case study interviews law

Legal Case Study Interviews

Many commercial law firms require candidates to undertake a case study at the final interview stage. read our tips on how to shine.

There is not one single format, so it is worth asking the recruitment team what you can expect. Below are some general points and tips which have been put together from feedback from students who have gone through the process and what we have learned from law firms. If you need reasonable adjustments in the legal case study exercise, for health or disability reasons, make sure you talk to the recruitment team in advance about that.

Legal Case Study and Commercial Awareness Exercises

Bear in mind that recruiters are always trying to improve their processes so it is likely that they will find new ways to assess candidates each year. It is therefore unlikely that you will find comprehensive resources to practise legal case studies in the same type of ways that you might for management consultancy case studies (in the consulting industry, case studies are extremely well established and follow a broadly similar format during the interview).

Generally speaking legal case studies are not intended to test out technical legal skills – this is partly because they need to be fair to both law and non-law students. Instead they are more likely to test the skills required to be an effective lawyer within the world of (private practice) work. So focus your efforts on your specific law firm research, ways to demonstrate your motivation, and the practice of skills they are seeking rather than on preparing for specific types of exercises.

What Is Being Tested?

The following skills and attributes are likely to be tested throughout the interview process:

commercial awareness – for example, are you thinking about the client and the issues they may be facing? Are you thinking of the law firm as a business?
logical thinking – are you able to think in a structured way and use your common sense to arrive at a practical solution?
analytical skills – can you identify the key issues from a lot of information, perhaps under time pressure?
judgement – can you summarise the main points of the arguments and come to a conclusion given a certain set of facts?
time management – can you manage your time effectively? Can you prioritise information and activity? Will you get flustered if presented with a large volume of unfamiliar information to read?
dealing with pressure – can you work under time pressure and stay focused and effective? Can you deal with unfamiliar facts or people and stay calm?
resilience – how do you respond to being challenged? How do you respond when something does not go your way or in the face of a difficult problem? Can you defend your point of view?
interpersonal skills – are you confident in what you are saying, are you collaborative, can you develop a good rapport and productive working relationships, do you listen well, are you open to feedback, do you have a positive attitude?
communication – can you communicate equally effectively on paper (e.g. in writing a letter/email to a client) and face to face ( e.g. in making a presentation to a group)? Are you clear? Do you think about the tone and the reader/audience? Do you have a high standard of general literacy? Is your answer well structured, communicated in plain English and to the point?
negotiation skills – are you clear about what you are trying to achieve and what, if anything you are prepared to negotiate on? If you are acting on behalf of someone, are they clear about what you are doing?
motivation – are you enjoying this even if you feel slightly nervous?

Types of Exercise and Tips for Managing Them

These exercises vary from firm to firm and can be part of an individual interview or a group exercise. The material could be given to you in any of the following formats:

a paragraph which may be about a current affairs issue or something specifically legal: read and then discuss
an article from, for example, the Financial Times : read and discuss/answer questions
a one or two page client scenario with a question posed at the end. For example, 'should this new client be taken on?'
Summary of the situation – could be in the form of an email or letter
Client or competitor strategy
Financial statements
Information about employees/equipment/other assets (property)
Contracts, leases, licences
Litigation, possible actions, non disclosure
Regulatory information

Tips for the paragraph and article exercises

Read carefully
Think about how you would summarise what the article is about in two or three sentences
Think about the argument/point of view that is being voiced throughout the article. What would be the counter argument if you had to make it?
Identify two or three key issues – think about political and economic aspects
There may not be an obvious connection to the law firm. The interviewer may be wanting to stretch you intellectually and see how you think, and find out whether you have an opinion that you are able to defend
If the article has been reproduced by the firm and is set out in numbered paragraphs, this is so that you can refer to the paragraphs by number in the discussion.

Tips for the client scenarios

Possible scenarios may include a client (or a potential client) who is considering merging or acquiring another company, or a client who is being acquired by a competitor or who is looking for some legal services. The amount of material and time you are given will determine the level of detail you are expected to cover. In general it is advisable to cover as many aspects as you can broadly, rather than cover only one or two in great detail.

You may be asked a general question such as ‘what advice would you give to the client?’ or three or four specific questions. For the latter it is most important to address all the questions rather than focusing on the detail of one and ignoring others.

It is also very useful to have researched the firm carefully. By doing do you will know facts such as where the firm has offices located (useful when there are several jurisdictions involved in the scenario) and which practice areas it has (allowing you to suggest bringing in expertise from elsewhere in the firm if appropriate).

Tips for “bundle of document” exercises

Some firms will give you anything between 5 and 20 documents to read and answer one or more questions. You may be asked to give a short presentation followed by a discussion with the interviewer(s).

Read the question(s) carefully and follow instructions
Flick through quickly to establish the contents and make sure you look at the back page. You may even find an index to help you
Take a minute to plan your time and leave enough to produce a presentation or at least review your thoughts before the interview
Use a highlighter
Identify key elements relevant to the question(s)
Don’t forget to consider whether the deal should even be done. Is there a deal breaker? Is there another option?
Consider risks to the client and/or to the firm. For example are there any reputational issues associated for either party? Is there any 'conflict of interest' for the firm?
Structure the presentation: beginning, middle and end which should be short summary with recommendations. Be close to the maximum time allowed
Be confident in your recommendations, even if you feel that your chosen line of argument is marginal. You can assess the pros and cons of a given situation, but conclude with “on balance, I recommend xyz”. Remember that solicitors are paid to make decisions and that clients need to trust their legal advisers to make them!
Consider your audience
Imagine this was actually a real situation at work where you were involved in working with this client – what would you really say to them?
Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Preparation

Here are some suggestions to help make you feel ready and confident to tackle these exercises:

Make sure that you research the role of a solicitor carefully such that you have a realistic view of their daily work (in the relevant setting), their responsilbilites and activities and even an awareness of the SRA's Code of Conduct for legal service firms and individuals.
Have a clear idea of the firm’s practice areas, what type of work they specialise in, where their offices are located, how they differentiate themselves from their key competitors and the challenges that law firms face.
Read the firm’s annual report or review (and compare it to a competitor), follow their news on social media in the weeks ahead of the interview.
Be aware of what is happening in the legal world.
Keep up to date with current affairs including areas of business that interest you.
Learn some basic business language, have a broad understanding of mergers and acquisitions and how they are structured. Know how to read a balance sheet.
Be clear on the importance of technology for all businesses.
Practise reading business articles in a set time and then summarise the key points.
You may find it useful to become familiar with some basic analysis tools used in business such as SWOT and PESTLE as they may help you think of areas to consider in some responses. Don't go overboard with these though as they might hinder your ability to write a clear and appropriate response if they are used incorrectly.
Candidates can only be awarded marks for thoughts that are expressed in the interview, so get in the habit of talking through your thought process: thinking aloud.
Complete some of the exercises that firms offer in their online work experience/online internship schemes. Many are listed on Forage.

Resources for Building Commercial Awareness

All You Need To Know About The City by Chris Stoakes, and Commercial Law Handbook by Jake Schogger are useful preparation for understanding business terms, how deals work and general commercial awareness as it applies to the legal industry.

Useful websites include:

LawCareers.Net commercial awareness hub and weekly round ups
Chambers Student: Commercial Awareness Resources - Legal Blogs
Chambers Student: Legal industry trends
UK Government guidance on how to set up a business
BBC News: Business
The Guardian's glossary of business terms
How to Read a Balance Sheet (The Non-Boring Version)
Virtual work experience programmes for several law firms including Linklaters, White & Case and Pinsent Masons are available on the Forage platform.
legalfutures.co.uk – has a free newsletter rounding up key changes and news in the legal sector.
Our self directed learning information pages contain resources for free online courses

Building Your Commercial Awareness Skills at Oxford

Attend skills sessions run by law firms online as well as those run by The Careers Service , the Oxford Law Society , the Oxford Bar Society and the Law Faculty
The Oxford Strategy Challenge – ideal for building up team work, commercial awareness and skills in working with business clients. Run regularly throughout the year (online).
Develop your employability skills – includes many ideas for building these at Oxford including practical suggestions for developing your “business awareness”.
Presentation and other assessment centre skills advice
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47 case interview examples (from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

Case interview examples - McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.

One of the best ways to prepare for case interviews at firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, is by studying case interview examples.

There are a lot of free sample cases out there, but it's really hard to know where to start. So in this article, we have listed all the best free case examples available, in one place.

The below list of resources includes interactive case interview samples provided by consulting firms, video case interview demonstrations, case books, and materials developed by the team here at IGotAnOffer. Let's continue to the list.

McKinsey examples
BCG examples
Bain examples
Deloitte examples
Other firms' examples
Case books from consulting clubs
Case interview preparation

Click here to practise 1-on-1 with MBB ex-interviewers

1. mckinsey case interview examples.

Beautify case interview (McKinsey website)
Diconsa case interview (McKinsey website)
Electro-light case interview (McKinsey website)
GlobaPharm case interview (McKinsey website)
National Education case interview (McKinsey website)
Talbot Trucks case interview (McKinsey website)
Shops Corporation case interview (McKinsey website)
Conservation Forever case interview (McKinsey website)
McKinsey case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
Profitability case with ex-McKinsey manager (by IGotAnOffer)
McKinsey live case interview extract (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

2. BCG case interview examples

Foods Inc and GenCo case samples (BCG website)
Chateau Boomerang written case interview (BCG website)
BCG case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
Written cases guide (by IGotAnOffer)
BCG live case interview with notes (by IGotAnOffer)
BCG mock case interview with ex-BCG associate director - Public sector case (by IGotAnOffer)
BCG mock case interview: Revenue problem case (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

3. Bain case interview examples

CoffeeCo practice case (Bain website)
FashionCo practice case (Bain website)
Associate Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
Written case interview tips (Bain website)
Bain case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
Digital transformation case with ex-Bain consultant
Bain case mock interview with ex-Bain manager (below)

4. Deloitte case interview examples

Engagement Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
Recreation Unlimited practice case (Deloitte website)
Strategic Vision practice case (Deloitte website)
Retail Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
Finance Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
Talent Management practice case (Deloitte website)
Enterprise Resource Management practice case (Deloitte website)
Footloose written case (by Deloitte)
Deloitte case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

5. Accenture case interview examples

Case interview workbook (by Accenture)
Accenture case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

6. OC&C case interview examples

Leisure Club case example (by OC&C)
Imported Spirits case example (by OC&C)

7. Oliver Wyman case interview examples

Wumbleworld case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
Aqualine case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
Oliver Wyman case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

8. A.T. Kearney case interview examples

Promotion planning case question (A.T. Kearney website)
Consulting case book and examples (by A.T. Kearney)
AT Kearney case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

9. Strategy& / PWC case interview examples

Presentation overview with sample questions (by Strategy& / PWC)
Strategy& / PWC case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

10. L.E.K. Consulting case interview examples

Case interview example video walkthrough (L.E.K. website)
Market sizing case example video walkthrough (L.E.K. website)

11. Roland Berger case interview examples

Transit oriented development case webinar part 1 (Roland Berger website)
Transit oriented development case webinar part 2 (Roland Berger website)
3D printed hip implants case webinar part 1 (Roland Berger website)
3D printed hip implants case webinar part 2 (Roland Berger website)
Roland Berger case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

12. Capital One case interview examples

Case interview example video walkthrough (Capital One website)
Capital One case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

12. EY Parthenon case interview examples

Candidate-led case example with feedback (by IGotAnOffer)

14. Consulting clubs case interview examples

Berkeley case book (2006)
Columbia case book (2006)
Darden case book (2012)
Darden case book (2018)
Duke case book (2010)
Duke case book (2014)
ESADE case book (2011)
Goizueta case book (2006)
Illinois case book (2015)
LBS case book (2006)
MIT case book (2001)
Notre Dame case book (2017)
Ross case book (2010)
Wharton case book (2010)

5. How to practise case interviews

We've coached more than 15,000 people for interviews since 2018. There are essentially three activities you can do to practice case interviews. Here’s what we've learned about each of them.

5.1 Practise by yourself

Learning by yourself is an essential first step. We recommend you make full use of the free prep resources on our consulting blog and also watch some mock case interviews on our YouTube channel . That way you can see what an excellent answer looks like.

Once you’re in command of the subject matter, you’ll want to practice answering cases. But by yourself, you can’t simulate thinking on your feet or the pressure of performing in front of a stranger. Plus, there are no unexpected follow-up questions and no feedback.

That’s why many candidates try to practice with friends or peers.

5.2 Practise with peers

If you have friends or peers who can do mock interviews with you, that's an option worth trying. It’s free, but be warned, you may come up against the following problems:

It’s hard to know if the feedback you get is accurate
They’re unlikely to have insider knowledge of interviews at your target company
On peer platforms, people often waste your time by not showing up

For those reasons, many candidates skip peer mock interviews and go straight to mock interviews with an expert.

5.3 Practise with experienced MBB interviewers

In our experience, practising real interviews with experts who can give you company-specific feedback makes a huge difference.

Find a consulting interview coach so you can:

Test yourself under real interview conditions
Get accurate feedback from a real expert
Build your confidence
Get company-specific insights
Learn how to tell the right stories, better.
Save time by focusing your preparation

Landing a job at a top consulting company often results in a $50,000 per year or more increase in total compensation. In our experience, three or four coaching sessions worth ~$500 will make a significant difference in your ability to land the job. That’s an ROI of 100x!

Click here to book case interview coaching with experienced MBB interviewers.

Questions to ask at the end of a consulting interview

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Team-Building Strategies: Building a Winning Team for Your Organization

Discover how to build a winning team and boost your business negotiation results in this free special report, Team Building Strategies for Your Organization, from Harvard Law School.

Teach by Example with These Negotiation Case Studies

By Lara SanPietro — on July 20th, 2024 / Teaching Negotiation

Negotiation case studies use the power of example to teach negotiation strategies. Looking to past negotiations where students can analyze what approaches the parties took and how effective they were in reaching an agreement, can help students gain new insights into negotiation dynamics. The Teaching Negotiation Resource Center (TNRC) has a variety of negotiation case studies to help students learn by example.

Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo – Featured Case Study

The Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo case study centers on the most challenging task for a negotiator: to reach a satisfactory agreement with a tough counterpart from a position of low power—and to do so in an uncommon context. This case focuses on the executive director of a zoo in the U.S. who seeks two giant pandas, an endangered species, from their only source on the planet: China. Compounding the difficulty, many other zoos are also trying to obtain giant pandas—the “rock stars” of the zoo world. Yet, as if relative bargaining power were not enough to preoccupy the zoo director, it is not his only major challenge.

His zoo’s initiative attracts attention from a wide range of stakeholders, from nongovernmental (NGO) conservation groups to government agencies on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Several of these organizations ardently oppose the zoo’s efforts, while others change their positions over time. All of this attention influences the zoo’s negotiations. Therefore, a second challenging task for the zoo director is to monitor events in the negotiating environment and manage their effects on his negotiations with Chinese counterparts.

This three-part case is based on the actual negotiations and offers lessons for business, law and government students and professionals in multiple subject areas. Preview a Negotiating About Pandas for San Diego Zoo Teacher’s Package to learn more.

Camp Lemonnier Case Study – Featured Case Study

In the spring of 2014, representatives from the United States of America and the Republic of Djibouti were in the midst of renegotiations over Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent U.S. base on the continent of Africa. Djibouti, bordering Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, has been home to Camp Lemonnier since the September 11, 2001 attacks prompted the United States to seek a temporary staging ground for U.S. Marines in the region. Since then, Camp Lemonnier has expanded to nearly 500 acres and a base of unparalleled importance, in part because it is one of the busiest Predator drone bases outside of the Afghan warzone.

Tensions between the United States and Djibouti have flared in recent years, due in large part to a string of collisions and close calls because of Djiboutian air-traffic controllers’ job performance at the airport. Americans have complained about the training of air-traffic controllers at the commercial airport. Additionally, labor disputes have arisen at the base where the United States is one of the largest non-government employers within the country.

Major lessons of this case study include:

Defining BATNA: what is each party’s BATNA?
Understanding the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA)
The impact of culture in negotiation.
Uncovering interests.
Principal-agent dynamics.
Uncovering sources of power in negotiation.

This case is based on the real 2014 negotiations between the United States of America and the Republic of Djibouti. Preview a Camp Lemonnier Case Study Teacher’s Package to learn more.

A Green Victory Against Great Odds, But Was It Too Little Too Late? – Featured Case Study

This case study provides an intimate view into the fierce battle among major US nonprofit environmental groups, Members of Congress, and industry over energy policy in 2007. The resulting law slashed pollution by raising car efficiency regulations for the first time in three decades. For negotiators and advocates, this case provides important lessons about cultivating champions, neutralizing opponents, organizing the masses, and using the right message at the right time.

This case is based on the actual negotiations and offers lessons for business, government, climate change, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and more. Preview A Green Victory Against Great Odds Teacher’s Package to learn more.

Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards – Featured Case Study

Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards: The U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement is a detailed factual case study that tracks the negotiation of the labor provisions in the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement signed into law on January 1, 2004. It draws upon a range of published and unpublished sources and interview with some of the primary players to give a true inside look into a challenging international negotiation. Written primarily from the point of view of the lead U.S. negotiator for the labor chapter, the case study discusses the two countries’ interests and positions on the labor provisions, the possible templates available from prior agreements, the complex political maneuvering involved, and the course of the negotiations themselves – from the opening talks to the various obstacles to the final post-agreement celebration. Preview a Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards Teacher’s Package to learn more.

______________________

Take your training to the next level with the TNRC

The Teaching Negotiation Resource Center offers a wide range of effective teaching materials, including

Over 250 negotiation exercises and role-play simulations
Critical case studies
Enlightening periodicals
More than 30 videos
100-plus books

TNRC negotiation exercises and teaching materials are designed for educational purposes. They are used in college classroom settings or corporate training settings; used by mediators and facilitators seeking to introduce their clients to a process or issue; and used by individuals who want to enhance their negotiation skills and knowledge.

Negotiation exercises and role-play simulations introduce participants to new negotiation and dispute resolution tools, techniques and strategies. Our videos, books, case studies, and periodicals are also a helpful way of introducing students to key concepts while addressing the theory and practice of negotiation.

Check out all that the TNRC has in store >>

Learn from the Best with the Great Negotiator Case Studies
Casino Two: Updated Version of Casino Available from the TNRC
Teach Your Students How to Have Difficult Conversations Over Email
The Best New Simulations
Power Asymmetry and the Principal Agent Problem

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Select Your Free Special Report

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Negotiation and Leadership Fall 2024 Program Guide
Make the Most of Online Negotiations
Managing Multiparty Negotiations
Getting the Deal Done
Salary Negotiation: How to Negotiate Salary: Learn the Best Techniques to Help You Manage the Most Difficult Salary Negotiations and What You Need to Know When Asking for a Raise

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Preparing for negotiation.

Understanding how to arrange the meeting space is a key aspect of preparing for negotiation. In this video, Professor Guhan Subramanian discusses a real world example of how seating arrangements can influence a negotiator’s success. This discussion was held at the 3 day executive education workshop for senior executives at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School.

Guhan Subramanian is the Professor of Law and Business at the Harvard Law School and Professor of Business Law at the Harvard Business School.

Articles & Insights

BATNA Examples—and What You Can Learn from Them
Taylor Swift: Negotiation Mastermind?
Negotiation Examples: How Crisis Negotiators Use Text Messaging
BATNA Strategy: Should You Reveal Your BATNA?
10 Hard-Bargaining Tactics to Watch Out for in a Negotiation
How to Negotiate in Good Faith
Right of First Refusal: A Potentially Win-Win Negotiation Tool
Dear Negotiation Coach: Coping with a Change-of-Control Provision
Win-Win Bargaining: Private Negotiation, Public Auction, or Both?
Contract Negotiations and Business Communication: How to Write an Iron-Clad Contract
Conflict Resolution Scenarios: Negotiating Values
Advanced Negotiation Strategies and Concepts: Hostage Negotiation Tips for Business Negotiators
Strategies to Resolve Conflict over Deeply Held Values
Conflict Resolution in the Family
Learning from Feedback without Losing Your Mind
Famous Negotiations Cases – NBA and the Power of Deadlines at the Bargaining Table
AI Negotiation in the News
Power Tactics in Negotiation: How to Gain Leverage with Stronger Parties
Negotiating Change During the Covid-19 Pandemic
What is Crisis Management in Negotiation?
Bargaining in Bad Faith: Dealing with “False Negotiators”
Dealing with Difficult People and Negotiation: When Should You Give Up the Fight?
Consensus-Building Techniques
How to Renegotiate a Bad Deal
Ethics in Negotiations: How to Deal with Deception at the Bargaining Table
Negotiation Techniques: The First Offer Dilemma in Negotiations
How to Counter Offer Successfully With a Strong Rationale
Negotiating Skills: Learn How to Build Trust at the Negotiation Table
Managing a Multiparty Negotiation
5 Dealmaking Tips for Closing the Deal
3 Negotiation Strategies for Conflict Resolution
Top 10 Dispute Resolution Skills
The Door in the Face Technique: Will It Backfire?
Choose the Right Dispute Resolution Process
Dispute Resolution on Facebook: Using a Negotiation Approach to Resolve a Conflict
Government Negotiations and Beyond: Using Carrots and Sticks Effectively
Famous Negotiators: Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin
Cross Cultural Communication: Translation and Negotiation
Prompting Peace Negotiations
Negotiation Analysis: The US, Taliban, and the Bergdahl Exchange
The Contingency Theory of Leadership: A Focus on Fit
Paternalistic Leadership: Beyond Authoritarianism
Learning from Ethical Leadership Failures at Boeing
Pope Francis and the Benefits of Servant Leadership in Negotiations
Nelson Mandela: Negotiation Lessons from a Master
Types of Mediation: Choose the Type Best Suited to Your Conflict
What Makes a Good Mediator?
Employee Mediation Techniques – Resolve Disputes and Manage Conflict with These Mediation Skills
Using E-Mediation and Online Mediation Techniques for Conflict Resolution
How Mediation Works When Both Parties Agree They Need Help Resolving the Dispute
Positional Bargaining Pitfalls
Appealing to Sympathy When Dealing with Difficult Situations
Effective Negotiation Strategies for Dealing with Competitors
The Hidden Pitfalls of Video Negotiation
Will You Avoid a Negotiation Impasse?
Trust in Negotiation: Does Gender Matter?
Negotiation Training: What’s Special About Technology Negotiations?
Cole Cannon Esq. Shares His Negotiation and Leadership Experience
Gender and Negotiation: New Research Findings
Ethics and Negotiation: 5 Principles of Negotiation to Boost Your Bargaining Skills in Business Situations
Salary Negotiation: How to Ask for a Higher Salary
Dispute Resolution Example: The Chicago Symphony’s Contract Dispute
Negotiating Salary: Confronting the Gender Pay Gap
How to Counter a Job Offer: Avoid Common Mistakes
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary after a Job Offer
How to Use Tradeoffs to Create Value in Your Negotiations
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5 Win-Win Negotiation Strategies
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For NFL Players, a Win-Win Negotiation Contract Only in Retrospect?

PON Publications

Negotiation Data Repository (NDR)
New Frontiers, New Roleplays: Next Generation Teaching and Training
Negotiating Transboundary Water Agreements
Learning from Practice to Teach for Practice—Reflections From a Novel Training Series for International Climate Negotiators
Insights From PON’s Great Negotiators and the American Secretaries of State Program
Gender and Privilege in Negotiation

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The Case Study Teaching Method

It is easy to get confused between the case study method and the case method , particularly as it applies to legal education. The case method in legal education was invented by Christopher Columbus Langdell, Dean of Harvard Law School from 1870 to 1895. Langdell conceived of a way to systematize and simplify legal education by focusing on previous case law that furthered principles or doctrines. To that end, Langdell wrote the first casebook, entitled A Selection of Cases on the Law of Contracts , a collection of settled cases that would illuminate the current state of contract law. Students read the cases and came prepared to analyze them during Socratic question-and-answer sessions in class.

The Harvard Business School case study approach grew out of the Langdellian method. But instead of using established case law, business professors chose real-life examples from the business world to highlight and analyze business principles. HBS-style case studies typically consist of a short narrative (less than 25 pages), told from the point of view of a manager or business leader embroiled in a dilemma. Case studies provide readers with an overview of the main issue; background on the institution, industry, and individuals involved; and the events that led to the problem or decision at hand. Cases are based on interviews or public sources; sometimes, case studies are disguised versions of actual events or composites based on the faculty authors’ experience and knowledge of the subject. Cases are used to illustrate a particular set of learning objectives; as in real life, rarely are there precise answers to the dilemma at hand.

Our suite of free materials offers a great introduction to the case study method. We also offer review copies of our products free of charge to educators and staff at degree-granting institutions.

For more information on the case study teaching method, see:

Martha Minow and Todd Rakoff: A Case for Another Case Method
HLS Case Studies Blog: Legal Education’s 9 Big Ideas
Teaching Units: Problem Solving , Advanced Problem Solving , Skills , Decision Making and Leadership , Professional Development for Law Firms , Professional Development for In-House Counsel
Educator Community: Tips for Teachers

Watch this informative video about the Problem-Solving Workshop:

<< Previous: About Harvard Law School Case Studies | Next: Downloading Case Studies >>

leiden lawmethods portal

Case study research.

Last update: April 07, 2022

A legal scholar who uses the term ‘case’ will probably first think of a legal case. From a socio-legal perspective, the understanding of this concept is, however, slightly different. Case study research is a methodology that is useful to study ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions in real-life.

Over the last forty years, researchers from sociology, anthropology and various other disciplines have developed the case study research methodology dramatically. This can be confusing for legal researchers. Luckily, both Webley and Argyrou have written an article on case study research specifically for legal researchers. Webley writes, for example, that this methodology allows us to know ‘how laws are understood, and how and why they are applied and misapplied, subverted, complied with or rejected’. Both authors rely upon the realist tradition of case study research as theorised by Yin. Yin defines the scope of a case study as: “An empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real-life context, when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident”.

Before you start collecting data for your case study, it is important to think about the theory and the concepts that you will want to use, as this will very much determine what your case will be about and will help you in the analysis of your data. You should then decide which methods of data collection and sources you will consult to generate a rich spectrum of data. Observations, legal guidelines, press articles… can be useful. Legal case study researchers usually also rely extensively on interviews. The meaning that interview participants give to their experiences with legal systems can uncover the influence of socio-economic factors on the law, legal processes and legal institutions.

Case studies strive for generalisable theories that go beyond the setting for the specific case that has been studied. The in-depth understanding that we gain from one case, might help to also say something about other cases in other contexts but with similar dynamics at stake. However, you need to be careful to not generalize your findings across populations or universes.

Argyrou, A. (2017) Making the Case for Case Studies in Empirical Legal Research. Utrecht Law Review, Vol.13 (3), pp.95-113

Flyvbjerg, B. (2006.) Five Misunderstandings about Case-Study Research, Qualitative Inquiry 12( 2), 219-245.

Gerring, J. (2004) What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for? American Political Science Review 98( 2), 341-354.

Simons, H. (2014) Case Study Research: In-Depth Understanding in Context. In P. Leavy (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research, Oxford University Press.

Webley, L. (2016) Stumbling Blocks in Empirical Legal Research: Case Study Research. Law and Method, 10.

Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (4th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

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Guide to Oxbridge Law Interviews

Everything you should know before interviewing at Oxford or Cambridge for Law and how to be successful.

Receiving Your Invitation to Interview
Turning Up to Your Interview (Online)
Turning Up to Your Interview (In Person)
How Many Interviews Will I Have?
Answering Questions Based on Your Personal Statement
Analysing Unseen Materials as Part of the Interview
What Do I Do If I Don't Know the Answer to a Question?
Example Questions
How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview

The admissions process for prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge for their Law undergraduate courses can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Getting the coveted invitation to interview is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and it's essential to prepare thoroughly. This guide, tailored to applicants for top UK universities, aims to demystify the Oxbridge interview process, from receiving your invitation to handling the interviews themselves. We'll cover various aspects, including online and in-person interviews, personal statement questions, pre-interview admissions tests, analysing unseen materials, and dealing with challenging questions.

Receiving an invitation to interview at Oxford or Cambridge is a significant achievement. Typically, invitations are sent out in late November or early December, so it can be a little wait between applying and receiving your invitation. This means that it can be a good idea to start preparing for potential interviews before you’ve been invited, since there’s likely to be less than a month between receiving a formal invitation and attending the interview itself. Notification of your invitation (or not) will come in a letter or email from an Oxford or Cambridge college. This could be the college you applied to, or another college (either different from the one you applied to or any college if you submitted an open application). If you applied to a specific college and are invited to interview elsewhere, do not take this as any kind of sign reflecting your chances at acceptance - it is all part of the normal reallocation process that Oxford and Cambridge use to ensure that the best applicants across the university are accepted.

The date and time of your interview(s) (or at least those which the college has organised at present - but more on that later) will be specified in the correspondence you receive from the college along with your invitation, so no need to worry about organising that. Oxford have already published their rough interview timetable (i.e. windows in which various subjects can expect their interviews to take place), but this can always change so it’s good to remain a little flexible. Most interviews in the 2023-2024 cycle will be held online again this year, with the exception of specific Cambridge applicants (UK-based applicants to Gonville & Caius, King’s, Pembroke, Peterhouse, Selwyn, and Trinity Colleges). If you are asked to interview in person, the details of this will be made clear in your invitation from the College.

1. Technical Preparation

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online interviews are still being used at both Oxford and Cambridge (with the exception of the Cambridge applicants listed above). This makes the interview easier in certain manners (you won’t have to travel, you are able to remain in the comfort of your own home, etc.), but it also presents additional potential issues in that you are responsible for ensuring you have a reliable technical set up. In the lead up to the interview, ensure that you have access to a stable internet connection, a functioning camera (either built into a laptop or computer, or a separate webcam), and a quiet, well-lit environment. Be sure to check this all with plenty of time to spare (e.g. the week or some days before) so that, should an issue arise, you’ve got plenty of time to address it.

If you are worried about not having access to the appropriate equipment or the right atmosphere in which to conduct a successful interview, we suggest asking your school if they have a classroom or quiet space and some equipment you could use.

2. Dress Appropriately Even for online interviews, it is a good idea to dress smartly. Present yourself professionally, just as you would in person, but ensure that you are also comfortable (remember that if you’re interviewing over a webcam you can always keep on your favourite slippers!). We’re not saying that you need to wear a full suit and tie, but maybe don’t keep on your pyjamas or a stained hoodie; interviews are all about showing your intent, and dressing respectfully is the first step to showing that you mean business.

3. Practice Video Interviews If you're not used to video interviews, practice with friends or mentors to get comfortable with the format. It can be easy to think of talking over video meetings to be just the same as in person, but the process can actually feel very different. Chances are most of us have learned to interact over online video chat over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s always good to get a little practice in order to refresh your memory. We also recommend practising video calls from your chosen location (either with someone else or just to yourself) to make sure that nothing inappropriate can be seen in the background!

1. Arrive Early If your interview is in person, make sure you arrive early. This will give you time to settle your nerves and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Punctuality shows that you are serious about performing well in your interviews, as well as ensuring that you’re not rushing and flustered when you arrive (something which can easily carry on into the interview itself and affect your performance).

2. Dress Smartly Wear appropriate attire for the occasion. You don't need to be overly formal, but looking well-presented (whilst trying your best to maintain comfort) is essential. Remember that these are your potential future professors and/or tutors, so think about what is appropriate to where to class or in a professional setting when dressing for your interview; first impressions (in all regards) are important!

3. Bring Necessary Documents Make sure that if the college or department specify any documents, you have brought them with you. It may not be necessary, but you might also like to consider bringing a copy of your personal statement with you when you travel to Oxford or Cambridge for the interview process. It is highly likely that interviewers will ask questions building from the content of the statement, so making sure that you’re on top of the content therein is crucial to a good performance.

The number of interviews you will be asked to attend varies by course and college. Some applicants may have two or more interviews, while others might have only one. It's crucial to check the specific requirements for your chosen course and college. It is also common to have two interviews scheduled from the beginning: one with your college and one with the Law department.

In addition to the interviews you have scheduled from the start, it is also possible that, during the interview window, you will have further interviews scheduled. This is usually because other colleges have decided to cast their net wider, and are considering you for a position at their college instead of the one who invited you to interview. These interviews will be conducted by new interviewers, so there is no separate preparation you will need to undertake. It’s also important to remember that being invited to other interviews in no way indicates that you have a higher or lower chance of being accepted: It’s just part of the university’s way of making sure they get the most talented Law students from across the applicant pool.

Be prepared to discuss your personal statement in detail during the interview. Examiners may ask questions related to what you've written, so make sure you understand every aspect of your statement. We recommend reading through your personal statement regularly in the lead up to interviews to ensure that you know its contents inside and out! It can also be useful, if you have time, to read, watch, or listen back on the key sources you reference in your statement, especially since it can be some time between initially consulting them and attending the interview itself. Remember that interviewers will be well-versed in key literature relating to your subject, and so may well be familiar with any resources you reference, meaning that you need to know them in detail (or at least the key arguments within that you find interesting) to be able to discuss them in an academic setting.

A useful exercise can be to think about the key ideas or resources in your personal statement critically just to yourself. Maybe write them down and produce a spider diagram of thoughts, opinions, or interesting linking ideas you have relating to them? Thinking in a creative and open-minded way about the content of your Personal Statement can be a good way to prepare yourself for the questions interviewers might ask. We also recommend sitting down with a parent, friend, or mentor to explain and discuss the big issues identified in your Personal Statement. Don’t worry if nobody close to you is familiar with the topic; sometimes explaining an idea to someone new can be the best way of solidifying it in your own mind!

Often in Oxbridge-style interviews, applicants are given a piece of unseen material and asked to discuss it as part of the interview. This could be a text extract, a piece of data, an image, or a problem to solve. In the case of Law interviews, interviewers may provide you with a short source text or extract to read, an image to look at, or some data to analyse. They will most likely provide you with this just before the interview and ask you to discuss your analysis of it in the interview itself.

The key to such a task is to approach it as systematically as possible. Reading or looking at the material carefully, making notes, and thinking about possible discussion points as you go through it can all be crucial to your performance in the interview. Remember that subjects are broad and there is a good chance you will be unfamiliar with the content or specific context of the material in question; this is not a problem! The exercise is not intended to assess how much you know about the particular case, laws, or processes in question (although if you are studying Law at A-Level there might be a higher expectation in this regard), but rather to assess your skills of analysis and creative academic thinking when presented with new materials.

It's okay not to have all the answers. If you encounter a question that stumps you, the key is not to panic. Take a deep breath, ask for clarification if needed, and attempt to work through the problem logically. Interviewers often want to see how you handle challenging situations and think on your feet. For more guidance on how to handle unknown questions in an interview situation, read our t ips for answering an unexpected Oxford and Cambridge interview question .

Below are some past interview questions asked to applicants for Law during their Oxford and Cambridge interviews. Use them to get a feel for what is asked during an interview and to prepare your strategy for responding.

Law (Oxford and Cambridge):

How do you think the House of Lords should be reformed?
What do you think is more important, actions or motives?
Is international law the first step to a single legal system, and would such a system be possible?
If a man is stuck in a burning building and he shouts that he will give you all his money if you put a ladder by the window for him to climb to safety, is he obliged to keep his promise?
What is the difference between intention and foresight?

Law with Law Studies in Europe (Oxford):

A man is lost in the desert and falls asleep. A second man comes along and empties the water from his bottle. A third man comes along and fills it with poison. Who killed the first man?
Would it be possible to have one legal system for the whole world?
What is the difference between fault, responsibility and cause?

How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview

Given that the interview is designed to test, in large part, your creativity and thinking skills, it is unsurprisingly quite difficult to think of how to prepare. as we talked about before, the first step we recommend is to go through your personal statement and review any key sources so that you’re happy to discuss questions relating to them (since they are the questions you can most rely on cropping up). when it comes to preparing for unexpected or unknown questions, there are a whole host of ways that you can exercise your ability to deal with them. to delve into these recommendations in closer detail, read our dedicated interview preparation top tips blog , where our expert mentors have collated their 14 most useful tips for interview preparation., recent articles, can i prepare answers for my oxbridge interviews, how to prepare for unseen materials in your oxbridge interviews, how can i make last-minute improvements to my admissions test performance, jump to section, law mock interview package.

If you have any more questions about your application or interview that you would like to discuss with a member of our team, please do get in touch. Call us on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394, or email [email protected] .

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Preparing for a Case Study Interview: Key Steps and Strategies

Introduction: A case study interview is a common evaluation method used by law firms and legal organizations to assess a candidate’s ability to analyze and solve complex legal problems. It simulates the type of work that lawyers encounter on a daily basis and allows employers to evaluate a candidate’s legal knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to think critically. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps and strategies to help you prepare for a law case study interview.

1. Understand the Format: In a law case study interview, you will be presented with a hypothetical legal scenario or problem. You will be given time to review the materials and then asked to provide analysis, identify legal issues, propose solutions, and articulate your reasoning. The format may vary, but it usually involves both written and oral components.

2. Familiarize Yourself with Legal Concepts: Before your interview, ensure that you have a solid understanding of fundamental legal concepts such as contract law, tort law, constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure. Review relevant cases, statutory provisions, and legal principles that might be applicable to the hypothetical scenario you may encounter.

3. Practice Analyzing Legal Problems: To excel in a case study interview, practice analyzing legal problems and identifying key issues. This will help you develop your analytical skills and enhance your ability to spot relevant details. Familiarize yourself with legal research tools and practice applying legal principles to different scenarios.

4. Build Your Legal Knowledge: Stay updated with recent legal developments by reading news articles, legal journals, and case summaries. Focus on areas of law that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Understanding current legal trends and issues will demonstrate your dedication to staying informed and your ability to apply new knowledge to real-world situations.

5. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Lawyers must possess strong critical thinking skills to evaluate complex legal problems. Practice logical reasoning, issue spotting, and evaluating arguments. Strengthen your ability to think on your feet and to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely.

6. Time Management: During a case study interview, time management is crucial. Develop strategies to efficiently read, analyze, and respond to the materials provided within the given time frame. Practice time management techniques to ensure that you can complete the exercise within the allotted time while maintaining a high standard of analysis.

7. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in the legal profession. Practice expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Pay attention to grammar, sentence structure, and organization. Practice active listening skills to ensure that you understand the question or problem being presented.

8. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Many case study interviews involve group exercises to assess your ability to work effectively with others. Practice collaborating with peers, engaging in constructive discussions, and contributing ideas while respecting differing opinions. Showcase your ability to work well in a team and to leverage collective knowledge to solve complex legal problems.

Preparing for a Case Study Interview at a Law Firm: Essential Tips and Strategies

Preparing for a law case study interview can be a challenging task, but with the right tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to take in order to effectively prepare for a law case study interview.

1. Understand the Format: Before diving into your preparation, it is crucial to understand the format of a law case study interview. In this type of interview, you will typically be given a hypothetical legal scenario or problem, and you will be asked to analyze and provide a solution or recommendation. It is important to familiarize yourself with the typical structure and expectations of a case study interview.

2. Research and Review: Once you have a good grasp of the format, it is time to start your research and review. Take the time to brush up on your legal knowledge and concepts relevant to the area of law that the case study might cover. Review any recent legal developments or landmark cases that may be relevant. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment and preparedness.

3. Practice Analyzing Case Studies: To excel in a law case study interview, practice is key. Seek out case studies or hypothetical legal scenarios and practice analyzing them. Pay attention to the key issues, the relevant laws, and any potential arguments or counterarguments that may arise. Practice presenting your analysis and recommendations in a clear and logical manner.

4. Develop Strong Analytical Skills: Analytical skills are highly valued in the legal profession. Take steps to develop and enhance your analytical skills before your case study interview. Engage in activities that require critical thinking, such as participating in mock trials or joining legal debate clubs. This will not only sharpen your analytical skills but also boost your confidence when faced with complex legal scenarios.

5. Stay Updated on Current Events: Law is a constantly evolving field, and being aware of current legal issues and developments can set you apart in a case study interview. Stay updated on recent court decisions, legislative changes, and any other relevant legal news. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and your ability to apply legal principles to real-world situations.

6. Seek Feedback: Feedback is invaluable when it comes to improving your performance. Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or career advisors who can provide constructive criticism and help you identify areas for improvement. Consider participating in mock interviews or seeking the assistance of a career coach who specializes in the legal field.

7. Be Confident and Professional: Lastly, but certainly not least, approach your law case study interview with confidence and professionalism. Dress appropriately, maintain eye contact, and convey your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember to remain calm and composed, even when faced with challenging questions or scenarios.

By following these essential tips and strategies, you can effectively prepare for a law case study interview and increase your chances of success. Remember to stay focused, stay updated, and stay confident. Good luck!

Understanding the Key Components of a Case Study: A Comprehensive Guide

A case study is a detailed analysis of a particular legal issue or problem. It is often used by law firms and legal professionals to evaluate and assess the strengths and weaknesses of a legal argument, as well as to develop strategies for potential litigation.

When preparing for a law case study interview, it is crucial to understand the key components that make up a comprehensive case study. By familiarizing yourself with these elements, you can effectively analyze and discuss legal issues in a structured and coherent manner.

Here are the key components of a case study that you should be aware of:

Facts: The facts of a case are the events and circumstances that led to the legal dispute. It is important to carefully examine the facts and identify relevant details that are essential to understanding the case. These may include dates, locations, parties involved, and any other relevant background information.
Legal Issues: A case study will typically present one or more legal issues that need to be addressed. These issues are the crux of the problem and require careful analysis and interpretation of the law. It is essential to identify and understand these legal issues in order to build a strong argument.
Legal Analysis: This component involves analyzing the relevant laws, statutes, regulations, and legal principles that are applicable to the case at hand. It requires careful research and evaluation of legal authorities such as case law, statutes, and legal commentary. By conducting a thorough legal analysis, you can develop persuasive arguments to support your position.
Arguments: In a case study, you will need to present arguments that support your position on the legal issues at hand. These arguments should be logical, well-reasoned, and supported by legal authority. It is important to anticipate opposing arguments and address them effectively to strengthen your position.

Reflecting on the importance of staying up-to-date on this topic

In the legal field, staying up-to-date with current trends and best practices is essential for success. This is particularly true when it comes to preparing for a law case study interview. As an attorney, you must continuously strive to enhance your knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the demands of your profession.

A law case study interview is a critical component of the hiring process for many law firms and legal organizations. It provides employers with an opportunity to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and legal knowledge in a practical setting. Therefore, it is crucial to approach such interviews with thorough preparation.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with valuable insights into how to prepare for a law case study interview successfully. However, it is essential to remember that the legal landscape is ever-evolving, and specific interview techniques and expectations may vary depending on the interviewer and the organization. Therefore, it is imperative to verify and contrast the content of this guide with other reliable sources to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To prepare for a law case study interview, consider the following steps:

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the typical format of a law case study interview. These interviews often involve analyzing a hypothetical legal scenario or reviewing a real-world case. Understanding the structure of the interview will help you anticipate what to expect and allow you to tailor your preparation accordingly.

2. Review Legal Principles: Refresh your understanding of key legal principles relevant to the area of law in which you are seeking employment. This may include contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, or any other relevant field. Revisit legal concepts, landmark cases, and recent developments in your chosen area. This will enable you to approach case study questions with confidence and demonstrate your legal expertise.

3. Analyze Past Cases: Study and analyze past cases in your chosen area of law. Look for patterns, legal reasoning, and precedents that may be applicable to similar scenarios. This will help you develop a strategic approach to problem-solving during the interview.

4. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Case study interviews are designed to assess your ability to think critically and apply legal principles in a practical context. Practice analyzing complex scenarios, identifying legal issues, and proposing well-reasoned solutions. This will sharpen your analytical skills and enable you to tackle case study questions effectively.

5. Practice Mock Interviews: Seek opportunities to practice mock case study interviews with peers, mentors, or career advisors. These practice sessions will allow you to refine your interview technique and receive valuable feedback on areas that require improvement. Incorporate constructive criticism into your preparation to enhance your performance.

6. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of current legal developments, changes in legislation, recent court decisions, and emerging trends in the legal profession. Subscribing to legal publications, attending relevant conferences or webinars, and engaging in discussions with fellow legal professionals can help you stay up-to-date. This knowledge will not only benefit you during the interview but also throughout your legal career.

In conclusion, preparing for a law case study interview is an important aspect of a successful legal career. Staying up-to-date on current legal trends and best practices is crucial for effectively navigating this process. Remember to verify and contrast the content of this guide with other reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide and continuously expanding your legal knowledge, you will be well-equipped to excel in your law case study interviews.

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9 questions you might be asked in a law interview

Everyone knows competition for training contracts is intense, which can make interviewing for a place daunting. To give yourself the best chance of success practice your answers to these common law interview questions

The type of interview you'll face when applying for a law job really depends on the firm and the role you've applied for, but candidates can often expect to face a telephone or video interview and a panel interview , which may be conducted by a combination of graduate recruitment and fee-earning colleagues.

Jack Yusuf, trainee solicitor at White & Case explains the three types of questions you'll come up against in a training contract job interview:

Motivational questions - where the interviewer will ask you to provide your personal reasons for becoming a lawyer and for applying to the particular firm in question.
Competency questions - the interviewer will ask you to provide examples to show you have the specific attributes required of a trainee solicitor.
Commercial awareness questions - questions on commercial topics are asked to gauge your understanding of local, national, and world business and how this impacts the wider law sector.

When interviewing for training contracts you might also face a case study scenario, in which you'll review several documents and then present back to the panel on risks and opportunities facing the potential client.

Just like in all job interviews, it pays to be prepared. Take a look at the following example questions and how to answer them.

1. Why do you want to become a solicitor?

This sounds like an easy opening, but it throws many candidates off their stride.

When answering, consider the type of firm you're interviewing for. 'Commercial law firms want to know that you have a genuine and specific interest in commercial work, not just legal work generally,' advises Jack. 'Interviewers also want to know that you truly understand what the role entails.'

Look at the firm's main website - not just their recruitment website, as it often contains useful information about the sectors that the firm is active in.

This question can be phrased in number of ways, such as:

why choose a career in law?
why have you applied to us?

'Be specific and personal in your answer and provide examples of experiences that shaped your interests. Conversely, avoid general descriptors (e.g. 'fast-paced' or 'intellectually stimulating') that could apply to numerous other professions,' adds Jack.

Questions about why you chose the type of law you'd like to practice are also common, so be prepared to explain your choice.

Highlight your breadth of legal work experience and identify which specific element led you to pursue a career in your chosen specialism and why. Give details of the experience you've sought in your preferred field and how this has strengthened your interest in this area of law.

Vacation schemes aren't the only experience of value, so be sure to mention periods of work shadowing and relevant extra-curricular activities. For example, you could use your experience volunteering with a victim's rights charity to demonstrate your passion for criminal law, your captaincy of a university sports team to show your interest in sports law or your creation and management of a local event, such as a fashion show or music or arts festival, to show your commerciality.

Gain an insight into the reality of working in law .

2. Have you applied to other firms?

This isn't a trick question. Be honest and specific in your answer.

Name two or three other firms that you've applied to, with a common reason why - such as they all share a similar culture, or they guarantee all trainees an international secondment. This demonstrates consistency in your applications. It shows the employer that you're committed to your field and determined to build a career in a certain practice area.

Don't be afraid to mention an application to a competitor firm. If you impress with the rest of your interview, this may work in your favour as recruiters are unlikely to want a talented candidate working for the competition.

3. What attracted you to this firm?

'The interviewer is looking to see that you have researched the firm and truly want to work there,' says Jack. 'Be specific to the firm and evidence your interest with any experience - for example, did you speak to a member of the firm at a university law fair? Attend an open day? Reach out to someone on LinkedIn? Did you attend a legal event where the firm presented?'

Also draw on experiences such as insight days and any work experience that confirmed they were the right firm for you.

Are there any benefits, initiatives, employee networks or schemes on offer unique to the firm that set them apart from their competitors? Bear in mind that answering 'Because you pay higher trainee salaries' is unlikely to impress.

Further demonstrate your knowledge by mentioning a couple of recent cases of interest or express a wish to work with specific clients.

You may also be asked:

What do you know about our firm?
Why do you want to work for us over our competitors?

Read up on top UK law firms then search for law jobs .

4. How would you make yourself stand out as a trainee?

Where training contracts are concerned there are far more applicants than places, so this is your opportunity to highlight your unique selling points and make clear what you could bring to the firm.

Identify key strengths and experiences using real, relevant examples. Don't just say that you're a great problem solver; instead tell the interviewer how you demonstrated this skill in a student mooting competition. 'Try to pick examples from a varied range of experiences, whether from your academic studies, legal work experience, employment, or extra-curricular activities,' adds Jack.

This is also a good time to demonstrate how the culture and values of the firm fit with your own. Are there any social or charity events that you'd be keen to get involved in? Are there any organisational sports teams you'd like to join? Would you like to play a role and make your mark on employee networks such as LGBTQ+, women's or ethnicity groups? Are there any gaps in the firm's social offering that you could fill?

5. If you could bring any law into force what would it be and why?

Another variation of this question is 'which law would you like to change and why?' Questions like this test your legislative knowledge, as well as provide an insight into your judicial opinions. Your response will also highlight the areas of law you're passionate about.

Avoid choosing anything too controversial. Picking a law or legal issue that has recently been in the news is a good option, as it demonstrates that your legal knowledge is up to date. Alternatively, choose to introduce a law that would directly benefit the firm or its clients.

6. Give an example of a time you used your ability to negotiate.

In a law interview demonstrating your knowledge of the firm is all well and good, but you also need to show that you're qualified for the job. This is where strength and competency-based questions come in.

These questions require you to give relevant examples of a time that you have demonstrated the necessary skills and competencies, and are a common feature of all job interviews .

Where possible use examples from your legal work experience, but don't be afraid to draw on your time at university, extra-curricular activities, gap year experience or part-time work.

Use the STAR (situation, task, action and result) method to structure your answer.

Other skills and competency-based questions include:

Tell us about a time you worked as a team.
Give an example of a time you dealt with conflict and how you resolved this.
What achievement are you most proud of?
How would your friends describe you?

7. In a client meeting your supervisor gives incorrect advice. What do you do?

8. Can you talk us through a current issue affecting law firms?

When asked, legal recruiters say that commercial awareness is one of the most important skills that a candidate can possess.

Your response needs to prove that you have an understanding of industry, regulatory, economic, cultural and social issues, as well as company identity and structure.

To tackle questions surrounding commercial awareness watch the news and read newspapers daily. Sign up to legal newsletters and set up notification alerts on your phone to receive the latest business news. Check firm websites and follow their social media accounts.

Alternatively, you may be asked:

What are the main challenges facing city law firms today?
What recent legal stories have caught your eye and how are they progressing?

9. Which three historical figures would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Not all candidates come up against off-the-wall questions, but some firms use them to get to know an interviewee better and to test how they think on their feet.

In the majority of instances there is no right or wrong answer - so don't panic. Recruiters simply want to hear how you think through an issue.

Talk through your response to demonstrate logical thinking and conversational ability and back it up with an explanation.

Law firm interview tips

A good way to round up your interview is by taking the opportunity to ask some questions of your own. Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in progression and building a long-term career with the firm. For example, ask about the kind of responsibility given to trainees, skills that the interviewer has found important in previous trainees and any plans the firm has for expansion or investment over the next few years. When it comes to asking more general questions, see 7 good questions to ask at an interview .

The best advice is to remember that interviews are all about people. While this is your opportunity to discover if you'd like to work for the firm, the interviewer is deciding if you'd be a valuable addition to their team. They're trying to figure out if you'll be worth the investment. Would they be happy to work with you every day? Can they put you in front of a client? Don't be intimidated. Be positive and be yourself.

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Oxford Law: Tips & Questions for Interview

In this article we will guide you on how to best prepare for your Oxford Law interview , with guides on past Oxford Law questions, interview tips, mock examples and real experiences from students who have sat the Oxford Law Panel interview.

The Law Faculty at Oxford University has created this video of a mock interview – it may be useful to watch, to get an idea of what the interview process will be like.

Table of Contents

What is the Oxford Law interview structure?

When you are interviewed at Oxford for Law, you will be invited to a particular college to interview. It is highly likely that you will receive two interviews at that college, to give you more chance to showcase your abilities. Furthermore, there is a chance that you will also be interviewed at a second college – though this will only be one interview, taking place a bit later in the week.

It is important to recognise that the Oxford Law interviews are not aimed towards testing your current legal knowledge – they will primarily consist of legally related questions and various intellectual logic puzzles (which will test your legal analysis skills). In some cases, you may be given an extract of a legal document (or something similar) to read beforehand, and discuss during the interview. Once again, this will not require you to have any prior knowledge of the law – they are testing how well you are able to learn from new information, and how well you might do as a law student (e.g., by testing your logical thinking skills).

What are the Oxford Law interview dates?

It is expected that the Oxford Law interview dates for 2024 entry will take place in early December. Your first college interviews will take place at the beginning of December. You will then receive communication on whether you have second college interviews usually in the same week. These second college interviews will likely take place in the second week of December. It has not yet been communicated whether interviews will take place online via Microsoft Teams or in person.

Example Past Questions from Oxford Law interview

General questions:.

Why choose Law?
Is there a particular reason you chose to apply to Oxford?
Why Law at Oxford specifically?
Questions concerning areas in your personal statement, such as books you have read.

Case study questions:

Giving you a scenario and asking how you would handle it, or what law you might write to deal with the situation
Giving you a short piece of writing to read and discuss
Giving you a legal rule, then telling you a situation and asking how you would apply the rule

Oxford Law Example Questions:

Running a red light: Running a red light in the middle of the night on an empty road is illegal. Should this be the case?
Locked room: My friend locks me in a room, telling me I can come out if I pay them £5. Is this a deprivation of freedom?
Taking a car: What does it mean for me to ‘take’ someone else’s car? (Consider: can I take a car if I do not drive it away?)
Giving you a longer piece to read prior to the interview, which will then be discussed during the interview
Marmalade in eggs: A wife has expressed previously to her husband her extreme distaste for putting marmalade in eggs at breakfast. He continues to do so. Is this grounds for divorce?
Can you imagine a world without laws?
School uniform: Is making children wear school uniform breaching their human rights?
Bank dilemma: I go to the bank, and the bank manager tells me I have £100 in my account. I then go out and spend £100, given the bank manager’s information. However, the manager was incorrect, and I actually only had £90. Who is at fault here? Should I have to pay the bank back?
Questions concerning the definitions of certain things – such as a criminal act – and breaking this definition down. E.g., looking at the definition of ‘murder’ as “intentionally causing the death of someone else”.

Insider Guides: Oxford Law Interview

What happens on the day of your oxford law interview .

I had interviews in person – while yours maybe be online, so your experience may be a little different. The interviews themselves will be the same, but I was staying in Oxford and the college I interviewed at (Christ Church) held events for the students staying there, which I’m not sure you will have. The schedule of interviews was published at the beginning of the process on a board in the college – this will likely be sent to you online ahead of time. I just arrived at the assigned room on time for the interview, and all went as planned.

What do you have to bring to your Oxford Law interview?

We were not allowed any personal items, and had to leave our phones outside of the interview room. I would recommend you have a pen and some paper with you in case you need to scribble anything down during the interview. The dress code was smart casual.

What is the Oxford Law interview setting and how long is it?

I attended two interviews at Christ Church, and each of them was in a separate room of a different professor. The setting in both interviews was very informal, we were all sitting in armchairs and couches around a coffee table. Each one lasted around 45-50 minutes.

Oxbridge Interview Tips Questions Tutoring

What are the Oxford Law interviewers like?

In the first interview I had, the interviewers were extremely friendly and welcoming. They really made me feel comfortable and confident about my performance. Meanwhile, the second interview was very cold and a bit difficult to navigate. I remember that after one of my answers, the professor remarked that everything I said was wrong! This totally put me off track until the end of the interview.

The interviewers asked questions from a generic pre-determined list, but at times they would ask a follow-up based on my responses.

What are the best tips for planning my trip for my Oxford Law interview?

The college should provide you with all relevant information in that regard ahead of time, so you won’t be confused about anything. If you do have any questions, make sure to email/ring someone to gain some clarity! Everyone was very friendly and helpful during my interviews.

Are there any academic or challenging Law questions at the Oxford interview?

Many of the questions were challenging – things like providing me with hypothetical legal scenarios and asking me to evaluate whether the defendant would be guilty of criminal damage, based on an extract from the Criminal Damage Act 1971, which they gave me a few minutes to read.

Are there any personality, work experience or extracurricular based Law questions at the Oxford interview?

I was asked about my personal statement – to clarify why I chose to apply to Law over PPE or another politics-focussed degree, since I had made several allusions to politics in my personal statement. I was also asked about my extracurriculars – they asked what key skills I had developed through my extracurriculars (MUN, volunteering, playing tennis), and how they can help me to thrive in Oxford, both academically and in the wider student community.

Top Tips for the Oxford Law interview

Familiarise yourself with possible case study formats – namely, analysing a legal case or commenting on hypotheticals based on a piece of legislation.
Come off as enthusiastic, but not overly keen and naive – studying law is difficult, so don’t downplay it.
Really find a unique and personal explanation for the ‘why law?’ question . When asked ‘why law?’, lots of students go on to argue why they don’t want to study history/PPE/classics/etc., as opposed to uncovering their interest in legal scholarship.
Link your responses to personal experiences from your work experience, extracurriculars, and academics.
Make sure you know any book or legal case inside out if you mentioned them in your personal statement.

Top Tips for the “Why Oxford” interview question

I focused on the tutorial system at Oxford
Personally, I also prefer Oxford’s examination system, where you sit all exams at the end of the final year, as opposed to taking them each year.
You can also look at the courses offered within the Law degree at Oxford, and consider whether any of them are particularly interesting to you.

My favourite thing about studying Law at Oxford University

My favourite thing is the possibility to dig into a specific topic as much as I want. For example, I really disliked some of my private law subjects (e.g. trusts), but I could spend ages reading about administrative law, and my professor was very supportive in stimulating my interest in public law.

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Mergers and Acquisitions for Commercial Law

Preparing you for m&a case studies and interviews, this course is included in our tcla premium subscription..

This course is free with a subscription to TCLA Premium .

Would you like to excel in M&A interviews across top law firms?

Do you want to develop your understanding of mergers and acquisitions?

Well, we've got good news for you. We've just opened enrollment for our Mergers and Acquisitions Case Studies course.

Mergers and acquisitions forms the basis for some of the hardest exercises at law firm interviews and assessment days. That's why this course is designed to prepare you for all forms of M&A questions across case studies, written exercises and scenario interviews.

You'll come away with a detailed understanding of the key interview topics through video lectures and case study materials.

TCLA's mock case studies and written exercises 2 and 3 (with new sample answers!)
Our new case study, designed to simulate a real case study interview (with sample answers!)
A detailed breakdown of the most challenging M&A interview questions with guidance on how to stand out in your answers
30+ sample interview answers
Practice quizzes to reinforce your learning
Practical examples based on recent interview topics

If you're new to the subject, don't worry, we break down what you need to know about mergers and acquisitions for your interviews, right from the basics. If you already know your stuff, this course will help you to grapple with many of the high-level topics, such as negotiating the key terms in an acquisition agreement and structuring an acquisition.

This is a very practical, step by step video course to excelling in M&A interviews, compiling everything you need to know about the topic in one place. It's divided into six sections, beginning with the information you need to develop your understanding of M&A and ending with real case study exercises for you to practice. Throughout you will find a variety of M&A interview and scenario questions together with our sample answers.

IMPORTANT: This course is FREE for TCLA Premium subscribers !

Course Curriculum

Start What do you need to know for an M&A Interview? (2:55)
Start M&A Interview Questions - Full List
Start M&A Interview Terminology
Start M&A Pre-Course Test (Normal)
Start M&A Pre-Course Test (Advanced)
Start Understanding Mergers and Acquisitions (1:33)
Start Horizontal mergers (1:08)
Start Vertical Mergers (1:51)
Start Conglomerate Mergers (0:44)
Start Written Exercise: Mergers and Acquisitions (3:53)
Start Why do companies merge or acquire other companies? (2:11)
Start Understanding Synergy (2:29)
Start Acquihires, intellectual property and financial sponsors (1:46)
Start Interview Questions & Answers: M&A Fundamentals
Start Acquisition Overview and the Role of Lawyers (5:12)
Start Interview Question: Acquisition Structure (7:09)
Start Raising Finance and Method of Payment
Start Interview Questions & Answers: Anatomy of a Deal
Start Non-Disclosure Agreement/Confidentiality Agreement (4:28)
Start Letter of Intent (4:36)
Start Due Diligence and Interview Questions (13:16)
Start Acquisition Agreement and Warranties & Indemnities (12:53)
Start Interview Questions & Answers: Negotiating and Drafting

Your Instructor

Jaysen completed his undergraduate degree in Law at the London School of Economics, before pursuing a master's degree at the University of Cambridge with a specialism in corporate law.

He began his career as a trainee at the US-based law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges prior to founding The Corporate Law Academy.

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Legal case studies and written exercises

As part of the recruitment process, in this kind of exercise you are given a set of papers relating to a particular situation and asked to make recommendations in a brief report. The firm will pick a case study relevant to the work they do. You are provided with a large amount of factual information.

The most common written exercise is writing a letter to a client on whether or not to proceed with a business proposal, once you have read the relevant documents. You may be asked to present advice to the client (usually played by a partner) or answer questions on the case. You are being tested on your ability to:

Analyse information
Think clearly and logically
Exercise your judgement
Express yourself on paper/ present yourself to a client

Examples of exercises

Investment project - given a bundle of documents including letter from the bank, background information on accounts. Should the client invest?
Write a report summarising the information given about an energy firm wanting to take over an urban community regeneration scheme. Look at the strengths, risks, obstacles to scheme and suggestions about whether it should move forward.
Given a lengthy consultant's report with half an hour to read and then draft a presentation recommending whether to go ahead on buying the company - followed by questions.
The client, a steel company, is losing money due to a rival. There's also a proceeding against your client. The rival company is thinking of merging with / acquiring your client's company. Look at the extract of a contract between the client and the steel supplier and advise your client of the pros and cons regarding the proceeding.
Given an accident and medical report and photos - written answers to a series of questions.
Proposed M&A - pick out the relevant parts to read and then present to the interviewers on what you feel is the correct course of action.
Legal interpretation question based on fictional health and safety legislation.
Interpret a section of the mental health act - answer questions from the interviewer.
Employment service contract - review in order to answer 10 set questions.
Five passages to rewrite in layman's terms.
Draft a letter of complaint to a local electrical store regarding faulty goods.
Read a case study on police ill treatment and then draft a report on the legal matters arising from it.

Individual tasks

Candidates generally work independently on such an exercise and their recommendation or decision is usually to be communicated in the form of a brief written report and/or a presentation made to the assessors. Ensure your thought processes are clearly articulated and available for the scrutiny of the assessors. Of paramount importance, if the brief requires a decision to be made, ensure that a decision is made and articulated.

Group tasks

You may be asked to do a case study as a group. It is likely to be along the lines of the first two exercises in the example with information given to the group to sift through and pull out the key facts. At the end the group will be asked to present to the interviewers, outlining the issues involved and key recommendations and then take questions as a group.

Letter drafting criteria

If in the exercise you are involved in drafting a letter, as part of the assessment the interviewer will check that it:

Protects the interests of the client
Meets the client's objectives
Addresses all relevant factual and legal issues
Identifies relevant options
Is logically organised
Is consistent and coherent
Is clear and concise

Other preparation

In addition to the general preparation your course provides, you could also:

Find out what sort of cases your employer specialises in
Practice a Watson Glaser test, a critical reasoning test often used by firms at assessment centres
Practice 'skim' reading which is an important skill. This feedback from a candidate demonstrates this: 'The exercise was very time-pressured and I made the mistake of reading all of the information given before starting to write anything down. I got the impression that not all of the info was supposed to be relevant and that they were testing our ability to sift through written material to extract the most important things.'

Don't focus on the technicalities

Non-law students often do well on these exercises as they do not have the relevant knowledge of the law and so focus on sifting the information, whereas law students often get too involved with trying to understand the information in legal terms.

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Best ways to practice case study interviews

Thread starter Kevin Toneatti
Start date Oct 5, 2020
Tags case study interview prep

Kevin Toneatti

Oct 5, 2020

Hi everyone, last year I reached the HSF's assessment day. A part of their process is to conduct a case study interview that is aimed at putting you under lots of pressure by reading a substantial amount of information, as well as constantly challenge your points of view. Unfortunately, I did not get an offer for a VS, and according to the feedback report, the main reason was that I did not perform well in the case study interview. Can anyone tell me the best ways to practice a case study interview by myself? I find it quite difficult to put myself under pressure and challenge my own points of views. Thank you!

Founder, TCLA

Kevin Toneatti said: Hi everyone, last year I reached the HSF's assessment day. A part of their process is to conduct a case study interview that is aimed at putting you under lots of pressure by reading a substantial amount of information, as well as constantly challenge your points of view. Unfortunately, I did not get an offer for a VS, and according to the feedback report, the main reason was that I did not perform well in the case study interview. Can anyone tell me the best ways to practice a case study interview by myself? I find it quite difficult to put myself under pressure and challenge my own points of views. Thank you! Click to expand...

Legendary Member

Oct 6, 2020

Hi @Alice G , thank you for the information, it is very helpful!

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RG Kar rape-murder case: Centre’s Task Force says no separate Central law needed for doctors’ safety

This was among the main demands of the doctors who took to streets during the 11-day-long nationwide strike following the incident in August.

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Set up by the Supreme Court in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, the National Task Force has reiterated the government’s stance that there is no need for a separate Central law for protection of doctors.

“A separate Central law to deal with offences against healthcare professionals is, therefore, not required… It is noted that 24 states have already enacted laws to address violence against healthcare professionals… Most of the state laws cover minor offences and prescribe punishment for them. The major offences for heinous crimes are adequately covered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” the report submitted to the Supreme Court said.

The committee also reiterated the Health ministry’s suggestion that institutional FIRs be filed within six hours of an incident. The committee went on to say that all health institutions must have a comprehensive internal incident reporting system, which can analyse the incidents and take appropriate measures to improve safety and security. The committee also said that these incident reports should be a part of the annual reports of the institutions.

The committee also suggested setting up internal complaints committee for healthcare workers on the lines of Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace. And, when it comes to sexual violence, the committee suggested increasing the awareness about government’s initiatives such as She-Box — an online portal that can be used by women to register complaints of sexual harrasment at workplace.

The committee also suggested measures such as reducing or optimising the number of entries and exits to the extent that it does not affect patient care. It also said that hospitals should ensure proper boundary walls and reduce entry of vendors within premises.

To strengthen security, the committee also suggested measures such as each hospital setting up a security committee that can oversee security measures and liaise with the police. It also suggested setting up control rooms for CCTV footage, distress call system, and quick response teams. Importantly, the committee suggested ensuring mobile network connection across the hospital building, including basements.

The committee also suggested that healthcare institutions ensure separate duty rooms for men and women, with facilities such as washroom and drinking water. It also suggested providing transport for healthcare personnel on duty at night and making all hospital vehicles GPS-enabled.

The committee also recommended that a senior doctor be present in the emergency room round the clock. At present, the emergency rooms at night are usually handled by junior doctors.

It also suggested having proper waiting rooms and washroom facilities for the persons who come to the hospital with the patients.The committee also suggested having a grief-counselling room with counsellors or social workers in sensitive areas such as emergency rooms, labour rooms, ICU, and operation theatres.

supreme court

Organised by Progressive Art Gallery in collaboration with The Raza Foundation at the Triveni Kala Sangam, the exhibition curated by Yashodhara Dalmia brings together works by the four modernists KG Subramanyan, FN Souza, Ram Kumar, and VS Gaitonde, primarily from the gallery collection.

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI, Highlights: BAN beat AFG by 68 runs to level series 1-1 in Sharjah 5 hours ago
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Pakistan vs Australia 2nd ODI, Highlights: PAK beat AUS by nine wickets to level the series 1-1 13 hours ago
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 1st ODI, Highlights: Ghazanfar takes 6 wickets as AFG win by 92 runs 3 days ago

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A Guide for Case Study Interview Presentations for Beginners
A Guide for Case Study Interview Presentations for Beginners
SOLUTION: Interview Case Study Example
Presentation Guide for Case Study Interviews
How To Prepare For A Case Study Interview
What is a Case Interview? A Comprehensive Explanation

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Interviews (Law, Administration, Economy)
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Case Study Interviews: What do you think about hiring processes that them?

COMMENTS

Legal Case Study Interviews
Attend skills sessions run by law firms online as well as those run by The Careers Service, the Oxford Law Society Oxford Bar Society and the Law Faculty. The Oxford Strategy Challenge - ideal for building up team work, commercial awareness and skills in working with business clients. Run regularly throughout the year (online).
PDF Legal Case Interviews
A legal case study interview is an exercise which allows the firm to assess your potential skills as a lawyer. The case study format enables the firm to identify core skills areas that enable you to deal with clients, documentation, giving advice and making judgements.
47 case interview examples (from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)
Deloitte Case Interview (questions, process, prep) The ultimate guide to Deloitte case interviews. Learn about the interview process, what questions to expect, how to answer them, example case studies and a preparation plan. Essential reading for anyone applying to a consulting position at Deloitte. Read more . Consulting Mar 23, 2023.
Teach by Example with These Negotiation Case Studies
Negotiating a Template for Labor Standards: The U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement is a detailed factual case study that tracks the negotiation of the labor provisions in the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement signed into law on January 1, 2004. It draws upon a range of published and unpublished sources and interview with some of the primary players ...
The Case Study Teaching Method
Case Method: Uses a court decision to exemplify principles of law. Employs "hub-and-spoke" discussion between professor and student, otherwise known as the Socratic method. Analyzes the dilemma after it has been resolved. The Harvard Business School case study approach grew out of the Langdellian method.
How to Prep for a Case Study Interview
Take Notes. In addition to what you usually bring to a job interview, make sure you bring a notepad and pen or pencil to a case study interview. Taking notes will help you better understand the questions and formulate your answers. It also gives you a place to calculate numbers and figures if you need to.
Interview case studies
Interview case studies. This course talks you through 14 case studies based on actual commercial law interviews, including questions, answers and advice covering the role of law firms, pitching, written exercises, contract and legislation analysis, disputes, M&A, and more. Get started.
Case Study Research
Case Study Research. A legal scholar who uses the term 'case' will probably first think of a legal case. From a socio-legal perspective, the understanding of this concept is, however, slightly different. Case study research is a methodology that is useful to study 'how' or 'why' questions in real-life. Over the last forty years ...
85+ questions to ask in law firm interviews
14 example commercial and legal interview case studies based on real law firm interviews, with detailed model answers and guidance. ... so having specific courses laying out everything that might come up in competency and case study interviews has been an absolute game-changer. Ended up with ACs at Jones Day, Baker McKenzie, and Linklaters ...
Law Subject Oxbridge Application Resources
Law Mock Interview Package. If you have any more questions about your application or interview that you would like to discuss with a member of our team, please do get in touch. Call us on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394, or email [email protected]. Book your sessions.
Preparing for a Law Case Study Interview: A Comprehensive Guide
A law case study interview is a critical component of the hiring process for many law firms and legal organizations. It provides employers with an opportunity to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and legal knowledge in a practical setting.
9 questions you might be asked in a law interview
6. Give an example of a time you used your ability to negotiate. In a law interview demonstrating your knowledge of the firm is all well and good, but you also need to show that you're qualified for the job. This is where strength and competency-based questions come in. These questions require you to give relevant examples of a time that you ...
FREE PREVIEWS
150+ verified successful applications, plus feedback on why examples are strong and what could be improved. 14 example commercial and legal interview case studies based on real law firm interviews, with model answers and guidance. Monthly sessions where Jake reviews applications, plus a forum where he answers questions.
Oxford Law: Tips & Questions for Interview
Top Tips for the Oxford Law interview. Familiarise yourself with possible case study formats - namely, analysing a legal case or commenting on hypotheticals based on a piece of legislation. Come off as enthusiastic, but not overly keen and naive - studying law is difficult, so don't downplay it. Really find a unique and personal ...
Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies! *Monday Article Series*
897. 2,396. Jan 18, 2021. #1. Hi all, please see below the third of my Monday Article Series! This week is my definitive guide to case studies. It's a long one - you might want to go get a coffee and settle in! Introduction. This week's Monday Article will cover how to approach law firm case studies, one of the most intimidating parts of the ...
Mergers and Acquisitions for Commercial Law
Mergers and acquisitions forms the basis for some of the hardest exercises at law firm interviews and assessment days. That's why this course is designed to prepare you for all forms of M&A questions across case studies, written exercises and scenario interviews. You'll come away with a detailed understanding of the key interview topics through ...
Legal case studies and written exercises
Legal case studies and written exercises. As part of the recruitment process, in this kind of exercise you are given a set of papers relating to a particular situation and asked to make recommendations in a brief report. The firm will pick a case study relevant to the work they do. You are provided with a large amount of factual information.
Case Studies, Interviews and Vacation Scheme Resources
Competency Interview Questions Plan Use this fillable PDF to prepare for the different types of competency questions at law firm interviews and assessment centres. Written Case Study 1 - Legal Analysis . Based on a real written exercise, this mock case study will help you prepare for your law firm assessment centres.
Best ways to practice case study interviews
Strong candidates will support their points in case study interviews with real-life examples. so, if you recognise a competition concern in a case study you might want to reference something like the failed Sainsburys/Asda merger to substantiate and strengthen a point. 2. Look at the departments in law firms and understand what each of them does.
The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior: a Case
In the era of digital marketing, social media influencers have emerged as powerful catalysts shaping consumer behaviour and brand perceptions. This study investigates the impact of Instagram influencers endorsed by Nike on consumer behaviour in India, focusing on brand perceptions, attitudes, purchase decisions, and brand loyalty. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys ...
RG Kar rape-murder case: Centre's Task Force says no separate Central
RG Kar rape-murder case: Centre's Task Force says no separate Central law needed for doctors' safety; RG Kar rape-murder case: Centre's Task Force says no separate Central law needed for doctors' safety This was among the main demands of the doctors who took to streets during the 11-day-long nationwide strike following the incident in ...