Practicing with law school interview questions and answers is essential if you want to be prepared. Given how intimidating law school acceptance rates can be, it is normal to be nervous, and you have to make sure to do everything possible to increase your chances of success. If you are not sure where to start, our law school admissions consulting experts have prepared a list of 60 common and challenging interview questions with example answers!


>>Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

00:00

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents
16 min read
Quick Guide to Preparing for Your Law School Interviews Law School Interview Questions About Law School and Your Motivation to Pursue Law Personal Law School Interview Questions Quirky Law School Interview Questions Policy Law School Interview Questions Conclusion & FAQs

Quick Guide to Preparing for Your Law School Interviews

It’s important to know that not all law schools interview. Most law schools in the US and law schools in Canada leave the decision to interview an applicant up to the admissions committee – in other words, it is not a mandatory step in the admissions process. So the admissions committee can choose to invite someone to an interview or simply reach out to a student via phone. This is exactly the experience of our admissions expert Aaron Schulze, JD:

“I actually did not have any interviews. I applied a bit later in the application cycle and did not get any interviews. I was waitlisted by one of my top choices and had a very informal call a few days before decisions were made. However, it was primarily to determine if I was still interested and to inform me that I had been accepted.” – Aaron Schulze, JD, University of Texas School of Law


Some of the top tier law schools among the T14 law schools interview by invitation only, which means that not all the applicants who get accepted have to go through an interview. Getting an interview invite from one of these schools may mean that the admissions committee wants to get to know you a little better or to give you a chance to clarify some of their questions for you and your application. This can happen in a formal interview, or via phone like it happened to Aaron.

Whether your schools mandate the interview for everyone or choose a selection of students who go through the interview, the process of law school interview prep should stay the same. And here’s a quick recap of what you can do to prepare for your law school interview!

 

  • 01
    RESEARCH THE SCHOOL AND THE PROGRAM

    Find out as much as you can about the school. Navigate their website and social media accounts, learn their core values and philosophy, and find out about special events that might be going on at the moment of the interview. In addition to learning about the school, you should study the program in depth. You are most certainly going to be asked why you want to attend that school and the only way to come up with a thoughtful answer is by having a solid knowledge of the institution.

  • 02
    BECOME FAMILIAR WITH CURRENT EVENTS

    Questions about hot topics and current issues are likely to pop up, so be ready to provide your insight on something you might have seen in the news. You can stay up to date on current events by reading a newspaper every day, or following news portals on social media.

  • 03
    PREPARE ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS

    Preparing yourself for your law school interview will highly increase your chances of success. Thinking of your answers beforehand is an excellent way of gaining confidence. It will also prevent you from stuttering or giving answers that you later regret. You can try doing a law school mock interview to put your conversation skills to the test. Remember not to memorize your answers! Simply write down talking points and practice creating a narrative this way.

  • 04
    KNOW THE TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO EXPECT

    You might be surprised to hear this, but most schools will draw questions from 3 main law school interview question categories: questions about law and why you want to pursue their law program, as well as personal and policy questions. Most likely, you will be asked about your past behaviors, your goals and aspirations, your motivation for law school, as well as items from your law school resume or questions about the legal profession. But some will throw in a few different types to test how well you think on your feet. 


As this is the most important step of your interview preparation, we have put together a list of law interview questions and sample answers that will help you prepare and anticipate what you can expect from a law school interview.



Law School Interview Questions About Law School and Your Motivation to Pursue Law

This is one of the most common categories of law school interview questions. And it is no surprise. Ultimately, what the admissions committee wants to see from your application is what motivated you to become a lawyer, and what steps have you taken to prepare yourself for this career. As already mentioned, in some cases if you are invited for an interview, the admissions committee did not fully understand your drive to pursue law. Use the interview to demonstrate your suitability and readiness for law!

Law school interview prep includes researching the school you're applying to before your interview. You should be able to state the reasons why you like the institution and its specific program and convince the interviewer that you didn't just randomly end up sitting in front of them. At the end of the day, only the candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming a part of the program will be admitted, and the only way to prove that is by naming particular aspects of what they offer that attracted your attention. Here’s how our expert Aaron Schulze prepared for each application and interview:

“I applied to about four or five law schools. [I] absolutely modified [my application and interview answers for each school]. Though the stories remained relatively constant, each school has its own [traits]. I tailored [my application and interview answers] to fit each school.” - Aaron Schulze, JD, University of Texas School of Law


It is likely that you already mentioned this in your law school personal statement, or your law school diversity statement, so make sure your answer is consistent with that as well. It does not mean that you have to repeat what you included exactly but do stay consistent with your goals and aspirations.



Saying that you chose their school because of its academic prestige won't be enough, as you can say the exact same thing about any other school. You must be specific. Start by mentioning what you look for in the perfect school. What features, programs, or extracurriculars do you value the most? Secondly, state what makes this school competitive for you. Think of what makes this school different from other schools, and what it has to offer to you specifically. Lastly, highlight what you think you will learn at this school.

Secondly, this type of questions is your opportunity to brag and talk about what makes you special – while remaining humble! Law schools typically want their candidates to bring them recognition and have a positive impact on their academic reputation. Admissions committees, therefore, aim at finding candidates who are likely to surpass the others and become successful after they graduate. Your answer should make you memorable. Think of your skills, experience career goals, and strengths, and figure out how they fit into what the school values in their matriculants. Use those traits to convince them that you are a good fit. Here’s an example of how our expert Aaron Schulze, JD, convinced the committee of his suitability for Criminal Law:

“I had a nontraditional major for law school (Theater & Dance). I explained how my fine arts education created a foundation for truthful storytelling and how to perform authentically. I was interested in Criminal Defense so I explained how a degree in Theater allowed me to understand and relate to different characters in different circumstances.” - Aaron Schulze, JD, University of Texas School of Law


And remember, storytelling is the only strategy to convince the admissions committee that your motivations are genuine. Tell the story of how you became interested in law as a career. Make it detailed, engaging, and convincing. Choose 2-3 talking points or examples of what got you interested in this particular law school and law in general. Think of the qualities of a good lawyer and explain why you believe you have the potential to become one.

Here's a few good examples of this type of law school interview questions, and expert responses prepared by our admissions experts!

Why Did You Choose Our School?

Sample Answer

“When I think of my ideal school, I think of an institution that offers students excellent career-placement opportunities, which is something not every school has. That is why I was thrilled to discover that X school offers an internship program, which I consider an ideal first step in any professional career. While academic achievements and learning inside the classroom are the backbone of becoming a successful professional, I strongly believe that all law schools should give students the possibility to acquire first-hand work experience to fully prepare them for what comes next. Additionally, an aspect of the program that I greatly value is the fact that it has some amazing top-class professors, such as [a certain professor], who I admire greatly, especially after attending his seminar on environmental law. In fact, I believe this school encourages students to get involved in current issues that go beyond the scope of traditional law education, such as racial discrimination, gender equality, and exploitation of natural resources, which are topics I expect to be able to learn more about if I get accepted.”


Why Should We Choose You of All Candidates?

Sample Answer

“I grew up in a family of lawyers. Both my parents and two of my grandparents have had outstanding careers in the field of law. Legal cases were often discussed at home, and I witnessed what the daily life of a successful lawyer entails. As I grew up, I started developing an intense curiosity for law, and my parents didn't hesitate to feed that curiosity. At a certain point, I had become so involved in my parents' jobs, that they decided it wasn't healthy for me at such a young age and banned case discussion in the house. It was then that I started researching famous cases, defense strategies, and growing a genuine interest in becoming a lawyer myself. I was never that kid who was told “you are going to be a great lawyer”, and unlike what you might be thinking, my family never pressured me into following a family tradition, but even quite the opposite. If you are looking for candidates who are truly determined, I believe you should choose me because I am aware of what a career in law consists of. I have been convinced for years that I have what it takes to take on this challenge, not only because I am passionate about law, but also because I have a deep understanding of it.”


Why Do You Want to Become a Lawyer?

Sample Answer

“Believe it or not, I grew up convinced that one day I was going to become a successful athlete. I believed that was my fate and never even considered anything else. I started swimming when I was practically a baby and never stopped since. I had become so good that I actually had a chance of qualifying for the Olympics. But my training was intensive and expensive. I had full support from my mom, but my dad disapproved of me focusing on sports instead of academics. Arguments at home became an everyday thing and my parents decided to get divorced. Apparently, it was too hard for them to reach an agreement and they started a legal war that went on for way too long, partly because their lawyers were more interested in getting more money out of the case than in representing the interests of their clients. A good lawyer is supposed to be ethical and act in their client's best interest. Even though I fully understood the divorce hadn't been my fault, I always felt stuck in the middle. I felt so powerless I even started researching how divorces work, legally speaking, and getting involved in the resolution of this conflict. This experience made me realize how much damage an unscrupulous lawyer can bring to a family, and I decided to go to law school make it my life mission to become the lawyer my family needed in such a difficult time; a professional with principles, empathy, and solid communication skills."


law school interview preparation


What Do You Hope to Do in Law School?

Sample Answer

“One of the things I am excited for, and one of the reasons I chose to apply to Georgetown, is the experiential learning program. Something I hope to do is sit in on legal proceedings in the highest courts in the country and witness many levels of the law, from small court cases to criminal law to lawmaking. With your program's experiential learning focus, I feel I would get the real-world taste of law in action rather than only classroom setting. I hope to use the experiences I witness and participate in to help me shape the kind of lawyer I want to be.”


What's One Thing That You Might be Scared or Hesitant About in Law School?

Sample Answer

“Law school requires a great deal of reading and reading of sometimes dry subjects. As a student who always struggled with reading comprehension and was a slow reader, I know this will be more of a challenge for me. However, during my undergraduate years I had access to better resources and more information about my reading challenges. I discovered I actually had an undiagnosed learning disability, a mild form of dyslexia which made it difficult for me to recognize words on the page. I was able to utilize study strategies to improve my reading comprehension and speed, and by using particular fonts or wearing reading glasses, I could read most texts with much more ease. The success of these strategies was reflected in my grades also improving. I also had help from tutors, which helped me gain confidence and implement new strategies. I know that reading is still difficult for me, but it is an obstacle I am confident I can overcome.”

Here's some more law school-focused questions you can practice with for your interview:

  1. How will you contribute to this program?
  2. What attracts you about law?
  3. What are the qualities of a good lawyer?
  4. Is there a famous lawyer that you admire? Why?
  5. Is there a famous lawyer that you disagree with? Why?
  6. What areas of law interest you the most?
  7. What would make you a good lawyer?
  8. What is your dream law job?
  9. How did you investigate a career in law?
  10. Are there any lawyers in your family?
  11. What do you wish to accomplish as a lawyer?
  12. Why are you applying to law school now?
  13. What’s one thing that intimidates you about law school?
  14. What makes you a competitive applicant to this school?
  15. Are you also applying to other law schools?
  16. If you get accepted into multiple schools, how would you make your decision?
  17. What do you think are the pros and cons of this school in particular?
  18. What specific aspect of our program called your attention?
  19. Do you have any questions for us?
  20. Do you know what type of law you want to practice? Why?
  21. What two or three things are most important to you in a law school?
  22. What’s a personality trait/characteristic that will serve you well in law school?
  23. What changes would you make in our law school curriculum?
  24. What mark do you want to make or what do you hope to accomplish in your career as a lawyer?
  25. How have you begun preparing for law school?


Personal Law School Interview Questions

Remember, the objective of the interview is to get to know you better. They already have your law school CV and law school personal statement, so you do not give a rote answer, or list off your GPA and LSAT score. While these are important, the admissions committee is aware of your stats. Most law schools try to follow a holistic approach in admissions, so use the interview to show them your strengths! Our admissions expert Tyler Chiasson reflects on his own admission to law school:

“My GPA was very strong and my LSAT score was high at 165. I was accepted to University of Toronto (generally the hardest law school in Canada to get into) and the acceptance letter mentioned my superior academic record was the main reason for this. After choosing to go to Dalhousie, I could also see I was accepted due to my academic record – Dalhousie classified the students they accept based on the strongest part of their application (academics, community involvement, etc.) and you can actually see what they classified you as once you start attending. This showed me that applications are scored holistically. If you are very strong in a certain area like I was, weaknesses in your application will be overlooked. Many of my classmates had much lower LSAT scores than me (in mid to low 150s) but were accepted due to their extracurriculars or volunteerism or other factors.” – Tyler Chiasson, JD, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University

 

What this shows us that your interview can really act as a compensation for anything that raised questions for the admissions committee (maybe the reason why you are having this interview!) You want to talk about what makes you interesting, or in other words, why you are NOT like every other applicant. Your interviewers want to get to know you personally, so try to infuse your answer with some personality, not only what you’ve done, although that’s important too.

Personal questions are about telling a story of triumphs, failures, and other experiences, that helped you grow as a human being and as a future lawyer! Whether these questions are about your past experiences or your future goals, try to paint a picture of what you can do now! And our admissions expert Tyler reminds:

“Most [of your stories and experiences] can be discussed in a way that highlights some aspect or skill that will be applicable to law school. [Make sure to approach this question with this mindset].” - Tyler Chiasson, JD, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University


And remember that answering negatively-charged law school interview question can be tricky. You have to walk a fine line between being honest and forthright without being self-defeating. Here’s a quick answer structure you can use to answer personal law school interview questions about past behaviors and experiences:

  •  Provide a very short context about the situation you are talking about.
  • Use one or two sentences to demonstrate specific actions, behaviors, or tasks you performed in the situation. Use concrete examples.
  • Write one sentence about what you learned from dealing with this situation.

Most personal-type questions can be answered with this structure, but if you are asked about future goals and plans, consider the following:

You've probably thought a lot about your future while deciding whether a career in law is the right path for you to follow. The more specific your answer is, the better. It will show your determination to pursue this challenging career. Your answer to personal law school interview question about your goals should include a detailed description of how your chosen program is going you help you get to where you want to be. The sky is the limit! No answer will be too ambitious here. Moreover, admissions committees love applicants who can dream big.

Describe a Time When Telling the Truth Was Difficult.

Sample Answer

“Several years ago, I had to confront a long-term friend of mine about their actions. I found out they had plagiarized another student's essay, from another class, in order to make a grade and pass a class. After speaking to the friend about their academic dishonesty, they refused to follow my advice and come clean. When I realized it was now on me to tell the truth and report my friend's plagiarizing, since they would not, it was a difficult decision for me to make, since it would affect my friendship with this person. Before this incident, it had never occurred to me that my friend would plagiarize anything, and I knew there would be severe consequences for their actions if I reported. Ultimately, I did speak to the class instructor in question and was honest about what I knew. My telling the truth did end a long-term friendship for me, as my friend felt I was unsupportive and should not have reported them. Losing their friendship was hard for me, since I had known them for so many years, but I felt I had a duty to tell the truth and to protect the other student whose essay had been plagiarized.”


What is Something that You Think Differently About or has Changed About You Personally as You Have Matured?

Sample Answer

“For me, personally, the biggest change I've noticed in myself as I've matured is self-confidence. I used to be a “follower”, having low self-confidence and assuredness in my opinions and decisions. This changed after I was elected captain of the girls’ volleyball team at college. Though I was chosen for my athletic skills, I learned how to be a leader in more than just sports. As a captain of my team, I have learned to rely on my own judgments and observations and trust my decision-making abilities. I've taught myself to consider the voices of others instead of automatically accepting them, and to weigh the options of a decision instead of relying on someone else to direct me all the time. Most importantly, I think, I've learned to accept the consequences of any bad decisions or mistakes I've made. I've learned how to find opportunities for growth in making a mistake and how to accept that mistakes will sometimes happen. This has been a significant improvement in my life, as the resulting boost in self-confidence has meant I am much better at making those tough decisions and being a leader when I need to be instead of defaulting to follower.”


What is Something that You Have Learned From [Activity/Hobby]?

Sample Answer

“Golfing has taught me precision and patience. Golf is a very technical game, and it requires considering all the factors on each and every swing to be a superb player. Failing to consider even one factor or not double-checking your grip, position, sightlines or angles can throw off a swing. It's important to go slow, be considerate and not jump ahead or skip any steps in the name of saving time . Precision and consideration are important skills I will need as I become a lawyer, since not doing my due diligence or being careless could impact clients' lives and businesses. The careful checklist I go through before every golf swing has taught me how important it is to do the same when evaluating a case, considering my strategies and analyzing small details.”


Tell Me About Yourself

Sample Answer

“I grew up in Stockton, California, in a single-parent household. My mother was a paralegal and she deeply influenced my aspirations. She couldn’t always get a babysitter, so I remember being in an office a lot as child. But even with that background, I didn’t want to pursue law. I got a scholarship to play basketball at California State University. I went to her to ask where I should get legal experience during my undergrad and she suggested the California Rural Legal Assistance.

At CRLA, I played a part in empowering the less fortunate. I recall assisting a family burdened by overwhelming medical bills. Through diligent research and negotiation, we successfully reduced their financial load, bringing them much-needed relief. In another instance, I helped a widow facing the imminent foreclosure of her home. Negotiating with banks, we secured a loan modification, saving her home and granting her a sense of security.

These experiences at CRLA were not just about applying legal principles; they were about connecting with people's lives and making a tangible difference. They strengthened my resolve to pursue law, particularly to advocate for those often forgotten in policy discussions about healthcare and housing. As I apply to Berkeley Law School, I carry these stories with me, aspiring to be a voice for the underrepresented in our society.”


Tell Me Something that is Not on Your Resume

Sample Answer

“One thing that's not on my resume is my passion for astronomy. Ever since I was a child, the night sky has fascinated me. Last summer, I collaborated with a local astronomy club to bring telescopes and arranged for a few amateur astronomers to guide us. We set up the equipment and invited community members to join us in observing the night sky. The event was a hit! People of all ages came and were thrilled to see the rings of Saturn and the craters on the Moon up close. It was incredibly rewarding to share my passion with others and to see their excitement and curiosity about space.”


What Do You Like to Do in Your Spare Time?

Sample Answer

“I love to cook. I love sharing meals with people and I try to host at least one person over for dinner every month because I’m always learning new recipes I want to try out. I wasn’t always interested in cooking, but one of my best friends is a chef and I think they inspired me – their passion was contagious. I’ve taken cooking classes, such as learning how to make different types of Italian noodles such as gnocchi and tortellini, but Asian noodles, as well, such as Soba and Udon noodles. I am very diligent about everything I do, including my hobbies, so I aim to continue to improve as a cook while I am studying to become a lawyer.”


What Was Your Biggest Accomplishment?

Sample Answer

“It may not be as life-altering as a substance addiction, but I struggled with an addiction to technology for around five years. As with any addiction, it started off innocuously; I justified it by telling myself I needed to be online for my studies. However, over time, it escalated to the point where I was constantly glued to screens, neglecting my health, relationships, and responsibilities. Whenever my partner and friends told me they were worried about how much time I was spending online, I used my studies and getting into law school as my justification. But when my partner told me she felt like she was alone in our relationship, I took that to heart. I locked myself out of all my devices, and bought a flip-phone with only the most basic services. I set a limit to how much time I spent online and engaged in real-life activities such as hiking, and spending time with my partner. This experience taught me the importance of moderation and self-awareness, and has made me more empathetic towards others' struggles.” 


What Was Your Biggest Mistake?

Sample Answer

“I missed an important exam due to a misunderstanding of the schedule. This mistake resulted in a failed grade for the course, which was a major blow to my academic record. Consequently, I had to retake the course the following semester.

This experience was a hard lesson in responsibility and attention to detail. It taught me the importance of double-checking critical information and maintaining a well-organized schedule. I learned to take proactive steps in managing my time and commitments, ensuring that such an oversight would not happen again.”


What Are Your Strengths? What Are Your Weaknesses?

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2

“My greatest strength is undoubtedly my adaptability, a quality that has been essential throughout various significant chapters of my life. This was particularly evident when I decided to move to Mexico for a gap year. Motivated by a desire to volunteer with a migrant advocacy group, I embraced the challenge of adapting to a new culture and language. I learned Spanish and made many personal and professional connections that continue to this day. This experience was not only about aiding a cause close to my heart but also about immersing myself in an entirely different environment and learning to navigate it effectively. My adaptability and my unwillingness to shirk from a challenge are my greatest strengths.”


Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

Sample Answer

“Given my deep interest in international law, I see myself following that path in the future. In 10 years, I would like to be working overseas, becoming involved in cases that have to do with human rights and international relations. Diplomacy is a field that I have always found extremely attractive and that I think will suit me well, given my strong communication skills and engaging personality. One of my greatest ambitions is to be able to defend my country's interests while helping maintain peace with the rest of the world. This school offers an exchange program that I found extremely attractive when I first started working on my application. Completing a semester abroad to study law here would help me get a realistic sense of what a career in international law looks like. I strongly believe [school name] can help me achieve my academic and professional goals in the long term.”

Test yourself with these personal law school interview questions:

  1. What’s the one thing about yourself that you’re the proudest of?
  2. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
  3. What academic accomplishments are you the proudest of?
  4. Do you consider yourself to be a leader or a follower?
  5. Describe a leader you’ve worked with and what you learned from them.
  6. How would you describe your experience at your undergraduate university?
  7. What were your favorite and least favorite undergraduate courses?
  8. What was the toughest class you’ve taken and why?
  9. What kind of student do you consider yourself to be?
  10. Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.
  11. Tell me about a time you showcased leadership.
  12. Tell me about a time you solved a conflict with a classmate or colleague.
  13. Tell me about a time you successfully worked as part of a team.
  14. Are you a team player or do you prefer to work on your own?
  15. Tell me about a time you faced a moral dilemma and how you solved it.
  16. What was the biggest obstacle you were able to overcome in your life?
  17. How do you handle stress?
  18. What legal skill do you struggle with?
  19. Tell me about a time you made a mistake, and how you dealt with it.
  20. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team with diverse perspectives and/or backgrounds.
  21. Tell me about an ethical work situation you had to deal with. How did it turn out?
  22. Describe a situation in which a detail you thought to be unimportant turned out to be very important.
  23. How would you go about building a trusting relationship with a client?
  24. What would make you a good trial advocate?
  25. Imagine you represent a client has stolen several pieces of equipment. She has two people who will supply her with an alibi, but you think they might be lying. Do you put these people on the stand?
  26. What have you seen in court that you want to emulate? Avoid doing?
  27. What did you do the last time things didn’t go according to plan?
  28. Discuss a situation where you had to make an unpopular decision
  29. Tell me about a time when you agreed to work on too many projects and had to prioritize.
  30. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of overall abilities?
  31. How have your prior positions helped prepare you for a legal career?
  32. In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
  33. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
  34. When has a failure turned into a success?
  35. Name a time that you were not happy with your performance. What did you do to address it?
  36. What is one time someone told you that you had good judgment?
  37. How do you work under pressure?
  38. How do you feel about research? Writing? Client contact?
  39. What is a passion of yours? Tell us about it.
  40. Explain to us a little more about your multiple attempts on the LSAT.
  41. Which student organization(s) would you be interested in?
  42. Why did you choose [undergraduate university]?



Subcategory of Personal Questions: Quirky Law School Interview Questions

While they might seem completely unrelated to the main point of the interview, quirky questions do come up and are famously hard to answer. In many ways, because there are no right answers to these questions. But that’s the point – these questions are meant to make you think on your feet and demonstrate your decision-making abilities and your judgment.

Here’s how to approach these: if a question totally stumps you, tell the interviewer you have to take a moment to think – this is good decision-making! The purpose of these questions is to see how you adapt, how you interact with people and how self-aware you are.

 What Book Are You Currently Reading?

“I haven't had much time for books, unfortunately, but the last book I read was To Kill a Mockingbird. I had read it in high school, like most people, but I believe good books should be read more than once, as they teach you different lessons at each stage of your life. As a matter of fact, I was right. This novel talks about an attorney's attempt to prove the innocence of a black man who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama, seen from the innocent eyes of his 6-year-old daughter. The first time I read it, I would focus on the children and their conflicts, while the second time I read it I automatically stepped on the shoes of their father, Atticus, the lawyer defending the innocently accused black man. I was able to understand why he decided to defend him, even when his chances of success were incredibly low. Atticus' actions throughout the book taught me a lot about ethics and made me realize the kind of lawyer I want to become. I'd like to give it a third read once I start my professional career in a law firm, as I believe I'll have a totally different perspective.”


How Would You Describe Yourself Using Three Words?

“I think, I would say I’m idealistic; curious; and resilient. Idealistic because I’m a member of the Green Party of Canada and volunteer for Green Party candidates in provincial and federal elections even though they rarely get elected, just because I felt strongly about the party’s values. Curious because I’ve learned basic Japanese in a year because I’ve always loved Japanese culture; and resilient because I donated a kidney to my brother, who was suffering from kidney disease.”


These are tough to prepare for! But here’s some more examples of quirky law school interview questions you can practice with:

  1. Who’s your hero/heroine?
  2. Who is your favorite author?
  3. Tell me about a book that has influenced the way you think.
  4. If you could have dinner with a person, living or dead, who would it be?
  5. What journals do you read on a regular basis?
  6. What is your idea of success?
  7. What can you do to become successful, following your own criteria?
  8. Is there any crime that you would have trouble defending?
  9. If you had a year off, what would you do with this time?
  10. Name a bias that you overcame.
  11. If you could go back to any time in your life and tell yourself something, what would it be?



Policy Law School Interview Questions

This type of law school interview questions may seem to invite an opinion and it does in some way, but your “disagreement” with a court case should be formed on the basis of jurisprudence - the theoretical side of the law - not necessarily whether the decision was “right” or “wrong” based on your own politics. Take this question as a mini-essay and support your argument. Here’s a quick structure you can use to approach any policy law school interview question:

  • Opening sentence. In your opening sentence, shortly summarize the policy or the decision to demonstrate your awareness.
  • 1 or 2 points about the decision or the law. List a couple of advantages and disadvantages of the policy. Not only will this further demonstrate your awareness of the problem, but it will also demonstrate your ability to stay objective, informed, and open-minded.  
  • Last sentence. The last part of your answer should include your personal opinion about the policy and the reasons behind your stance. If you disagree with the policy, give a short sentence with an alternative solution to the problem.

Tell Me About a Recent Supreme Court Case that You Disagreed With and Why.

"One recent Supreme Court decision that I’ve followed with interest was the recent ruling that struck down affirmative action and race-based admissions in US colleges. Affirmative action, in various forms, has been a part of college admissions for decades, shaped by previous legal judgments. This decision could be seen as inconsistent with past interpretations of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. But I am mostly concerned about the broader implications of this ruling on other aspects of educational policy and equal opportunity. This decision not only impacts affirmative action but also sets a precedent that could affect future rulings on educational policies and equality in the educational sphere."

Here's more policy law school interview questions for you to practice with:

  1. Are there any social issues or legal topics that concern you at the moment?
  2. What is one social issue or law you’d change?
  3. If you were a court, how would you rule on the following issue…?


Conclusion

A law school admissions process is challenging, and you need to learn things like how to study for the LSAT, how to write an impressive personal statement, and how to answer interview questions. Your law school interview won't be impossible to tackle if you prepare yourself with a good list of law school interview questions and answers. Go over it as many times as you need and rehearse with a friend. Additionally, make sure to research the school and stay up to date on current social issues that might come up during the interview. If you dedicate enough time to come up with thoughtful answers to the most challenging and personal questions beforehand, you will leave the interview feeling accomplished and satisfied with your performance.

BeMo Law School Interview Prep Reviews

Our admissions experts can help you get ready for your law school interviews! Check out one of our BeMo reviews from our students!

"Nyasha Gondora conducted my first mock interview, and it was a great first practice! She was kind and helpful, which helped with my nerves, and helped me identify areas that I could improve and specific questions to work on. Her feedback was specific and constructive. It was a great first mock interview to start off my interview prep." - BeMo student.


"Had a great and very helpful interview prep session with Dr. Reem Sabry. She was very attentive to the finer details regarding the mock answers I had given during our session and the feedback provided by her was also very thorough and helped greatly in prep for my asynchronous law school interview." - Nihal, BeMo student.


FAQs

1. What are the most common law school interview questions?

Some of the most common law school interview questions are basic questions like “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and “why do you want to go to law school?”. Other common questions might center on your experiences with law, what kind of law you want to practice, why you’ve chosen a particular law school or you may be asked your opinion on a legal issue.

2. What is a Kira talent interview for law school?

A Kira talent interview is an online interviewing tool some law schools use to remotely interview law school applicants.

3. What are the hardest law school interview questions?

Some of the hardest law school interview questions might be the “open-ended” questions like “tell me about yourself” or “what is your greatest weakness”. These types of questions often stump students because they are not sure how to begin or what details they should include. A good way to tackle these is to have an answer to these common questions prepared ahead of time or a list of talking points to refer to.

4. How do I ace my law school interview?

The key to acing your law school interview is good practice. Try practicing with a mock law school interview. You can ask a law school advisor, trusted friend or mentor to act as your mock interviewer so you can practice your responses and get feedback on your performance. You can also check out common questions law schools ask potential students.

5. How do I stand out in a law school interview?

Using a mock interview can help you prepare strong answers ahead of time, as well as know how to highlight your strengths, skills and knowledge of the legal profession. You can help yourself stand out by providing insightful, self-reflective answers to personal questions, demonstrate a thorough understanding of legal topics for questions about the law, and highlighting your top skills and experiences in your answers.

6. How do I answer law school interview questions?

In interviews, it’s best to relax and be yourself, but you should practice being calm and confident in your responses. A mock interview is a good way to practice your comportment in the interview room, eliminate any nerves you might have and know your answers to common questions. Mock interviews also allow you to practice our strategy for different types of questions, i.e. scenario, policy and personal. Having a structured approach to each type of question helps you keep your answer concise and avoid any rambling.

7. Can you get into law school without an interview?

Not all law schools require interviews, or may not choose to interview all applicants. So it is possible to get into law school without attending an interview. However, if you are invited to interview, take this as a great opportunity to practice your interviewing skills and make a positive impression on the admissions committee!

8. Is it good if a law school asks for an interview?

Yes. Law schools typically use interviews as a way to learn more about potential students or to evaluate applicants in-person. If a law school invites you to an interview, it’s a good indicator that you are being seriously considered for admissions and a law school admissions committee wants to see how you perform in the interview.



To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Sources: Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School, Georgetown Law School, Northwestern Law School, Cornell Law School, Texas A&M School of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Duke Law School, University of Virginia Law School