🔍 How to Research a Law Firm Properly
Our advice for writing better applications and giving stronger interviews.
Most people say things like “I’m drawn to your global reach and excellent reputation.” That’s not research, that’s filler.
Whether you’re writing your application or preparing for an interview, proper research is one of the easiest ways to stand out. Here’s how to do it well, without disappearing into Google for hours.
đź’ˇ Why research matters
Law firms don’t expect you to know everything. But they do expect you to know why you’re applying to them specifically.
If your answer could be copied and pasted into a dozen other applications, it’s too vague.
Good research helps you:
- Show genuine interest
- Ask better questions in interviews
- Match your skills and values to the firm’s work
- Understand what kind of trainee they want
- Avoid saying something painfully generic
âś… What you should actually look for
1. What they do, and where they focus
Start with their practice areas but go deeper. Are they known for private equity? Do they do a lot of ESG work? Are they growing their tech or life sciences team?
Look for recent:
- Deals and transactions
- News articles or press releases
- Sector insights or blogs on their website
Tip: Pick one or two areas that genuinely interest you and link them to your own experience or curiosity. That should suffice for both applications and interviews.
2. How they talk about themselves
Look at how the firm describes its values, training and culture. It’s not about finding the right buzzwords, it’s about understanding how they see themselves and how you might fit in.
Check:
- Graduate recruitment pages
- Videos or trainee diaries
- Firm brochures and insight events
Tip: Do not overlook how helpful knowing the firm’s values can be in both application and most certainly at interview. Relating your personal experiences with the firm’s values can demonstrate a tailored and thoughtful response
3. What makes them different from similar firms
This is where most people fall short. Saying “international, full-service firm” doesn’t mean anything, lots of firms are that.
Instead, look for:
- Unique areas of expertise
- Unusual client bases
- Recent strategic moves (e.g. office openings, mergers, sustainability pushes)
- A deal they recently worked on
Tip: Once you’ve spotted something that sets the firm apart, don’t just name it, explain why it matters to you. That’s what turns research into insight. For example, if they’ve recently expanded into tech and you’ve studied data law or worked in a startup, say so. That’s what makes your application feel tailored, not templated.
4. What current or past trainees say
You’ll learn a lot from people who’ve been through it.
Check:
- LinkedIn — reach out politely and ask a question – this is the one we’d recommend as it’s proved most effective for us
- Your university’s law society, events or alumni
Even one short conversation can help you write a much more focused and credible application.
Tip: Name-drop people you have met from the firm by you are applying to by full name in written application and interviews, it gives the impression you are familiar with the firm and its people.
5. Recent cases, deals or initiatives
This is the real meat and potatoes of all your research. which makes sense considering this is how law firms make money, and this is what you will be spending the majority of your time on as a trainee. Make sure you know about three to five case, or initiative they’ve worked on that genuinely interests you. Don’t just say what happened, explain why it stood out to you.
For example:
“I noticed your work advising on the [X] renewable energy project. I found that interesting because I’m particularly curious about how regulatory changes affect commercial strategy in that space. This is in part due to the fact that for my dissertation I plan on writing about the relationship between climate change and the law”
That’s more convincing than “I like your work in energy law.”
🧠How to use your research
In your application
- When answering “Why this firm?”, be specific.
- Link what they do to your interests, studies or experience.
- Avoid listing things without detail. Choose one or two key points and develop them properly.
Don’t Say:
“I’m attracted to your strong global presence and collaborative culture.”
Do Say:
“I was drawn to your work advising [X client] on its digital transition strategy. Having studied data regulation in my final-year module and achieving a distinction grade, I’d be excited to build on my theoretical understanding with how those challenges are approached in practice.”
In your interview
- Refer to a deal or initiative, and explain why it caught your attention
- Talk about what excites you in their practice areas, and why
- Ask thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research
Example question:
“I saw your ESG team advised on [X project]. How do junior lawyers usually get involved in matters like that?”
Be specific, be thoughtful, invite a real conversation.
âś… Final checklist before you write or interview
- I know what sectors and clients the firm focuses on
- I’ve read at least one deal or case in detail
- I can explain why I’m applying to this firm, not just any firm
- I’ve read how the firm talks about itself, not just what it does
- I’ve prepared one thoughtful question based on something they’ve done
đź’¬ From us at 1 Minute Law
We know how easy it is to fall into the trap of writing what you think firms want to hear. But the best applications and interviews don’t sound rehearsed, they sound like a conversation with someone well-informed.
If you want help pulling your research together or turning it into a proper answer, we’re happy to help. We offer CV and application reviews, coaching calls, and interview prep that provides the structured support that made all the difference for us when we were in your shoes.
👉 [Book a call]
👉 [Get your application reviewed]
👉 [Message the team]
Example Tip:
"With your firm's reputation as a market leader in private equity and your recent ranking in Legal 500, I’m keen to build my skills in this fast-paced area."
👩‍⚖️ Think Like a Commercial Lawyer
When researching, always ask yourself:
- How does this firm make money?
- What commercial challenges is it facing right now?
- How do I fit into that picture as a future trainee?
If you can tie your answers back to the firm’s business realities, you’ll instantly sound sharper and more commercial.
🚀 How 1 Minute Law Helps You Nail This Research
We get it, researching law firms can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling uni deadlines or job applications. That’s exactly where 1 Minute Law gives you the edge.
âś… Stay Commercially Sharp, Daily
Our daily briefings break down the big business and legal stories, so you can drop up-to-date, relevant examples in every interview. No more scrambling the night before.
Example:
"I was reading just this week about the pressure on European exporters with the strong euro, I imagine that's affecting clients in your international trade team."
(Yes: one of our actual summaries!)
âś… See the Bigger Picture Like a Lawyer
We don’t just give you headlines. We explain why it matters to law firms and how you can use it in interview answers. So you’re not just repeating facts, you’re analysing like a future trainee.
âś… Save Time & Stress
While others are doom-scrolling news sites or battling paywalls, you get clear, UK-focused updates delivered straight to your inbox. Saves hours of trawling, so you can spend that time refining your applications or prepping.
đź’Ş In Short:
1 Minute Law is like your daily commercial awareness coach, helping you build the kind of firm-specific, business-savvy insight that makes interviewers nod and think:
"They get it. This candidate's ready."
