Harvard Law School Interview Questions and Expert Answers

Harvard Law School Interview Questions & Expert Answers

1. Why Harvard?

Sample Answer 1

"Harvard Law School stands out to me for its unparalleled reputation and commitment to shaping leaders who advance justice and contribute meaningfully to society. One aspect that deeply resonates with me is the focus on clinical education through programs like the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. The chance to work on real cases for underserved communities aligns perfectly with my goal of using law as a tool for equity. Additionally, I’m inspired by the faculty’s interdisciplinary approach, particularly Professor Smith, whose work on equitable access to legal services challenges students to address societal issues through innovative legal thinking. Harvard's emphasis on fostering diverse perspectives and its legacy of producing trailblazers in the legal field make it the ideal place for me to develop both as a lawyer and a leader dedicated to social impact."

Sample Answer 2

“When I imagine my ideal school, I see a university that provides students with outstanding career-placement potential, which many schools don’t. Learning that Harvard Law School provides internships with some of the top firms in the US was a critical part of my decision to apply. I believe in the importance of academic achievement, but I also think schools should provide their students the chance to obtain real-world work experience in their field. I was also drawn to the astounding faculty, specifically [name a professor], whom I respect tremendously after having sat in one of their lectures. Based on this lecture, I felt that the professors s here really make a push for their students to think for themselves, think critically about the world around them, and engage with social issues such as racial disparities, geographical inequalities, and exploitation of workers, which are topics I intend on learning more about should I be accepted at this amazing school.”

Why These Answers Work

• Specificity: Mentions unique programs and a professor’s work.
• Alignment with values: Highlights justice, societal well-being, and diverse perspectives.
• Connection to goals: Clearly ties Harvard’s offerings to personal and professional ambitions.
• Engagement with mission: Demonstrates awareness of Harvard's broader mission to educate leaders.

2. Why Should We Select You Over All the Other Candidates?

Sample Answer 1

"I bring a unique combination of lived experience, academic achievement, and a passion for public service that aligns with Harvard’s mission. Growing up in an underserved community, I witnessed firsthand how systemic inequities can limit access to justice. This inspired me to found a legal literacy initiative in my undergraduate years, which connected hundreds of individuals to free resources and support. At the same time, I earned a top-percentile LSAT score and excelled in my double major, demonstrating my ability to thrive in rigorous environments. Beyond academics, I am committed to leadership and service, as evidenced by my role with a pro bono law firm, where I helped secure funding for low-income clients. Harvard’s emphasis on advancing justice and fostering leaders aligns with my vision of becoming a change agent in the legal field."

Sample Answer 2

“I grew up in a lower-income neighborhood. Crime tends to permeate neighborhoods like these. At an early age, I learned that people in my community weren’t well versed in the justice system and were often unaware of how to have proper representation. This realization led me to develop my initial interest in practicing law.

During my undergrad, I founded a co-op program that focused on disseminating legal information in low-income neighborhoods. We created pamphlets, posters, and launched a website where people could learn information about local organizations that helped with legal representation in our city. . Our organization was even featured in a local newspaper, and it is still growing strong in my college.

Being in this co-op program also exposed me to other organizations that aim to help people from low-income backgrounds. Currently, I am also heavily involved in Pro Bono Law X organization that offers free legal advice to people with civil legal problems. We also help people qualify for financial aid and help pay for lawyers to represent those who cannot afford it.

It is my belief that every person deserves legal representation, whether they are guilty or not, and we must work hard to make sure this important pillar of our justice system is upheld. Harvard Law School is the perfect place for me to learn more about pro bono law and how I can change the legal system to help those who cannot always afford legal advice."

Why These Answers Work

• Highlights leadership: Mentions founding an initiative and securing resources for underserved populations.
• Alignment with Harvard values: Links experiences to justice and societal well-being.
• Balance of tangible and intangible traits: Combines academic and professional accomplishments with passion and commitment to service.

3. Where Do You See Yourself in X Years?

Sample Answer 1

"I envision myself as a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, working to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequity. Through my Harvard education, I aim to build expertise in policy development and litigation strategies that empower underserved communities. I see myself practicing law and influencing public policy, perhaps as a legal director at an organization like the Equal Justice Initiative. Long-term, I aspire to establish a nonprofit that bridges gaps between the legal system and marginalized groups, ensuring that every individual has access to fair representation. Harvard’s unparalleled resources and mentorship will be instrumental in helping me realize this vision."

Sample Answer 2

“I have a deep interest in criminal law, so I see myself taking my career in this direction in the future. I have always been interested in criminal law, having been brought up in a lower-income area, I understand how criminal activities affect neighborhoods and I would like to personally contribute to a positive change by becoming involved in criminal law. One of my greatest dreams is to make neighborhoods safer from those whose activities endanger the regular civilians trying to live their lives peacefully. This school offers an internship opportunity at a criminal law firm that I saw incredibly enticing when I was looking to apply to law school. Working at that internship would give me a great firsthand experience of working in criminal law, which will allow me to better grasp the steps needed to achieve my academic and professional goals.”

Why These Answers Work

• Clarity of vision: Provides a specific, ambitious, yet realistic career trajectory.
• Connection to Harvard: Emphasizes how the school will support long-term goals.
• Relevance to values: Focuses on advancing justice and societal well-being.

Before you start writing yours, check out these Harvard Law School personal statement examples for tips and inspiration!

4. Why Did You Choose Law?

Sample Answer 1

"My passion for law grew from my experience as a community organizer during my undergraduate years. While advocating for tenant rights in my city, I saw how the lack of legal representation often leaves vulnerable populations voiceless. One particular case, where a family faced eviction due to unlawful practices, solidified my desire to use the law as a means to drive meaningful change. Working alongside legal professionals on that case, I witnessed the transformative power of legal advocacy. That experience showed me that law isn’t just about resolving disputes—it’s about upholding human dignity and ensuring justice for all. I want to dedicate my career to creating pathways for equity, and I believe a legal education is the most powerful tool to achieve that."

Sample Answer 2

"Prior to my interest in criminal law, I thought I was going to be a journalist. I hadn't considered another career path. I loved telling stories and explain what is happening in my community. I wrote many articles that got published in both independent and mainstream platforms, often about the experiences of BIPOC communities. While researching for one of my articles, I met with a lawyer who was starting a firm dedicated to helping marginalized peoples find proper representation in court. During our discussion, he explained how his work was serving the community in a real way and that their job allowed them the opportunity to make change. He explained how many people in these communities can be taken advantage of by the legal system, often due to lack of affordable and quality representation. They allowed me to shadow them throughout their workday and I was really moved by their work in the community. It made me reconsider what I wanted to do with my life. I loved writing stories but seeing how these lawyers were making a real impact made me realize that I wanted to provide a similar service in my community. I believed my ability to tell a story and my communication skills would be an asset in this field, and so I set off to on this career path."

Why These Answers Work

• Tells a story: Provides a compelling, specific anecdote.
• Demonstrates commitment: Shows intrinsic motivation rooted in firsthand experience.
• Alignment with values: Emphasizes justice and equity as core motivations.

5. What Is the Latest Non-Legal Book You’ve Read?

Sample Answer 1

"The last book I read was Educated by Tara Westover, a memoir about resilience and the transformative power of education. The book deeply resonated with me because it illustrates how knowledge can liberate individuals from oppressive circumstances, a theme I connect with, given my experiences growing up in an underserved community. Westover’s journey reminded me of the importance of pursuing truth, a value at the core of education and the legal profession. It also reinforced my belief in education's role in breaking cycles of inequality—something I hope to contribute to as a lawyer. The book was inspiring and a powerful reminder of why I’m committed to this path."

Sample Answer 2

“I am actually a very active reader. The last book I read was The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. It follows Santiago on his journey to fulfill his own personal legend. I think a good book not only entertains, but also informs the reader and should help change their perspective and their worldview. When I first read the Alchemist, I was at a point in life where I was okay with where I was but yearning for something more, much like the main character was. I related to his inner conflict and desire. Reading that story made me realize that life is too short not to pursue our dreams and that you are ultimately the master of your own destiny, free to create the world you want and to pursue it relentlessly. While in that pursuit, it is also important to make sure you find enjoyment in the journey, in the chase of your goal. I am looking forward to reading it again after my law school education is completed to see what new messages I find.”

Why These Answers Work

• Personal connection: Relates the book’s themes to the candidate’s life and goals.
• Reflects values: Highlights truth, resilience, and education—core to Harvard’s mission.
• Insightful reflection: Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a broader worldview.

Even More Harvard Law School Interview Questions 

According to Harvard Law School, these are a few more of their favorite interview questions:

How to Prepare for Harvard Law School Interview Questions

Your Harvard Law School interview will take place over Zoom and be approximately 15 minutes long. That means you have a short amount of time to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, articulate your passion for law, and show the admissions committee why you are the perfect fit for their program.

 Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make every minute count:

1. Research Harvard Law School Thoroughly

Harvard Law School, consistently in the top 10 of law school rankings, emphasizes educating leaders who advance justice and societal well-being. Familiarize yourself with their values—truth, justice, diversity, and excellence—and be prepared to articulate how these resonate with your personal and professional goals.

Research specific programs, clinics, and faculty members whose work aligns with your interests. Identifying areas that excite you will make your responses more compelling, whether it’s the Criminal Justice Institute, Environmental Law Program, or pro bono programs.

Attend any upcoming webinars, open houses, or alums panels. If possible, connect with current and former students to gain insights into the Harvard experience. Mentioning these interactions in your interview can demonstrate your genuine interest in the school.

2. Stay Informed on Current Events

Stay updated on national and international news, particularly justice, equality, and policy reform topics. Admissions committees may ask your opinion on current events to assess your analytical skills and ability to engage with contemporary issues.

Practice forming well-rounded, evidence-based perspectives on current events. Tie these issues back to your interest in law and Harvard’s mission to ensure your answers are relevant and insightful.

3. Practice Common Law School Interview Questions

Review common questions such as “Why this law school?” or “Why do you want to study law?” Prepare thoughtful, personalized answers that reflect your unique experiences and ambitions.

When discussing your experiences, structure your answers using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) framework. This ensures your responses are clear and concise and demonstrate your impact effectively.

Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your strengths, leadership qualities, or passion for law. Engaging storytelling will make your answers memorable and relatable.

4. Connect Your Application to Your Answers

Your Harvard Law School interview is an opportunity to expand on the strengths and experiences you’ve already highlighted in your application. While the admissions committee will have reviewed your Harvard Law School personal statement, law school resume, GPA, and LSAT score, the interview is your opportunity to add depth and provide context to these components. The key is to avoid repeating what’s on paper and instead build on it to demonstrate your growth, character, and alignment with Harvard’s values.

Here’s how to strategically tie your answers to your application materials:

Personal Statement: Bring Your Story to Life

If your law school personal statement discusses a defining moment or challenge, use your interview to further expand on the lessons you learned or how that experience shaped your interest in law.

For example, if your statement mentions volunteering at a legal clinic, you might share a specific story about how it reinforced your commitment to advocating for underserved communities.

“In my personal statement, I mentioned my work at a legal aid clinic, but one case that particularly impacted me was helping a single mother navigate an eviction notice. We successfully negotiated with the landlord to delay the eviction, giving her time to find stable housing. Seeing the tangible impact of legal advocacy reinforced my commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and deepened my desire to focus on housing policy reform.”

We've got even more tips to help you write a standout personal statement for Harvard Law School!

GPA and Test Scores: Highlight Your Work Ethic and Adaptability

While your GPA and LSAT scores reflect academic capability, the interview allows you to showcase the qualities behind those numbers. Discuss the strategies, habits, or mindset that helped you achieve them. For example, "Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing a part-time job taught me the importance of discipline and time management. These skills will help me thrive in Harvard's rigorous environment."

But if you want to get into law school with a low GPA or your test scores aren’t as high as others, use the opportunity to discuss your resilience and growth: "While my LSAT score isn’t in the 99th percentile, preparing for it taught me how to refine my analytical thinking and overcome challenges, which I know will serve me well in law school."

Resume: Expand on Leadership and Impact

Your resume outlines your achievements, but the interview is the perfect time to elaborate on your leadership roles or projects that align with Harvard’s mission of advancing justice.

For example, "On my resume, I listed my work with a pro bono law firm, but I’m most proud of leading a fundraising initiative providing free legal services to over 50 families in need. This experience taught me the importance of not just practicing law but also creating access to it."

If you’ve worked in a non-legal field, explain how those experiences contribute to your perspective as a future lawyer. For example, "My internship in tech policy gave me insight into the intersection of law and technology, an area I’m eager to explore further at Harvard."

5. Conduct Mock Law School Interviews

Participate in as many law school mock interviews as you can. Practice with a mentor, advisor, or trusted peer who can provide constructive feedback.

Arrange to do some mock interviews in person and video interviews since your Harvard Law School interview will be virtual. Practicing online will help you get more comfortable with the format, test your tech setup, and help you adjust your body language, eye contact, and tone to make a strong impression through the screen.

6. Manage Interview Stress

You got an invitation to interview at Harvard Law School, so you should already feel pretty confident! Law school admissions rates are competitive, but making it this far proves that the admissions committee sees your potential. Now, you need to put your best self forward during the interview.

To manage interview stress and present your best self, start with mindfulness techniques—practice deep breathing and visualize a confident, successful interview. Stay organized by prepping everything you’ll need the day before and conducting a quick tech check to ensure your setup runs smoothly. 

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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