80 Interview Questions Law Firms Actually Ask

If you want to understand how this stage fits into the wider application journey, you can explore our Application Process hub.

Law firm interviews are highly structured. While formats vary, the questions themselves are remarkably consistent across firms and practice areas.

Below are example questions you are likely to encounter at interview. These are not exhaustive and they are intended to help you understand what firms assess and how questions are framed.

For full preparation, including 80+ real interview questions grouped by category, see the Interview Question Bank in our Resources section.

1. Motivational questions

These questions assess fit, motivation, and understanding of the firm and the role.

• Why law, and why commercial law specifically?

• Why this firm rather than others you’re applying to?

• What is your understanding of what commercial lawyers actually do?

• Which practice area interests you most, and why?

• If you were a client, why would you choose this firm?

2. Competency-based questions

Competency questions test how you behave in real situations. Firms assume past behaviour is the best indicator of future performance. They are assessing skills like organisation, teamwork, communication, resilience, and judgment, often listed directly in the firm’s trainee profile.

• Tell me about a time you had to manage competing deadlines.

• Describe a situation where you made a mistake — what did you learn from it?

• Tell me about a time you worked effectively in a team.

• Give an example of when you worked under significant time pressure.

• Tell me about a time you demonstrated resilience.

Structured answers matter here. Most firms expect clarity, relevance, and reflection presented in the STAR format.

3. Commercial Awareness Questions

Commercial awareness questions assess how you think, not how many headlines you’ve memorised.

Firms want to see whether you can identify an issue, explain why it matters, and link it to clients or legal advice.

1. Tell us about a recent news story and how it might affect our clients.

2. Which industry trends could impact our firm over the next few years?

3. Tell us about a challenge one of our clients may be facing.

4. How do law firms stay profitable?

5. How might economic or regulatory changes affect our work?

Strong answers focus on implications rather than detail. You’re not expected to be technical but you are expected to be thoughtful.

4. Situational Judgment Questions

Situational questions test professional judgment. There is rarely a single “correct” answer. Firms are looking at how you prioritise, communicate, and manage pressure.

1. You’re given urgent work by two supervisors with the same deadline — what do you do?

2. You realise there’s an error in a document shortly before it’s sent to the client — how do you respond?

3. You’re asked to take on work when you’re already at capacity — how do you handle it?

4. You don’t fully understand instructions from a partner — what’s your approach?

5. A team member is dominating a group task — how do you manage the situation?

Good answers show calm judgment, professionalism, and awareness of hierarchy without being rigid or defensive.

5. Ethical Questions

Ethical questions assess integrity, judgment, and awareness of professional responsibility.

You are not expected to give legal advice. Firms want to see that you recognise risks and respond appropriately.

1. A client asks you to do something that feels ethically questionable — what do you do?

2. You notice confidential information has been shared by mistake — how do you respond?

3. You’re asked to backdate a document — what’s your reaction?

4. A colleague breaches confidentiality in public — how do you handle it?

5. The firm represents a controversial client — what is your role as a trainee?

These questions reward caution and sound judgment.

Want the full set?

The complete resource includes 80+ real interview questions, grouped by category, with space to practise and prepare.

You can access the full Interview Question Bank in our Resources section if you want to prepare properly for interviews and assessment centres.