🎓 Law Interview Cheat Sheet

Interviews are hard, but not impossible.

Quick, honest prep for law firm interviews. No fluff, just what works.

✅ Five Things to Focus On

🤔 1. Think like a client

Commercial awareness isn’t about rattling off headlines. It’s about knowing why something matters and how it affects clients.

Before your interview, pick a sector the firm works in and ask yourself:

What’s the key commercial issue here?
What might a client be concerned about?
How would a lawyer step in and help?

Example:
If interest rates rise, don’t just mention that as a fact. Think about how that could affect a client’s ability to borrow, delay deals, or change investment plans. That’s what clients care about, and that’s what lawyers help with.

Why this matters:
Firms want trainees who can connect legal thinking to real-world business. If you can explain how a headline becomes a legal problem, you’re already thinking like a future solicitor.

🚗 2. Use the CAR method

Structure helps you stay clear and confident when answering questions, especially the classic competency ones.

Keep it simple:

Context – What was going on?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What happened, and what did you take from it?

Example:
“In a group project, someone stopped contributing. I set up a call, clarified roles, and we pulled it together in time. I learnt how clear communication makes a difference when things go off track.”

Why this matters:
Interviewers aren’t just after a story, they’re looking to see how you think, take initiative, and learn from what happens.

🎯 3. Be specific about the firm

Saying a firm has a “great reputation” or “global reach” doesn’t tell them anything. What actually makes them stand out to you?

Look for:

A deal or case they’ve worked on
An area of growth or innovation
A value or approach that connects to your interests

Example:
“I read about your team’s work advising on renewable infrastructure. It stood out because I wrote my dissertation on climate regulation, and I’m interested in how those risks are managed commercially.”

Why this matters:
It shows you’ve thought about where you’re applying, not just sent off 30 forms. And it helps them picture you as someone who gets their work.

❓4. Ask thoughtful questions at the end

When they ask if you’ve got any questions, avoid saying “No, I think you’ve covered everything.” This is your moment to show you’re engaged.

Ask something real:

“What surprised you when you joined?”
“What makes someone stand out as a trainee here?”
“What’s something the firm has changed its mind about recently?”

Why this matters:
Good questions show you’re curious, reflective and genuinely interested in the role, not just trying to get through the door.

🤖5. Speak like a human

You don’t need to sound overly formal or force long words into every answer. Say what you mean, and keep it simple.

Instead of:
“I facilitated stakeholder alignment across multiple departments.”
Say:
“I got the teams to agree on a plan so we could avoid delays.”

Why this matters:
Lawyers have to explain complex issues to clients clearly. If you can explain what you did in plain English, it’s a strong sign you can do the job.

🧰 Interview Day Checklist

You’ve got 3 or 4 commercial stories you can explain from a client’s point of view
You’ve prepared 5 examples for common questions (teamwork, resilience, leadership, etc.)
You know your “Why law?” and “Why this firm?” answers and they feel like you
You’ve practised using the CAR structure, not memorised scripts
You’ve got 2 or 3 thoughtful questions to ask them
You’re ready to speak clearly, calmly, and like yourself

The 1 Minute Law Team's Final Word

If you take one thing with you into your interview, make it this:
Be clear. Be curious. Be real.

That’s what firms remember, and that’s what gets you the offer.

Why 1 Minute Law is Your Secret Weapon ⚡️

Securing a training contract isn’t just about knowing the law — it’s about showing firms you get their world: business, clients, markets. That’s exactly where 1 Minute Law comes in.

✅ Daily Commercial Awareness: Delivered fast, clear and in plain English, so you’re always ready for the “What’s caught your eye in the news?” question.
🎯 Interview-Ready Insights: We link the news directly to law firm work, making it easy for you to sound sharp, informed and relevant in interviews.
🧠 Less Stress, More Success: No more doom-scrolling the FT or struggling to “stay up to date”. We filter the noise and give you what matters, in one minute.

Result? You walk into interviews with confidence, commercial fluency and the edge that makes firms take notice.