Why do you want to work for this firm/organisation?
This is not just any interview question—it is THE interview question. It can come in one of several guises, e.g.
- What makes this firm/organisation different from its competitors?
- What do you know about this firm/organisation?
- How do you know you will enjoy working for this firm/organisation or (slightly more specific) with our clients?
To answer these questions, as you have seen, you need a detailed knowledge of the firm, its structure, its clients and its competitors. An interviewer will also be looking closely at your answers to see that you have done your research and whether you are a ‘good match’ for them.
What do you think are the main challenges/opportunities facing the legal profession?
You may be asked about specific challenges/issues. Such questions will differ depending on the type of firm that you have applied to:
- The challenges and opportunities posed by technology and cybercrime (see Chapter 21 Practical Exercise 3)
- The challenges faced in implementing genuine diversity (see Chapter 21 Practical Exercise 2)
- What are the benefits for law firms in establishing a global presence?
Chapter 21 has set out some of the challenges that face the legal profession. If you look at the guidance to answering practical exercises 2 and 3 of Chapter 21, you will see that it is useful to have a structure to answer these sorts of question. Always make sure you express an opinion of your own. If there are topical cases/news items which you can make use of in your arguments, do so.