How to Answer "Why Commercial Law?" in an Interview: A Strategic Guide

Providing a compelling answer to "Why commercial law?" is crucial for securing a training contract. A strong response demonstrates genuine interest, commercial awareness, and a clear alignment between your skills and the demands of the role. This guide breaks down how to construct a narrative, highlight relevant skills, and provide a concrete example answer.

What is Commercial Law and Why is this Question Asked?

Commercial law is the practice of advising businesses—from private equity firms to insurance companies—on their transactions, day-to-day governance, and legal disputes. Interviewers ask "Why commercial law?" to assess your motivation and understanding of the field. They want to see that you have a realistic view of the work beyond its perceived prestige and that you possess the intellectual and organizational traits necessary for success. This question is a fundamental part of the candidate screening process for law firms.

How Can You Structure a Persuasive Narrative?

The most effective answers tell a story. Instead of listing reasons, connect your experiences into a coherent narrative that logically leads to commercial law. Think about academic, work, or extracurricular activities that sparked your interest. For example, if you were involved in a university society’s budget management, you could discuss how that fostered an interest in the financial intricacies of business, which commercial law directly serves. This approach shows depth of thought and genuine passion, moving beyond a rehearsed list of points.

Which Key Skills Should You Emphasize in Your Answer?

Your answer must bridge personal interest with professional capability. Focus on skills that are critical for a commercial lawyer and provide evidence that you possess them.

• Intellectual Rigor and Commercial Awareness: Commercial law involves complex, ever-changing regulations. Highlight your ability to quickly assimilate large volumes of information and your curiosity about how business and law intersect. You might mention following a recent merger or a regulatory change affecting a specific industry.
• Organizational and Time-Management Skills: Lawyers often manage multiple high-stakes cases simultaneously. Don’t just claim to be organized; prove it with an example. Describe how you balanced a part-time job with demanding university studies or managed a team project with tight deadlines. This demonstrates real-world application of a vital skill.

Skills Alignment Table

What Does an Effective Example Answer Look Like?

Seeing a model answer can help structure your thoughts. Remember, this is a template to inspire your own, unique response.

"My interest in commercial law solidified during my degree, particularly when studying contract law. I was fascinated by how legal agreements form the backbone of business activity. I sought to understand this further by completing a vacation scheme, where I saw firsthand how lawyers are strategic partners, not just advisors. For instance, I was able to observe how a team navigated a complex transaction, which required not only legal expertise but also sharp negotiation skills.

I believe my skills are a strong fit. As the treasurer for the debate society, I was responsible for managing a significant budget and ensuring strict compliance with university financial regulations. This required meticulous attention to detail—a skill I know is paramount when reviewing legal documentation. Additionally, working in a busy retail role during my studies honed my ability to process information quickly and communicate clearly under pressure, which I am eager to apply to a fast-paced legal environment."

To craft a winning answer, focus on creating a personal narrative, explicitly link your skills to the demands of the role, and support every claim with a clear example. This demonstrates the genuine motivation and professional preparedness that top law firms seek.