely failed to explain the “why”. When answering this type of question, you need to use evidence to support your answer. You must draw on your academic, work, and life experiences to make your answer more impactful. By doing so you not only show evidence but also allow the reader to learn more about you as a person.</p>



<h3>Unrealistic Connection</h3>



<p>When making the connection between the “why” and the “what” you have to stay within realistic parameters. You cannot possibly imply that, for example, your experience with organizing products at your part-time grocery store job will help you reorganize the firm’s structure to make it more efficient. Instead, focus on how your “why” can help you succeed in the job that you are applying for. Don’t overblow your experiences and skills and the impact that they will have if you were to secure that position.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FbAb9KOiiU&amp;ab_channel=ThomsonReutersLegalEurope
</div></figure>

How to Answer: Why This Firm? Question

<p>It is often that aspiring lawyers have to answer “why study law” on their law school or work applications. It is also common for applicants to fail to answer the very exact question that is being asked. The reader wants to know your reasons for pursuing a study or a career in law. This question can pop up as:</p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>"Why study law" essay question;</li>
<li>"What is your motivation to study law" job application question;</li>
<li>"Why study law" personal statement question;</li>
<li>"Why study law" interview question;</li>
<li>"Why is law interesting" law school application question;</li>
<li>"Why study law in the UK" question for international students; or</li>
<li>"Why law" application question.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>In this article, you will learn about different reasons as to why one wants to pursue a law degree law or a legal career. You will also learn about some exclusive tips that will allow you to pass this<a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/university-students/"> LLB law</a> or job entry requirements question.</p>
<h2>7 Answers to Why Study Law</h2>
<p>Explore our exclusive list that references many reasons why someone would like to study for a law degree or work in law.</p>
<p><img src="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/Student-sitting-and-holding-a-notebook-e1646225546690-1024x327.jpg" alt="A student writing down in her notebook reasons as to why study law" width="1024" height="327" /></p>
<h3>1 – Intellectually Challenging</h3>
<p>Studying law or practicing it is very intellectually challenging. You will always be kept on your toes! From learning new things every day to learning about specifics of your client’s case – you are guaranteed to always keep learning while studying or working in law.</p>
<p>The field itself, with the ever-evolving case law, detailed statutory provisions, and challenging academic literature offers endless learning opportunities! You can dwell on very practical issues and/or issues that are philosophical and abstract. Perhaps this could explain, on average, high salaries for lawyers compared to other professionals.</p>
<h3>2 – Allows You to Make a Difference</h3>
<p>Although sometimes the study of law can be abstract in nature, the practice of law offers a practical and hands-on career. With your legal knowledge, you will be able to make a difference! Depending on the area of law that you decide to practice in, you will help people, businesses, and communities.</p>
<p>The ability to help others through the use of the law is not only highly rewarding but most importantly, serves a very needed purpose in the democratic society. Law graduates are some of the most influential students of higher education institutions.</p>
<h3>3 – Develop Multipurpose Skills</h3>
<p>Many tend to think about law students and lawyers as pure specialists. This cannot be more untrue in the modern world. During your legal studies and legal practice, you will develop a range of multi-faceted and transferable skills! You may want to pursue a law degree and work in law just because none of the other disciplines offers the opportunity to develop such a broad skillset.</p>
<p>Many lawyers become experts not only in an area of law but also in the larger industry that they serve. Additionally, lawyers practice and become experts in a variety of skills such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Research;</li>
<li>Business development;</li>
<li>Drafting; and</li>
<li>Many more!</li>
</ul>
<h3>4 – Previous Learning Experience</h3>
<p>It is almost guaranteed that you will have in one way, or another have been exposed to the study of law earlier in your life. It could have been by taking a class or by exploring a legal issue or a case in a non-law-related study. Previous learning experiences can greatly shape your future motivations because you already have had a taste of the law. In reality, how can you really want to pursue something without even trying it once, right?</p>
<h3>5 – You are Passionate About Legally Connected Issues</h3>
<p>The world is full of issues that affect all of us. From environmental and social injustices to criminal law reforms, there are plenty of legally connected issues that may spark your interest. You may want to study or work in law just because of that, because of your passion for those issues!</p>
<p>During your law degree, you will explore many social science subject areas like psychology, political science, sociology, and economics. The law is a tool that would allow you to better navigate different disciplines that affect those issues, like:</p>
<ul>
<li>government policy;</li>
<li>legislative processes;</li>
<li>political developments; and</li>
<li>international relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>6 – Personal Experience as a Reason to Why Study Law</h3>
<p>Some choose to study and work in law because of their past. Perhaps you had a life event that motivated you to pursue law. Maybe something has affected you personally that drove you to be interested in law. We all have different life experiences and sometimes they can be the biggest factor in our decision making.</p>
<p>Pursuing a study and a career in something that is deeply rooted in your personal motivations can be rewarding and life-changing.</p>
<h3>7 – Interest in an Area of Law</h3>
<p>There are many different <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/areas-of-law/">areas of law</a> and in fact, the only reason why you want to study or work in law may be because you want to work in an area of law. This may link back to any of the above-mentioned reasons but with a focus on your chosen area of law.</p>
<p><img src="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/Writing-tips-for-studying-law-e1646225729554-1024x325.jpg" alt="A person is writing down helpful tips on how to answer why study law question" width="1024" height="325" /></p>
<h2>3 Tips on How to Excel in Your Answer</h2>
<p>Hopefully, by now you narrowed down the reason why you want to pursue a law degree. Below are some tips that will help you make your answers stand out in your university personal statement, interview, or job application.</p>
<h3>1 – Create a Structure</h3>
<p>When answering this question, you absolutely must answer the “why”. Ask yourself, and be honest - why do I want to study law or why am I interested in law? Make it clear what made you want to pursue law as one of your career options.</p>
<p>This can be an experience, something that you wish to achieve with the use of law or something particular about the career that appeals to you. Once you have chosen one or two reasons why you want to be a lawyer, you need to back them up.</p>
<h3>2 – Show Evidence</h3>
<p>Evidence is crucial when answering this question. There must a solid reason that must follow after the "I want to study law because...". For example, if you want to pursue a career in law because you want to help people, back it up with an example that made you want to help people.</p>
<p>Be specific but direct, do not over-describe the experience. Always use evidence to support your statements. It gives your argument depth and gives you an opportunity to tell the reader something about you.</p>
<h3>3 – Tailor Towards the Reader</h3>
<p>The final part of answering this question is to connect your reason(s) for pursuing a study or career in law to the actual profession. For example, if you said that you want to help people, and supported it, now you need to connect that to the study or career in law. How can this degree or career allow you to fulfill your personal passion, life goal, or whatever you used as a reason for pursuing the law?</p>
<p>If you are applying to a specific university you must tailor your answer to that institution. For example, you must answer why study law at <a href="https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/what-are-we-looking-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cambridge</a> university if you are applying there. If you are an international student you must touch on why you chose to pursue your legal education in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or in whichever jurisdiction you intend to study.</p>
<h3>4 - Bonus Tip: Why Commercial Law?</h3>
<p>This question is a variation on the “why law” question. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>“Why have you chosen a career in commercial law? Explain what motivates you”</li>
</ul>
<p>The purpose of this question is to evaluate your knowledge of commercial law and your understanding of the role commercial lawyers have. You can approach this question in the same way you approached the “why study law” question, with a focus on commercial law.</p>
<p>Tell the reader what makes you attracted to this specific career, back it up with evidence. Then connect that to the career of a commercial lawyer. To answer this question, you need to have some knowledge of what commercial lawyers do and keep this theme throughout your answer. You can gain that knowledge from legal internships, open days, law fairs, talking to lawyers, and research. In this type of question, you need to draw on your knowledge of <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/what-is-commercial-awareness/">commercial awareness</a> to excel in your answer. </p>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttOgzPkBuv4&amp;ab_channel=ElenaHandtrack
</div></figure>

7 Answers to Why Study Law

<p id="viewer-52krf">Law firms do not want robo-lawyers, they are looking for well-rounded people. Well-rounded individuals can more easily integrate into the firm’s culture and they can also draw on their experiences to perform legal work more effectively. So, do not underestimate the power of this question! This is your opportunity to show the recruiters who you really are outside of law, what your interests are, which can help you to stand out from the crowd.</p>
<p id="viewer-afatc">Make a list of your extracurricular activities. Did you hold any positions of responsibility? If yes, great,<a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/law-firms/"> law firms</a> love to see people who have those experiences because it shows that you have a sense of ownership over your work (even if it is volunteering). Ideally pick 2-3 experiences that you want to talk about, preferably including at least one in which you held a position of responsibility.</p>
<p id="viewer-cudf9">Focus on the details when talking about extracurricular activities. How long did you participate in this activity? How many people were you responsible for? This will add depth to your answer. Although you want to describe the experience, do not over-describe it because you want to sell yourself and not that experience.</p>
<p id="viewer-6la6j">Need help answering more application questions? Take a look at our Guide that will help you answer most commonly asked training contract and vacation scheme application questions.</p>
<p id="viewer-fgdlr">To sell yourself to the recruiters focus on the things that you learned during extracurricular activities. These can be skills like public speaking, task-management, or time-management, etc. In detail, explain how that experience helped you to develop those skills. Make a clear connection between the activity and developing that particular skill.</p>
<p id="viewer-5guaj"><strong>Bad answer.</strong></p>
<p id="viewer-dmjmd">During the summer, I volunteered as a lifeguard at a local beach. I was responsible for the safety of beachgoers in my designated area. When required I had to rescue and provide medical attention to people in emergency situations. Also, as a lifeguard I had to be very vigilant of any disturbances at the beach such as, fights, rowdy dogs, or littering. When situations arose that were out of my control, I had to call the police.</p>
<p id="viewer-37mi6">This answer is over-descriptive, it fails to develop any points that would help the applicant to sell themselves.</p>
<p id="viewer-1mnpg"><strong>Good answer. </strong></p>
<p id="viewer-1mnpg">For the past three summers, I have volunteered as a lifeguard at Brighton beach. Being responsible for the safety of the beachgoers taught me the importance of following instructions. On five occasions I had to rescue young children. I was able to do that successfully because I followed the exact guidelines from the lifeguard manual.</p>

How To Answer: Extracurricular Activities Questions

<p id="viewer-foo">In this type of question, the recruiters want to know if you have the competencies that they are looking for. Of course, each<a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/law-firms/"> law firm</a> may be looking for different competencies. You can tell which competencies the firm values by the information on their graduate recruitment page and their brochure.</p>



<p>Also, you can tell which competencies the firm values by the type of questions they ask. For example, “Please give an example of a situation where you were required to work in a team”, here the recruiter is looking for teamwork skills.</p>



<p>Which experience to use for your competency questions is up to you. These experiences can be from employment, volunteering, university, sports, or from life.</p>



<p id="viewer-64fes">The most important part is to choose an experience that ties directly to the competency required in the question. For the above mentioned question, a good experience could come from a football game, mock team negotiations or a vacation scheme experience.</p>



<p id="viewer-6avql">Always give yourself enough time to submit quality applications. Make sure to know when the&nbsp;Deadlines&nbsp;are for your applications.</p>



<p id="viewer-fak6l">To answer any competency questions, it is best to follow the STAR method.</p>



<p id="viewer-fak6l">This&nbsp;method&nbsp;will give your answer a clear structure. For a good answer focus on the “A” (action) because this is where you will show that you possess that competency. Of course, do not neglect the other points as they are also necessary for a complete answer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/STAR.webp" alt="A diagram that explains how to answer competency questions on your training contract or vacation scheme applications using the STAR method "/></figure>

How To Answer: Competency Questions

<p id="viewer-foo">Some applicants skip this question or approach it incorrectly. Always answer this type of question:</p>



<p id="viewer-73tqs">“Please list anything else you believe strengthens your application.”</p>



<p>“Any additional information in support of your application?”</p>



<p id="viewer-4lia6">This question gives you the opportunity to tell the recruiters something special about you, something that will make you stand out from the crowd. This question is usually the last one that they will read from your application making it memorable. &nbsp;</p>



<p id="viewer-4lia6">Approach this question strategically. Firstly, look through all of the questions in the application. What did they already ask you? How did you answer those questions? Most importantly, what information did you already tell the recruiters about yourself? Thus, pick something new to talk about. For example, if there was no question about extra-curricular activities, then use this opportunity to tell the recruiters about your hobbies and consult our&nbsp;Guide&nbsp;on how to answer that specific question.</p>



<p id="viewer-5as58">Secondly, whatever you choose to write about, it must somehow support your application. This means that you need to connect it to the firm or to a career as a <a href="https://careerinlaw.net/uk/what-is-a-solicitor/">solicitor</a>. For example, if you choose to write about an extra-curricular activity, explain how that experience supports your application. How would that help you in your career as a solicitor? Why is this experience useful for solicitors at the firm that you are applying to?</p>

How To Answer: Additional Information Questions

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