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<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe question can have different variations:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- Why are you applying to our law firm?<\/li>\r\n
- Why are you interested in working at our law firm?<\/li>\r\n
- How does our firm differ from others that you have applied to?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The firm seeks to evaluate your knowledge of the company and your motivation to work there.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Structure of Your Why This Law Firm Answer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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>\r\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/careerinlaw.net\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/How-to-Answer-Why-This-Firm-Question-Answer-Structure-Infographic-1024x576.png\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n- \r\n
- What attracted you to the firm<\/strong> \u2013 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.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
- Why does that matter to you<\/strong> \u2013 Here, you want to explain why and how the reason that made you apply to the firm matters to you personally. For example, the culture reflects your own personal values.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
- Connect to the firm<\/strong> \u2013 Lastly, you must connect your \u201cwhy\u201d to the firm. You need to explain how exactly the \u201cwhy\u201d 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.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Why\u00a0study law<\/a> is also a popular question that often comes up during the application process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Answering the \u201cWhy This Firm?\u201d Questions<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Since now you have the basic outline of how you need to structure your answer, below is a deeper explanation of how to excel in every point of your answer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step 1: Answering the \u201cWhat\u201d – Research the Firm<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To have a good foundation for your answer you must first research the firm. You may have an idea of what attracted you to apply, but you must be precise in what exactly it was.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Research the company’s history and its expertise. What are they known for? If you are interested in a specific practice area like corporate practice or private client, why not research recent deals or cases in that area? Take a look at our law firm training contract overviews<\/a> for insights and insider advice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
When researching the firm, think about:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- Do they have a particular approach to training their trainee solicitors?<\/li>\r\n
- Do they have a unique competitive edge?<\/li>\r\n
- Do they implement any innovative technologies?<\/li>\r\n
- Do they have a unique culture or a support network?<\/li>\r\n
- Do they have unique types of clients or key clients?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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 research, narrow down on some ideas and be precise as to what attracted you to apply.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Step 2: Answering the \u201cWhy\u201d of Why This Firm Question – Provide Reasons<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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 sound too generic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Talk about personal experiences that have motivated you to apply to that firm. Those experiences can come from university, employment, volunteering, or life events! Make sure you develop your points and include great detail to back up your reasoning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, if the firm\u2019s 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, and you must include evidence to support your reasoning.<\/p>\r\n
Ensure you apply on time with our detailed training contracts deadline calendar<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
![\"Answering](\"https:\/\/careerinlaw.net\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/Answering-the-Why-in-How-to-Answer-Why-This-Firm-Question-Infographic-1024x576.png\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStep 3: Connecting the \u201cWhy\u201d to the \u201cWhat\u201d \u2013 Show Value<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You must tie everything together by connecting the \u201cwhy\u201d to the \u201cwhat\u201d to show the value you can add to the firm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- You can explain how you can help the company succeed.<\/li>\r\n
- You can explain how you can repeat your previous successes at the firm.<\/li>\r\n
- You can explain how your \u201cwhy\u201d can complement the \u201cwhat?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, the firm\u2019s culture attracts 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\u2019s culture and allow you to help the firm succeed in its innovation initiatives.<\/p>\r\n
Ensure that you can answer the extracurricular question<\/a> correctly to boost your application.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Alternative Strategy to Answering the \u201cWhy This Firm?\u201d Questions<\/h2>\r\n
While the traditional approach to answering “Why this firm?” questions in law firm interviews or applications involves specific research and personal alignment with the firm’s values, there’s an alternative strategy that can be equally effective. This strategy focuses on demonstrating your understanding of the legal industry’s current trends and challenges and aligning them with the firm’s objectives and practices.<\/p>\r\n
Step 1: Identify Industry Trends and Challenges<\/h3>\r\n
Begin by discussing the key trends and challenges currently facing the legal industry. This could include technological advancements, regulatory changes, client service models, or globalization. Show that you are not just interested in the firm but also deeply invested in the broader context in which it operates.<\/p>\r\n
Step 2: Align Firm\u2019s Position in the Industry<\/h3>\r\n
Next, align these trends and challenges with the firm’s position in the market. For example, if technological innovation is a significant trend, highlight how this firm is adapting or leading in this area. This shows that your interest in the firm is not just surface-level but is based on a deep understanding of its strategic positioning.<\/p>\r\n
Step 3: Demonstrate Personal Alignment with Industry Evolution<\/h3>\r\n
Then, articulate how your skills, experiences, and aspirations align with these industry trends and the firm’s approach to them. If you have experience with legal tech, for example, explain how this aligns with the firm’s innovative practices.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Step 4: Show Value Addition in the Context of Industry Evolution<\/h3>\r\n
Lastly, illustrate how you can add value to the firm in the context of these industry trends. If the firm is dealing with increasing globalization, discuss how your international experience or language skills can be beneficial. This approach not only shows your understanding of the firm but also positions you as someone who can contribute to its future success in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This is a great opportunity to showcase your commercial awareness<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Common Mistakes When Answering Why This Law Firm Question<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Why does that matter to you<\/strong> \u2013 Here, you want to explain why and how the reason that made you apply to the firm matters to you personally. For example, the culture reflects your own personal values.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
- What attracted you to the firm<\/strong> \u2013 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.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n