This is one question that all law students who aspire to become lawyers have to face in an interview. Though, it seems to be nothing but a ‘cake-walk’, for you can defend your interest by stating that you are studying law but it is not easy as you think. It is a serious question and it requires to be answered appropriately, only if you are concerned for your career.
So, how does one answer the question?
Like any other ‘Statement of Purpose’ question, this question is intended to let the interviewer grasp the reason for your keenness to join the job and whether you would wish to make it a career as well.
Ideally, an interviewee should prepare for answering the question well in advance.
Firstly, she/he should keep in mind the main reasons why he has the drive to choose Law as a career.
Secondly, he needs to exhibit that he understands the workings of the job description.
Thirdly, rather conclusively, he should be able to showcase his strengths and his skill sets in such a way, that it convinces the interviewer to consider him/her as perfect fit for the job. To put it the other way, you have to be a bit manipulative to showcase your skills as key pre-requisites for the job.
This can be explained in a form of an example:
Interviewer: “Why do you want to become a lawyer?”
Interviewee A: “I have been studying Law for the last 3 years and believe I am cut out for the job.”
Interviewee B: “I have a natural inclination to stand for right of the people. Perhaps, that is why they chose me as the President of Students Union at the university. I have studied Law for 4 years and I have developed a keen interest in ‘Intellectual Property’ and would love to explore the field in Corporate Law. Further, I am an articulate and assertive spokesperson. Having said that, I believe I have the right aptitude, the skill set and keenness to practice Law and carve a career for myself.”
Clearly, the second interviewee has been articulate to showcase his skills in conjunction with the requirements of the job. Thus, he has better chances of getting the job.
Highpoint: A lawyer is expected to have strong conviction. Thus, whatever it may be, you should try your best to be convincing and confident while you handle the question.
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