Interview Question of the Day - Why do you want to work at this firm?
"Why do you want to work here?"
This question (or any question to that effect) is a "motivational question" which any interviewing candidate can expect in most interviews.
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While there is no such thing as the "perfect" magical answer (and interviewers may have their own preferences as to what is a good answer), here are some considerations as to how you could possibly approach this question.
- Being genuine. For example, if you are applying for a top tier commercial law firm (or a firm with a Band 1 practice group that you are interested in), then a genuine answer might be that you are looking to work on the most complex matters and with market leading practitioners and that firm will provide you with those opportunities. If you are applying for a mid tier or boutique law firm, then a genuine answer might be that you like autonomy and responsibility and you believe that the firm will provide you with greater responsibility in running matters, more client interaction, more partner interaction and more "hands on" work (e.g. drafting) at the outset compared to the larger firms.
- What makes that firm different / firm strategy and direction. Are you drawn to the firm's growth or innovation strategy? Are you drawn to certain practice groups at the firm (for which the firm is well known for)? Are you drawn to how the firm is run under the current leadership team? If possible, try to link your own experiences to what draws you to the firm. In other words, explain why these "attractive" aspects matter to you.
- The people / culture. If you know someone who works at that firm and they have recommended the firm for its culture, then say so.
Your goal is to indicate (a) that the law firm has X, Y and Z qualities and (b) the reasons why X, Y and Z qualities matter to you personally.
From my conversations with partners and more senior lawyers, law firm interviewers like to see from interviewees a genuine "hunger" to learn, an interest in the firm (at the seasonal clerk level) or a passion for a particular practice group (for experienced hires) and want to find people who will last in the role. This is especially the case for commercial law firms where attrition rates are traditionally high.
For more on interview skills, check out ALCA's Guide to Clerkship and Graduate Interviews.