Career Clinic: A question of motives

Sounds like you want others to write your application for you! Why don't you take some time to really think about what the question is asking you and stop looking for the easy way out. The application seems pretty standard. Good luck!

DD -15 Dec 2008 | 13:24

Not very helpful comments DD!

Anonymous -15 Dec 2008 | 14:27

I think it shows some initiative looking at a site like this and asking for advice from people who've been in the same position. On the motives - they probably want a bit of both - "why I want to be a lawyer" usually ends up in lots of dreadful cliches, so try and avoid that, and for each firm you are applying to consider what attributes they say they value and what the ethos of the firm is and then try and reflect that in what you say - i.e. don't write the same for each firm! On the commercial awareness point - this is always very difficult, but you're doing the right thing by reading the legal press - have a think about what clients/sectors your target firm specialises in and then do some research on those clients/sectors and see what sort of issues are facing them - then try and reflect this knowledge in your answer to the question - and mug up on it again before you go for interview. Basically the firms will not expect you to be a commercial whizz but they will expect you to understand some of the basic concepts of business and of what businesses expect from their lawyers - i.e. a business-focused, problem-solving, cost/risk appropriate approach rather than someone who pontificates on legal niceities. Good luck!

Anonymous -15 Dec 2008 | 15:10

Well, as the question is asking you about your motives re. law in general, you should answer about law in general. However, if there is no other part of the form where they have asked what attracts you to that firm specifically, obviously you should discuss the firm specifically at that point.Do you really need someone to tell you this? Are you sure you wouldn't rather be a shop assistant or a street sweeper?

Er... -15 Dec 2008 | 15:17

The forms, like many aspects of legal life, are designed to test whether you fit in. In this case, you need to demonstrate some knowledge, wit and no little capacity for seeing boring tasks through to their end point, willingly, accurately and on time. If the thought of this bores you rigid, try a difference career.

City Woman -15 Dec 2008 | 15:20

Assuming from the way the question is phrased you're applying to a City firm, try reading How the City Works and/or Understanding the Financial Pages, which should help with the commercial awareness. As for why law, I imagine something about how humanities developed analytic skills and ability to construct reason-based arguments shouldn't be too tricky to put together - just make sure if someone asks you "what's the difference between a City lawyer and a City banker?" you can give a convincing answer.

Stupot -15 Dec 2008 | 17:49

Write about the aspects of your personality that make you a good fit for a career in law. Use concrete examples from work experience/voluntary work/university societies to illustrate how these traits have served you well in the past. Next, write a few lines honing in on why specifically you are applying to the firm in question. Show a clear understanding of the nature of their work and yes, how it may be distinguished from other models. Try your best to show your motivation and be enthusiastic about this particular firm. Keep it all very brief and concise. I suggest you write down as much as possible and then edit it down to a few lines, perhaps three key points. Good luck!

zanzibar -15 Dec 2008 | 18:02