Being interviewed is one of the most stressful experiences that one can encounter. Therefore, you need to come prepared and one way to do this is to predict what you are going to be asked. Thankfully, the questions that usually come up are quite repetitive. Yet, you still need to tailor your answers based on the firm!
Here are some questions that you can be asked:
1. Why you want to become a solicitor: This one is very basic, but very important. A comprehensive answer needs to include your honest motivation. Try linking your aspiration with your personal characteristics and experiences, as well as show how your set of skills is adequate for the profession.
2. Why this firm: This your chance to showcase your research and knowledge about the firm. What have you learnt from it while researching its website and other sites such as Chambers Student and Legal 500. There are 4 elements that are mandatory to be taken into consideration: The practice areas that you are drawn to, how you resonate with the strategy of the firm, what you find appealing about the firm’s culture and mention the unique selling point of the firm (USP) and how you relate to it. For each of these, you need to find a connection with you in order to show that your answers are genuine.
3. How would stand out as a trainee: This is the chance to showcase your skillset. Talk about your work experiences and it does not matter whether they are legal or non-legal: they take into account everything as transferrable skills are a big thing for law firms. Furthermore, think about the duties that trainees have generally and you can even contact current trainees at the firms to find out more (and even mention that you have spoken with them!). This shows your interest in the firm and makes you stand out more.
4. What is a current issue affecting the market/the firm: This is usually asked because the firm wants to test your commercial awareness, which is a key skill that a trainee needs to possess. You can develop your commercial awareness by constantly following the news which you can read on platforms such as Financial Times and The Guardian. You do not need to follow all the news, but you should focus on a specific area such as technology or finance. Then, try linking the issues back to the firm and think how these affect it. Furthermore, you may also need to think about the current issues that law firms face (such as clients demanding lower prices for services, lawyers being constantly overworked). You can also come up with possible solutions in order to alleviate the issues.
5. Client scenarios: These are also commonly brought up and various skills are tested. From my experience, you may be faced with ethical questions to evaluate your integrity. Moreover, your problem solving and decision-making is also assessed and you would need to explain how you would proceed based on the facts. While there are no right or wrong answers, you should try to think of the best possible solution and explain your reasoning.
I hope these are useful and good look on your interviews!!
