Law Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself

Well currently, I am a law student at UNSW, having just finished my first year
of study. I have always been a conscientious, motivated student and a quick
learner, having maintained high academic results both at school and uni. I also
have some unique accomplishments that have helped me define myself. One
such example is my success at the 2013 Bill Gal Fencing competition. This
event really showed me the importance of dedication and persistence, with 2
years of fencing training paying off when I won the silver medal. Another
example is my Wend de Paoli award which I received for my history extension
project. Having meticulously researched the Reform and Opening Up process in
China for an entire year and produced around 7 draft copies of the paper, I was
able to produce an essay that both placed me at the top of the class and also won
me an award for my research. I believe these events have defined me as an
individual.
2. Why do you want to practice law?
The easy answer to the question is that I am a law student and practising law as
a lawyer is the end goal. However, I have always been interested in the
subjective nature of law and admired how lawyers are able to use logic and
reasoning to direct law and evidence in their arguments. I find this particular
process very exciting.
3. Tell us about a time you exhibited independence in your work?
My work experience as a home tutor has been one of independence and self-
motivation. Unlike tutoring centres, my company did not provide any specific
guidelines nor material for use in teaching my students. As such, I had to
organise myself and take the initiative in researching study material and
producing lesson plans. Everything was dependent on my own efforts, from
writing up exam papers to communicating with my clients about their children’s
progress.
4. Why did you choose to study [insert subject]?
I chose to study law due to my interests in this topic. I find the subjective nature
of the legal process and the logic and reasoning that goes behind legal analysis
exceedingly intriguing. As for commerce, I see it as a very practical subject that
will provide deeper insights into certain areas of law, such as commercial law
and contract.
5. What was your favourite subject?
I would have to say that my favourite subject is history. It is a subject that
requires the questioning of the past and what has been recorded as history. This
subject likewise helped strengthen my interest in law, showing that nothing is
black and white. However, I chose law as a career path as law is relevant to the
present. I rather focus on the present instead of forever dwelling on the past.
6. Why are you interested in the work that our firm does?
I understand that your firm is engaged in a wide variety of legal areas. Whilst
my current interests are in civil litigation, having just completed an intriguing
course on tort law, I would like to have the opportunity to experience different
legal areas, such as criminal and family law. I also admire your firm’s strong
focus on ethical principles and social responsibility. As I understand, one of
your firm’s core values is integrity. I see this as an extremely important trait of
those practising law. As such, I am drawn to the opportunity of working at your
firm.
7. How is our firm distinguished from others?
I understand that your firm distinguishes itself from other firms through your
provision of professional service in a wide variety of legal matters, including
areas like civil, criminal, family, commercial and immigration law. Being an
international firm, you would also have access to a greater pool of clients as
well as better understanding of foreign laws, which remains a significant
competitive advantage in this current day of globalisation. The team of lawyers
employed here are also top-notch and are able to provide professional legal
service in different languages, such as Chinese, Korean and Japanese, which is
able to more effectively provide for clients of different ethnicities. Our strong
ethical values and social responsibility also distinguishes yourself from other
firms, allowing this firm to establish both a strong team environment and close
connections with the local community.
8. What current news issues are you following?
I have been following the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
To be honest, I have been following this issue since my legal studies project on
human rights in year 12. I understand that recently, Myanmar and Bangladesh
have come to an agreement to allow for the return of some Rohingya refugees
currently seeking shelter in Bangladesh. However, the human rights issue is far
from over, given the staunch nationalist and racist stance of some of those in
Myanmar.
9. What can you bring to the firm?
I shall effectively contribute my part as an enthusiastic and hard-working law
clerk. I shall utilize my strong communication skills and meticulous nature to
provide legal and administrative support to those in my team. As a self-reliant
and self-motivated worker, I will strive to enhance my skills in legal matters,
both for the betterment of the firm and for my own personal experience in the
field of law. Whilst an independent worker, I not shy away from my colleagues
but instead actively contribute as a team player.
10.Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Well, I not only meet the skill-based criteria that is required of the job but also
have much more to offer and contribute to the firm. Having worked for over a
year as a home tutor, I know how to effectively communicate with clients.
Additionally, my enthusiastic, meticulous attitude and genuine interest in law
will ensure that I give my 101% to the job and all the roles that it requires of
me. Unlike many other people, I am also an extremely self-motivated and
independent worker, being able to work effectively without active supervision.
As such, I believe that these traits and skills places me above other candidates
as the most suitable for this position.
11.Why did you leave your previous job?
Well, being a law student, I have always had my eyes set on gaining legal
experience whilst pursuing my academic studies. Whilst being a tutor provided
me with excellent communication, organisation and self-management skills, it
was not able to give me any further insights into the legal profession.
12.What do you like to do in your spare time?
Generally in my spare time, I am working on my digital art, playing piano when
I am at home or watching documentaries and podcasts. I see these as very
worthy endeavours in cultivating a sense of creativity and a new way to look at
problems. On the weekends, I also practise fencing.
13.What three words would sum you up?
Reliable, diligent and adaptable
14.What brought you to law as opposed to commerce or elsewhere?
Well, the most important factor would have to be my interest in law. I find the
entire process of litigation very exciting, especially the use of logic and
reasoning to form well-structured arguments and the subjective nature of the
process. Likewise, it remains an extremely practical field. Not only is it a job
but it can also inform my own decisions, such as when going into contracts and
whatnot. I also like the sense of professionalism that practising law would bring.
Being one of the three historical professions, I understand that there is a strong
focus on justice and ethics. These likewise align with my personal beliefs.
15.What are your long-term career goals?
As of now, as a law student having just completed my first year, my long-term
career goal upon graduating would be to become a solicitor practising in either
civil, criminal or commercial law, just like the members of the firm. I trust this
firm will also help guide me in this journey and help provide further insights
into career paths.
16.Who is a role model in your life?
My role model would be Gough Whitlam. For me, there seems to be no
semblance of social justice closer to home than Mr Whitlam. This individual
fought for Aboriginal land rights, symbolically handing back the land to
Aboriginal elder Lingiari. His government introduced the Aboriginal Land
Rights Act 1976, which established the basis for Aboriginal land rights in
Northern Territory. But even more so, Mr Whitlam brought the legal end of the
White Australia policy. He led his government to both amend immigration
legislation and also establish the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Mr Whitlam
remains an important role model for me and a symbol of justice.
17.What do you hope to get out of a clerkship at our firm?
Well, the two most important things I hope to get out of the clerkship are the
opportunity to contribute my part in this work environment and also the
invaluable legal experience that I shall receive in the process. I also hope to get
the feeling of satisfaction in being able to be part of this team and do my part
for the betterment of the firm.
18.What if my morals conflicted with work I was asked to do?
I have confidence in the firm that the work I shall be assigned to do will be of a
legitimate and moral nature. However, if such issues where my personal values
do conflict with my assigned work, I shall still complete the task with my full
effort but will also make an opportunity to talk about this matter with my
superior for further clarification and explanation.
19.What stands out to you about this firm?
I guess to me, the main thing that stands out especially is the wide area of
practise. My prior pre-conception was that firms generally specialised in one or
two areas of law. But from what I understand, this firm specialises in 9 areas of
law. (criminal, civil, family, immigration, corporate, construction, property,
industrial, wills). What also stood out to me was the strong collective spirit and
culture of this firm. I noticed that the team held a baby shower party earlier this
year. This type of closeness really stood out and appealed to me.
20.What are your best three qualities?
One of my best qualities would be determined attitude. When undertaking a
task, I continue to put in my best efforts until it is completed to satisfaction. The
HSC was one such example. Despite being a stressful period, both at home and
at school, I persisted with my studies and emerged with excellent results and as
one of the top achievers. Another attribute would be my strong learning ability.
My knack of learning has been demonstrated throughout my academic life,
having consecutively remained the top three in my high school in year 10, 11
and 12, and achieving great results at university. Even though I had no prior
experience in tutoring, I was able to quickly learn the skills required of the job
and perform it with excellence. Another of my key attributes would be my
strong ability to adapt to the environment. Such has been shown in my ability to
excel in each of the environments I have been placed in, be it at school, work or
at my fencing club. This skill has allowed me to maintain good social
connections with a large group of friends, which has likewise contributed to an
empathetic attitude and ability to more clearly understand my clients.
21.Worst three qualities?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint any specific weakness or trait, given that it is only
human to make mistakes. I suppose one such weakness would be that I can at
times rush into my work when I could have benefited from more information.
Likewise, given my relative lack of experience, I may not be as holistic in my
approach. However, I believe with more experience and patience, I can
effectively overcome these issues.
22.Describe a professional failure and how you handled it
Having only been employed for a year as a home tutor, the majority of my life
experience has been related to school and education. As such, I have not had the
opportunity to really experience a particularly significant professional failure.
Likewise, I am a very meticulous and careful individual. This has allowed me to
avoid a lot of issues during my education. (HORNSBY GIRL)
23.Why do you want to work at this firm over another firms? Have you applied
to other firms?
The main reason would be that this firm stands out from other firms that I have
checked. Unlike other firms, this firm has a wide area of practise, specialising in
around 9 areas of law. This would provide me with an excellent opportunity to
experience and understand the workings of different legal areas and also help
gear my future career paths. Another aspect that placed this firm above others
was the strong team of lawyers in this firm. I believe working alongside these
legal professionals would definitely enhance my ability in the field of law. I also
really admire this firm’s strong collective spirit and culture. I noticed that the
team held a baby shower party earlier this year. This type of closeness was not
something that I found when looking at other firms. As such, this firm really
stood out and appealed to me.
24.Describe a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a problem
I had to come up with an innovative solution during one of my management
assessments at university. I had received a very low mark for my essay but
hardly any feedback. This was quite strange, as it was a very shocking mark for
my standards and most of the other local students received extensive feedback. I
concluded that the tutor may have possibly marked me with prejudice on the
basis that he thought that I was an international student. I immediately asked for
an appointment and effectively communicated my background and educational
history during our discussion about the essay. Unsurprisingly, the tutor was
surprised to learn that I was a local student. Whilst the current marks was
locked in, I received very high marks for my later assignments, including full
marks for my class participation.
25.What are the cases that our firm worked on that you find particularly
interesting?
From what I understand, this firm’s team, under Mrs Chen professional
leadership, has a very strong legal background, especially in commercial and
corporate law. Given my course is in both law and commerce, and the positive
testimonials I have heard, I am very interested in the cases this firm is involved
in.
26.What cases are you particularly interested in
One case that I was particularly interested in was The Crown against Xie, or the
Lin family murders. This case is very prominent and well-known amongst the
Chinese community here. Whilst the 5 life sentences seems to show the legal
system effectively implementing retributive justice, I am intrigued by the
inconclusive nature of the evidence given that the murder weapon was
ultimately not found. Rather, this case demonstrated the intelligence of the
crown lawyers in using evidence to persuade the jury and the court system’s
preoccupation with results.
NEED CORPORATE CASES
27.Questions
If I am accepted into this position, how can I immediately contribute to this firm.
What long-term career opportunity are available at this firm
What are the firm’s policy regarding taking leave for study and exam periods.
https://beyondlaw.com.au/news/58-the-question-that-is-always-asked-in-
a-law-interview-and-how-to-answer-it
28.Thank You Note
https://biginterview.com/blog/2011/02/job-interview-thank-you-
notes.html

JOB DESCRIPTION
We are a busy and dynamic law firm located in Sydney CBD.  We are seeking candidates to
fill PLT placement positions and Law Students looking for work experience in our team.  If
you are seeking to move to the next stage of your career within a law firm which provides a
positive, supportive work environment, and values your hard work, this is the firm for you.

You will be providing legal, clerical and administrative support to our solicitors and
undertake legal research and paralegal duties under supervision.

The position offers wide exposure to a range of legal matters including general litigation,
commercial law, criminal law, family law, debt recovery, migration law as well as
conveyancing and lease matters. The roles will enable you to develop your skills and
knowledge and provide an excellent foundation for your future practice in law.

Preference will be given to candidates who are able to speak, read and write (type)
Mandarin Chinese. However, all candidates who do not possess these language skills but
are able to demonstrate the selection criteria shall be considered.

Selection criteria:

1. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;

2. Strong time management and organisational skills;
3. High level of attention to detail;
4. Self-motivated and a strong work initiative;
5. Strong team player;
6. Prior experience in a legal office will be highly regarded.