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Law School Admissions Interview Questions
The law school interview is your opportunity to stand out beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers use these conversations to understand your motivations, character, and how you'll contribute to the school's community. The questions can cover everything from your academic achievements and leadership style to how you handle challenges or ethical dilemmas. Being prepared to discuss your journey, your goals, and what you'll bring to the program can help you make a strong impression.
Below, you'll find some of the most common and challenging law school admissions interview questions. Each section explains why the question is being asked and what the interviewer hopes to learn about you, followed by a sample answer. Use these as a guide to develop your own authentic responses, highlighting your strengths, experiences, and commitment to the study of law.
Law School Admissions Interview Questions
1. What traits, knowledge, or experience will you contribute to the culture of our school?
Law schools seek candidates who will enrich their community both inside and outside the classroom. This question evaluates your self-awareness and your understanding of what makes you unique. Discuss experiences, skills, or values that demonstrate you'll be an engaged, positive contributor to campus culture.
Example Answer
"I believe I will bring several different qualities to the school which will contribute to your culture and enhance the experience other students have. These include my in-depth knowledge of technology-related law, my leadership abilities, and my cultural sensitivities which are a result of my global travels."
2. If you could have lunch with a famous lawyer, who would it be, and why?
This question reveals the qualities you admire in legal professionals and what inspires your career ambitions. Your answer provides insight into your role models, values, and legal interests. Choose someone whose work or character aligns with your aspirations and explain what you hope to learn from them.
Example Answer
"Given the opportunity to have lunch with any lawyer, living or dead, I would probably select Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I admire her tenacity and how she never quit, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. I also favor her interpretation of the constitution as a living document that should be updated to address contemporary issues and concerns."
3. Which of your accomplishments as an undergraduate student are you most proud of?
Admissions committees want to know what you value and how you define success. This question allows you to showcase an achievement that demonstrates your skills, growth, or readiness for law school. Choose an accomplishment that highlights qualities relevant to legal studies, such as leadership, resilience, or analytical thinking.
Example Answer
"The accomplishment I am most proud of during my undergraduate studies is winning the mock trial competition held by pre-law society on campus. I led a team who successfully defended an individual charged with violating the civil rights of another student. Our arguments were based on precedence for this type of case and references to the first amendment of the constitution. I'm not only proud of having won the case but also my leadership of the team and the feedback I received from them and our academic advisor."
4. What books, blogs, or other materials are you currently reading?
Staying informed and engaged with legal or intellectual content shows your genuine interest in the law. This question assesses your curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. Share what you're currently reading and explain how it relates to your preparation for law school or your career goals.
Example Answer
"I am currently reading several interesting books. The first one is called 'The Chief: The Life and Turbulent Times of Chief Justice John Roberts', written by Joan Biskupic. This is a fascinating biography of Chief Justice Roberts and gives great insight into some of his most notable and controversial rulings. For fun, I'm reading John Grisham's 'The Last Juror.' I enjoy Grisham's novels which are not only entertaining but also provide interesting perspectives on the practice of law."
5. Which do you prefer, working independently or being part of a team?
Law school and legal practice require both independent analysis and collaborative effort. This question evaluates your work style and flexibility. Explain your preference, but also acknowledge your ability to succeed in both settings, providing examples of when you've worked solo and with a group.
Example Answer
"I am comfortable working both independently and as a member of a team. If asked to choose one, it would be collaborating with other professionals to accomplish a common goal. While I have the self-discipline needed to do a job myself, when working as a team, the results tend to be better. This is because having multiple insights and perspectives helps formulate ideas and solutions which are more inclusive. This is a direct result of the variety of experiences and skill sets the individual team members bring to the table."
6. What has been the largest challenge you have had to overcome thus far in your life?
Resilience is key in law school and legal careers. This question explores your ability to handle adversity and persist through setbacks. Share a meaningful challenge, how you faced it, and what you learned about yourself in the process, showing growth and problem-solving skills.
Example Answer
"Probably the biggest challenge I have had to overcome in my life is my speech impediment. As a child, I stuttered quite a bit. This made me hesitant to speak in front of other people. I knew this would limit me later in life, so I took steps to overcome it which included working with a speech pathologist, learning techniques to help me overcome the impediment, and putting myself in challenging situations where I had to give presentations or participate in group discussions. I have since overcome it, and I'm now comfortable in what used to be challenging situations for me."
7. How would you describe your leadership style?
Strong leadership is valued in legal professionals. This question asks you to reflect on your approach to guiding and motivating others. Clearly define your style, share real examples, and connect how your leadership skills will serve you in law school and beyond.
Example Answer
"I would describe my leadership skills as direct, leading by example, and supportive. I lead from the front, the rear, and among the team. I'm able to set a goal and describe a vision and am available to support my team when necessary and willing to roll up my sleeves and work with them to accomplish a goal."
8. What do you do when you are not studying or practicing law?
Admissions committees want well-rounded students who contribute to campus life. This question gives you a chance to reveal your personality, interests, and how you maintain balance. Share extracurriculars, hobbies, or community involvement that show you have a healthy work-life balance.
Example Answer
"Studying and preparing for entry into law school takes up a great deal of my time. However, when I'm not doing this, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, playing golf, and volunteering to help people less fortunate, and I am."
9. How do you handle delivering bad news or having a difficult conversation?
Lawyers often deal with sensitive or challenging communications. This question tests your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Describe your process for approaching tough conversations, emphasizing empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
Example Answer
"When asked to deliver bad news or have a difficult conversation with someone, I try to put myself in their shoes and understand how they would like to receive the information. I remain unemotional and strive to communicate the information or address the issue at hand. I also find it helpful to actively listen to their response, acknowledging their position and either agreeing with it or disputing it in a calm, professional manner. I focus on the desired outcome of the conversation, not the content."
10. Who would you choose to be your mentor if you could select from any well-known person, living or dead?
Your choice of mentor reflects the qualities and values you aspire to develop. This question explores your inspirations and long-term ambitions. Name a figure whose career or character you admire, and explain what specific guidance or perspective you would seek from them.
Example Answer
"Given the opportunity, I would like to have Elon Musk as my mentor. I admire his tenacity, his innovative vision, and his ability to extract the best from the people who work for him. I'm sure I could learn a lot from him and would benefit from not only his knowledge but also by learning how he trained himself, what his priorities are, and the discipline required to achieve great things."
11. Why do you want to study law?
Your motivation is central to your law school application. This foundational question asks you to articulate your passion for the legal field and your career goals. Be honest and specific about the experiences or values that inspire you to pursue a legal education.
Example Answer
"My desire to study law stems from a deep-seated commitment to justice and a fascination with how legal frameworks shape society. During my undergraduate studies in political science, I became particularly interested in constitutional law and its impact on individual liberties. I participated in a pro-bono clinic where I witnessed firsthand how legal aid can transform lives, reinforcing my belief that a legal career is a powerful way to advocate for meaningful change and contribute to the greater good."
12. Where would you like to practice after graduating?
Schools want to see that you've thought about your future and how their program aligns with your goals. This question evaluates your career vision and awareness of the profession. Discuss your target location or practice area, and explain why it's meaningful to you.
Example Answer
"After graduating, I aspire to practice in environmental law, ideally in a firm or non-profit organization focused on policy advocacy and litigation concerning climate change and sustainable development. I'm particularly interested in working in [specific city/region, e.g., the Pacific Northwest] due to its commitment to environmental protection and the number of leading organizations in this field. I believe this school's strong environmental law program and its network in that region would provide an excellent foundation for achieving this goal."
13. Why have you chosen this school?
Demonstrating genuine interest and knowledge about the school is essential. This question tests whether you've researched the program and understand how it fits your needs. Reference specific aspects, such as faculty, clinics, values, or culture, that make this school a great fit for you.
Example Answer
"I chose to apply to [School Name] primarily because of its renowned [specific program or faculty expertise, e.g., 'constitutional law program' or 'pro-bono opportunities in civil rights']. I've followed Professor [Name]'s work on [specific topic] for some time, and the opportunity to learn from and potentially work with them is incredibly appealing. Additionally, the collaborative culture I observed during my campus visit, where students actively engage with each other and faculty, truly resonated with my learning style. I believe this environment will challenge me intellectually while providing a supportive community."
14. What type of law do you hope to practice?
Having a clear or developing sense of your interests shows focus and motivation. This question examines your understanding of legal specialties and where you see your strengths. Share what draws you to a particular field, but be open about your willingness to explore.
Example Answer
"While I'm open to exploring various areas of law during my studies, my current passion lies in intellectual property law. In my previous role as a software developer, I saw firsthand the complexities of safeguarding innovative technologies and creative works. I'm particularly interested in the intersection of law and technology, and how legal frameworks adapt to rapid advancements. I believe practicing IP law would allow me to combine my technical background with my legal aspirations."
15. Tell us about yourself.
This open-ended question allows you to shape your narrative and set the tone for the interview. Highlight your background, major interests, and the journey that led you to law school. Keep it concise, relevant, and engaging to provide a snapshot of who you are.
Example Answer
"I'm a recent graduate with a degree in philosophy, which cultivated my analytical and critical thinking skills. During my undergraduate years, I developed a strong interest in social justice through my volunteer work with a local legal aid clinic, where I assisted with intake interviews and basic legal research. This experience solidified my desire to pursue law, particularly in advocating for underserved communities. Outside of academics, I'm an avid debater, which has honed my persuasive communication and ability to construct strong arguments."
16. What qualities do you think will make you a good lawyer?
Self-awareness about your strengths and fit for the legal profession is key. This question asks you to reflect on traits that are crucial for lawyers, like analytical ability, communication skills, and perseverance. Connect these qualities to your personal experiences and achievements.
Example Answer
"I believe several qualities will make me a good lawyer. Firstly, critical thinking and analytical skills are paramount; my philosophy background has equipped me to dissect complex problems and construct logical arguments. Secondly, strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effective advocacy and client interaction, which I've honed through various writing projects and public speaking engagements. Finally, I possess diligence and perseverance. The legal field demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work tirelessly on behalf of clients, traits I've consistently demonstrated in my academic and professional life."
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17. What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses as a student?
Admissions committees value honest self-reflection and a willingness to grow. This question asks for a balanced view of your academic abilities. Discuss your main strengths and give an example of a weakness, including how you're working to improve it.
Example Answer
"One of my key strengths as a student is my ability to absorb and synthesize large amounts of complex information quickly, which was crucial in my history major. I'm also very organized and dedicated to thorough research. Regarding weaknesses, I sometimes tend to be overly critical of my initial drafts, which can lead to spending more time on perfection than on progressing to the next stage. I've been actively working on this by setting strict deadlines for initial drafts and focusing on iterative improvements rather than aiming for perfection on the first try, which has significantly improved my efficiency."
18. What skills from your undergraduate degree will you bring to law school?
Your academic background shapes your readiness for legal study. This question examines the specific skills you've developed, such as research, writing, and critical thinking, and how they will support your law school performance. Draw a clear connection between past coursework and future success.
Example Answer
"My undergraduate degree in economics has provided me with a robust analytical framework and quantitative reasoning skills that I believe will be invaluable in law school. Specifically, I've developed the ability to interpret complex data, understand causality, and construct logical arguments supported by evidence. These skills are highly transferable to legal analysis, where one must deconstruct cases, identify relevant facts, and apply legal principles systematically. My background also fostered a strong understanding of economic impacts in policy, which will be beneficial in areas like regulatory law."
19. What do you think you will gain from studying here?
Schools want to know what you expect to get from their program and how you'll use those opportunities. This question checks your awareness of the school's offerings and your ability to set goals. Reference particular resources, programs, or networks you hope to leverage.
Example Answer
"From studying at [School Name], I anticipate gaining a deep theoretical understanding of the law, particularly within your highly regarded [specific program, e.g., 'public interest law program']. Beyond the academics, I'm eager to benefit from the practical, hands-on experience offered through your [specific clinic or externship opportunity]. I also believe the strong alumni network and the opportunity to engage with leading legal scholars will provide invaluable mentorship and career development opportunities, equipping me not just with a degree, but with a comprehensive foundation for a successful legal career."
20. How do you handle constructive criticism?
Law school is rigorous, and feedback is constant. This question evaluates your openness to growth and learning from others. Describe your approach to receiving and implementing feedback, providing an example of how criticism has helped you improve.
Example Answer
"I view constructive criticism as an invaluable tool for growth. My approach is to first listen actively and without defensiveness to fully understand the feedback. Then, I reflect on it, considering how I can apply it to improve my work or skills. For instance, in a recent academic project, my professor provided feedback on the structure of my arguments. Rather than feeling discouraged, I analyzed their suggestions, revised my outline, and applied the new structure to subsequent assignments, which significantly improved the clarity of my writing. I believe embracing feedback is essential for continuous improvement, especially in a rigorous academic setting like law school."
21. How do you manage stress and maintain work-life balance, especially given the demands of law school?
Resilience and well-being are critical for long-term success. This question probes your self-care habits and strategies for handling pressure. Explain your proactive approach to managing stress, whether through scheduling, physical activity, or support networks.
Example Answer
"I understand that law school is incredibly demanding, and I have strategies in place to manage stress and maintain balance. Firstly, I prioritize proactive time management by creating detailed schedules and allocating specific blocks for study, exercise, and personal time. Secondly, I rely on physical activities like running (I typically run 15-20 miles per week) and hiking to clear my mind and reduce tension. Finally, I maintain a strong support system with friends and family, and I'm not hesitant to seek their advice or simply spend quality time with them to recharge. I believe self-care is crucial for sustained academic performance and overall well-being."
22. Describe a time you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you resolve it?
Ethics are fundamental to legal practice. This behavioral question asks you to demonstrate your decision-making process and values in action. Choose a real situation, outline the dilemma, your reasoning, and the outcome, focusing on integrity and learning.
Example Answer
"During an internship at a non-profit, I discovered a discrepancy in a donor report where a minor financial detail could be interpreted in two ways, one slightly more favorable to our organization than the other, though neither was explicitly illegal. My task was to ensure all reporting was accurate and transparent. I recognized this as an ethical dilemma. I consulted my supervisor, presenting both interpretations and the potential implications. We decided to err on the side of complete transparency, disclosing the less favorable interpretation, even though it was a minor difference. This ensured our integrity remained unquestionable. It reinforced my belief that honesty and transparency, even in seemingly small matters, are paramount, especially in professions that rely on public trust."
23. What current legal issue or case interests you the most, and why?
Your engagement with contemporary legal debates signals passion and initiative. This question lets you show your awareness of current events and ability to think critically about complex issues. Pick a topic that genuinely interests you and explain your perspective.
Example Answer
"I'm currently most interested in the ongoing legal debates surrounding data privacy and artificial intelligence governance. Specifically, the discussions around the balance between technological innovation and individual rights in data collection, and how existing laws struggle to keep pace with rapid AI advancements. Recent cases involving [mention a specific case or type of litigation, e.g., 'privacy class-action lawsuits against tech giants' or 'challenges to facial recognition technology'] highlight the urgent need for new legal frameworks. This area fascinates me because it's at the cutting edge of law and technology, requiring creative legal thinking to address unprecedented ethical and societal challenges."
24. How do you stay informed about legal developments and current events?
Continuous learning is vital for lawyers. This question evaluates your resourcefulness and commitment to staying updated. Share your methods, such as reading, podcasts, following experts, and why they're important to your professional growth.
Example Answer
"To stay informed, I have a multi-pronged approach. I regularly read reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for general current events. For legal developments, I subscribe to newsletters from legal publications such as Law360 and The American Lawyer, and I follow prominent legal scholars and organizations on platforms like LinkedIn. I also listen to podcasts like 'More Perfect' or 'Strict Scrutiny' which delve into Supreme Court cases and constitutional law, ensuring I'm aware of both judicial decisions and broader legal trends."
25. How do you approach rigorous academic challenges or subjects you find difficult?
Law school is intellectually demanding. This question assesses your study habits, resilience, and willingness to seek help. Explain how you break down complex material, ask for support, and persist through challenges to master tough subjects.
Example Answer
"I approach rigorous academic challenges by first breaking down complex material into smaller, manageable components. For subjects I find difficult, I don't hesitate to seek out additional resources, whether it's consulting professors during office hours, forming study groups with peers, or utilizing supplemental texts. For example, during my statistics course in undergrad, a subject I initially struggled with, I committed an extra two hours per week to tutoring sessions and consistently worked through additional practice problems, which ultimately allowed me to not only pass the course but also develop a strong foundational understanding. My approach is to be proactive, persistent, and resourceful."
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