10 Law School Interview Questions with Expert Responses

Law School Interview Question: Why do you want to become a lawyer?

"I want to become a lawyer because I am passionate about advocating for justice and making a positive impact in people's lives. Growing up in New York City, I witnessed the stark inequalities faced by individuals and communities. I aspire to join a reputable law firm like Baker McKenzie, where I can work on high-profile cases involving human rights and social justice issues. My long-term goal is to establish a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to underserved communities in collaboration with organizations such as Legal Aid Society. By combining my legal skills with my passion for social justice, I aim to create a more equitable society and contribute to the betterment of communities across the nation."

Law School Interview Question: Why this law school?

 "I am thrilled about the prospect of attending Yale Law School for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Yale's renowned reputation as one of the top law schools in the world deeply resonates with my aspirations to become a distinguished legal professional. The school's commitment to intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and vibrant academic community is unparalleled.

Moreover, Yale Law School offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum that aligns perfectly with my interests. The Global Constitutionalism Seminar, led by Professor Amy Chua, provides a unique opportunity to delve into comparative constitutional law and examine the impact of constitutional principles in different countries.

The Law and Technology course, taught by Professor Yochai Benkler, will enable me to explore the legal and ethical challenges arising from rapid technological advancements, equipping me with a deep understanding of emerging legal issues in the digital era.

Additionally, I am eager to engage with the Yale Law community through organizations like the Yale Human Rights and Development Law Journal. Contributing to this esteemed publication would allow me to sharpen my research and writing skills while promoting human rights advocacy.

Overall, Yale Law School's academic excellence, diverse curriculum, and vibrant intellectual community make it the perfect environment for me to thrive, expand my legal knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the field of law."

Law School Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team with diverse perspectives and/or backgrounds.

"During my time at NYU, I had the opportunity to work on a group project with a team comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our task was to analyze a complex legal case study involving environmental law, specifically the lawsuit that Ecuador filed against Chevron for polluting the Amazon and present our findings to a panel of faculty judges.

One team member, Sarah, had a strong background in environmental activism and had previously interned with the Sierra Club. Another team member, John, was a former corporate lawyer with expertise in regulatory compliance. Lastly, we had Maria, an international student from Brazil with a deep understanding of environmental policies in Latin America.

The diversity within our team proved to be invaluable. We approached the case study from multiple angles, drawing on Sarah's passion for environmental justice, John's expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks, and Maria's insight into international perspectives. Despite initial disagreements, we quickly realized the power of our diverse perspectives and harnessed them to develop a comprehensive analysis.

By fostering open communication and respecting each other's viewpoints, we successfully integrated our diverse expertise into a cohesive presentation. Our collaboration allowed us to craft a well-rounded argument that considered environmental, legal, and global implications.

Ultimately, our team's efforts were recognized by the faculty panel, and we received top honors for our presentation. This experience demonstrated the immense value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork to drive innovation and achieve exceptional results.

I am excited to bring this collaborative spirit and appreciation for diverse perspectives to Harvard Law School, where I can further develop my skills in working with a diverse range of individuals to tackle complex legal challenges and contribute to the vibrant and inclusive community at HLS."

Law School Interview Question: How do you manage your time?

 "One strategy I have employed is using a detailed planner, such as the one provided by the Harvard University Student Planner Organization. By meticulously scheduling my tasks and assignments, I ensured that I allocated sufficient time for studying, attending classes, and participating in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, I prioritized tasks based on their importance and deadlines. For instance, when working on my senior thesis, I collaborated with fellow classmates using the project management software Trello. This allowed us to delegate tasks, track progress, and meet milestones effectively.

Furthermore, I made efficient use of resources such as the study spaces offered by the Yale Law Library and the University of Chicago Law School. These quiet and conducive environments enabled me to focus and maximize my study time.

Recognizing the value of breaks, I incorporated short intervals for relaxation and exercise into my schedule. By participating in activities like yoga classes at the University of Pennsylvania Law School gym, I maintained a healthy work-life balance and enhanced my overall productivity."

Law School Interview Question: If you want to ‘help people’, why not medicine? Social Work? Teaching?

"While professions like medicine, social work, and teaching undoubtedly have a profound impact on people's lives, I believe that pursuing a career in law aligns with my passion for helping others and effecting systemic change. Law has the potential to address societal issues at their root causes, shape policies, and protect the rights of individuals on a broader scale.

For instance, in my role as a volunteer at the Legal Aid Society in New York City, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of legal representation for marginalized communities. By advocating for clients facing housing insecurity, employment discrimination, or immigration challenges, I saw how the law can provide a voice to the voiceless and address systemic injustices.

Furthermore, organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have played pivotal roles in safeguarding civil liberties and fighting for equality throughout history. The groundbreaking legal victories achieved by the ACLU in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Obergefell v. Hodges have had far-reaching and enduring impacts on society.

By pursuing a legal career, I aspire to join the ranks of dedicated professionals at organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where I can contribute to the fight for racial justice and equal opportunity. While medicine, social work, and teaching are undoubtedly noble professions, I believe that the legal field provides a unique platform to tackle systemic issues, shape policies, and advocate for the rights of individuals and marginalized communities on a broader scale."

Law School Interview Question: What is your biggest concern about entering law school?

"Two of my biggest concerns about entering law school are the demanding workload and the potential for overwhelming stress. However, I am confident in my ability to manage this challenge effectively. For instance, I would actively seek guidance from academic support programs such as the Harvard Law School Academic Resource Center, which offers tailored assistance to students in enhancing their study strategies and time management skills.

I would also proactively engage in extracurricular activities to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle and promote self-care. Taking part in student organizations like the Harvard Law Wellness Initiative, which focuses on promoting mental health and well-being, would enable me to connect with peers who share similar concerns and develop strategies to navigate the demands of law school effectively.

Additionally, I am committed to establishing a strong support network. Building relationships with faculty members, participating in study groups, and seeking mentorship opportunities from organizations such as the Harvard Law Women's Mentoring Program would provide invaluable guidance and support throughout my legal education."

Law School Interview Question: Describe yourself in terms of your greatest strengths and weaknesses.

"One of my greatest strengths is my ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, which I have honed through my experiences in Model United Nations and as a member of the debate team at Brown University.

I think my attention to detail and analytical thinking skills have been instrumental in my role as a legal intern at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Working on complex cases required me to meticulously analyze legal documents and identify key arguments to build strong legal strategies.

On the other hand, I acknowledge that my desire for perfectionism can sometimes be a weakness. At times, it can lead to self-imposed pressure and an excessive focus on minute details, potentially hindering efficiency. However, I have actively worked to address this by developing time management techniques and seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues to ensure a balanced approach to my work.

Furthermore, while I am naturally assertive, I understand the importance of active listening and valuing diverse perspectives. Engaging in the Harvard Law Negotiation Workshop and participating in the Yale Law School Diversity and Inclusion Committee would allow me to further strengthen my ability to collaborate effectively and create inclusive environments."

Law School Interview Question: Describe the most outstanding leader you have ever worked with and how you are similar to this person. How are you different?

"The most outstanding leader I have had the privilege to work with was Jane Gallo, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society in Chicago. Jane's unwavering dedication to serving marginalized communities and her ability to inspire and mobilize her team left a lasting impression on me.

She spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness about human rights violations and organized impactful events such as the annual Human Rights Symposium. Through her leadership, Jane aimed to empower her peers to become advocates for change and to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

However, where Jane excelled in strategic decision-making and long-term planning, I tend to be more adept at fostering collaboration and building consensus. For example, while working on a pro bono case at the New York Legal Assistance Group, I facilitated productive discussions among a diverse team of attorneys, leveraging each individual's expertise to develop a comprehensive legal strategy.

Additionally, while Jane's leadership style was assertive and direct, I place a strong emphasis on active listening and valuing diverse perspectives. I actively seek input from team members and encourage open dialogue to ensure inclusive decision-making processes.

In conclusion, I admire Jane's visionary leadership and her commitment to serving marginalized communities. While we share a passion for advocacy and the ability to inspire others, our approaches differ in terms of strategic planning and collaboration."

Law School Interview Question: Tell me about a situation in which you felt you acted too quickly and later regretted it. What caused it?

"During my internship at the legal aid organization, Public Counsel, in Los Angeles, I encountered a situation where I acted too quickly and later regretted it. I was assigned to assist a client who was facing eviction from their apartment due to a dispute with their landlord. Time was of the essence, and I felt a sense of urgency to protect the client's rights.

However, in my haste, I neglected to thoroughly review all the relevant documents and failed to consider potential counterarguments. I quickly prepared a response letter to the landlord, asserting our client's rights without fully exploring alternative avenues for resolution or engaging in meaningful negotiation.

As the situation unfolded, I realized that my impulsive action had limited our options for a favorable outcome. The landlord responded with a more aggressive legal stance, and our client's situation became more complex.

Reflecting on this experience, I recognized that my eagerness to advocate for our client's rights had clouded my judgment. I should have taken the time to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the case, consult with my supervisor and colleagues, and explore potential strategies for negotiation or mediation.

This experience taught me the importance of balancing a sense of urgency with thoroughness in legal practice. Moving forward, I have actively worked on improving my decision-making process by seeking feedback, engaging in thoughtful deliberation, and ensuring that I consider all relevant factors before taking action."

Law School Interview Question: If someone 15 years from now were to write a book about you, what would you want to have included in that book?

"If someone were to write a book about my life 15 years from now, I would want it to reflect my journey as an advocate for justice and positive change. I envision a book that portrays my unwavering commitment to social justice and the impact I have made in the legal profession.

I aspire to establish a successful career as a human rights lawyer, working at organizations such as Human Rights Watch or Amnesty International. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the advancement of human rights, particularly in marginalized communities.

I hope the book would highlight my efforts in fighting systemic inequalities, such as my involvement in landmark cases that challenge discriminatory practices and shape legal precedents. For example, I dream of leading a legal team that brings forth a groundbreaking case addressing racial profiling, similar to the landmark Supreme Court case, Terry v. Ohio.

Beyond my legal work, I would want the book to capture my dedication to mentoring aspiring lawyers and inspiring the next generation. Through involvement in initiatives like the Yale Law School Mentorship Program, I aim to support and guide aspiring lawyers from underprivileged backgrounds, helping them navigate their own paths to success.

Most importantly, I hope the book would showcase the relationships and connections I have built along the way. Whether it's collaborating with colleagues at the Center for Constitutional Rights or working alongside local communities, I strive to create meaningful partnerships that amplify collective voices and bring about lasting change."

30 Law School Interview Questions to Practice With

1. What made you want to become a lawyer?
2. What extracurricular activities were you involved in during your undergraduate years?
3. What was your toughest class? Why? What skills have you developed outside the classroom? 4. Describe your best college professor. What made them unique?
4. What has been your favorite course and why?
5. How have you benefited from your undergraduate education?
6. How many hours a week did you study?
7. How has your undergraduate experience made you a better person?
8. What subjects are you now studying? Discuss.
9. Why did you drop, fail, or get a particular grade in a certain class?
10. Outline your study techniques.
11. Do your grades accurately reflect your ability?
12. Tell me about a time when you had to talk to an emotional individual. How did you handle it and communicate with them?
13. What stimulated your interest in law?
14. Which area of law are you most interested in?
15. What kind of experiences do you have in the law field?
16. How do you know you will make a good lawyer?
17. Why do you think so many people want to be lawyers?
18. What steps have you taken to familiarize yourself with the daily activities of a lawyer?
19. How did you investigate a career in law?
20. How do your parents and friends feel about your career decision? How have they influenced you in this decision?
21. What contribution to law can you make?
22. What type of lawyer would you like to be? Why?
23. Do you have family members who are lawyers? What do they think of the field? How have their lives changed over the past few years with the changes in law? Do you want to follow in their footsteps?
24. What are your specific goals in law?
25. What do you look for when choosing a lawyer?
26. What are the negative aspects of law from a professional standpoint?
27. If you could invite three living persons to dinner on success
28. What are your interests outside of law?
29. In your opinion, how can lawyers be leaders?
30. What would you do if a client didn’t like you?

Conclusion and FAQs

Law school interview questions cover many areas such as intellectual curiosity, maturity, communication and interpersonal skills, and ethics so reading these questions is essential for you to learn how to prepare for law school interviews. Doing poorly in an interview can hurt your chances even with the easiest law schools to get into so, preparation is key. You can use these questions in the same way you would use out a series of law school essay prompts by studying them carefully and writing a small response that you can then use in law school mock interviews.