Interviewers frequently begin an interview by asking “Why are you interested in attending law school?”. Interviewers want a thoughtful response that expresses your values and interests.
Do not resort to generic phrases when writing your application essay. Showcase how your interest in law developed over time with personal details to demonstrate it.
1. You want to help people
No matter if this issue was discussed in your resume, personal statement or optional essay; interviewers want to see that you take your application seriously and are dedicated to finding an institution that meets your requirements.
Answering this question effectively involves telling a compelling narrative of your origin story and passion for justice. Provide personal details to show how this passion blossomed over time, share the moment when it became clear law school was your calling, and end with an overview. This approach shows both depth and breadth; it shows you’re serious about attending law school while simultaneously reflecting maturity and systems-level thinking that elite law schools value.
2. You want to make a difference
Interviewers frequently inquire as to your plans for the future or how you plan to contribute to the community as a lawyer. This provides another chance for you to showcase your passions while showing that law is something worth dedicating time and resources towards.
Focus on one societal issue or personal experience that inspired your career goals, then link that back to your chosen field of study. This demonstrates that you have carefully thought through and are well prepared for a legal career path.
Be sure to mention any leadership roles you held at work or in extracurricular activities, which will demonstrate to interviewers that you possess the capability of managing multiple tasks independently while working within a team environment.
3. You want to change the world
Your interviewers want to understand not just why you want to become a lawyer; they’re looking for in-depth, thoughtful responses beyond what can be found on a CV, resume or law school application personal statement.
As tempting as it may be to list off a long list of accomplishments in response to this question, that’s not what matters here. Instead, focus on emphasizing those skills which make you unique as an applicant – for instance strategic thinking, leadership or being calm under pressure are traits which will prove invaluable in legal practice. Your story should demonstrate passion and drive to succeed so your interviewer has faith that you’ll do well in their program.
4. You want to be challenged
Some law school applicants become disoriented by open-ended questions during an interview and find themselves responding with lengthy explanations as to why they want to attend, which isn’t the best approach. According to Morton, admissions committees want to understand what’s driving an applicant into law school and how a particular program will help them reach their goals.
To answer this question effectively, focus on how your legal training will help underrepresented communities achieve justice or on your passion for upholding the rule of law and addressing systemic inequalities. Setting realistic and specific goals shows that you are up for the challenges associated with law school – make sure to practice before your interview!
5. You want to be a leader
Admissions boards look for applicants with genuine ambition to achieve success and the willingness to put in hard work towards reaching their goal. By answering this question, admissions boards hope you can demonstrate this dedication while showing them you’ll make a strong, effective attorney.
Preparing in advance to answer this personal question will allow you to relax during an interview and provide more confident, comprehensive responses.
Before your interviews, conduct some background research on the law schools you are applying to and understand their offerings and programs. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your answers and show a genuine enthusiasm for them. Furthermore, practice mock interviews or an interview simulator in order to prepare yourself for real life interviews.