What questions should I ask at a law firm open day?

Law firm open days are incredibly valuable. You’ll still get the chance to learn more about the firm and its culture, as well as ask questions, learning more about whether the firm is right for you. To make the most out of your experience, and make an impression on the firm, here are some questions to ask.  

What makes the firm stand out from others?

Asking a question like this shows that you’re genuinely interested in the firm, and that you’re eager to find out more about them. 

In the answer you receive, you’ll learn something about the firm that you didn’t know before. When you go on to apply for a training contract or vacation scheme at the firm, having this information will show the recruiter that you’ve done some in depth research into the firm, instead of just quickly browsing their website.

How can I boost my chances of admission?

This signifies to the representative that you have plans to apply to the firm, which greatly boosts your credibility. While it’s true that all firms have similar admissions requirements, or similar qualities they look for in applicants, different firms may have specific traits they’re looking for. 

The representative may even be able to give you insider information about what the firm looks for in applicants, information that will be invaluable when you later go on to apply. 

How do you think the firm will evolve in the coming years?

This shows that you’re not just thinking about the firm’s current position, but looking forward to their future. 

You will impress the firm’s representatives with your forward-thinking nature, and they can give you interesting information about who the firm will be working with in the future, as well as any technological developments planned. You might even get to learn more about the firm’s efforts to be more environmentally conscious and improve diversity; two topics many firms have been thinking about recently.

What’s your favourite thing about the firm?

This is a common question asked, and for good reason. You’ll learn more about the firm’s culture, which will help you to work out if the firm is right for you. 

The representative’s answer will also make you feel even more excited about the prospect of working there. For instance, if they answer that they love the camaraderie of the trainees, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll make strong friendships if you end up securing a training contract with them. 

What questions shouldn’t you ask?

Although asking questions shows your interest in the firm, asking certain questions will give the firm the wrong impression. Avoid asking questions about the expected salary, or what sort of financial benefits you’ll get. This implies that you’re only interested in a legal career for the salary, not because you have a genuine interest in law. Expected salaries and benefits are often easily found on the firm’s website.

Similarly, it’s also important to avoid asking about things that can easily be found on the firm’s website, such as how many offices they have or the practice areas they specialise in. This shows that you haven’t done your research on the firm, and are not genuinely interested in them. Spending time asking these sorts of questions also means that you’re missing out on the chance to ask more insightful questions, the answers to which will give your application an edge. 

Finally, you shouldn’t ask anything negative, such as “What is the worst part of working here?” or “Do you work long hours?” Questions like these might imply that you’re not really interested in the firm, or willing to work hard. Instead, ask questions about the firm’s culture, as these will give you insights into their work-life balance. 

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