Hiya!
I wanted to add to the fantastic advice given by
@trainee4u. This is a great question to showcase your creativity and your understanding of the firm's key practice areas.
I'd start by researching the firm’s strengths. If the firm is known for life sciences, tech, or regulatory work (like Covington, for instance, a firm that asked this question in my second application cycle), then proposing a law around ESG disclosures in biotech, regulating generative AI, or data privacy reform would feel far more tailored than, say, real estate reform or changes to leasehold law. If the firm focuses more on private equity, funds, or restructuring, you might suggest reforms relating to these areas. By aligning your proposal with what the firm actually does, I think you’ll show commercial awareness and legal interests.
Second, I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel here. When I’ve answered questions like this in the past, I’ve looked at what leading think tanks or policy groups in sectors I’m interested in have proposed (often in the form of policy/law reform recommendations). It’s absolutely fine to build on something that’s already been suggested by the Law Commission, the courts, a government consultation, or a respected think tank. I actually think doing this can help ground your proposal a bit more and show that you’ve engaged with ongoing legal and commercial developments.
Third, in your answer, I think it also helps to demonstrate that you’ve thought about how your law would work in practice. So you'll want your answer to touch on such questions as: Who would it affect? Are there trade-offs to consider, like cost vs fairness or innovation vs regulation? A good answer shows that you’re not just interested in legal ideas but in how those ideas would land in the real world. Briefly reflecting on those tensions is a great way to show maturity of thought and an understanding of the broader policy landscape.
Finally, think about what the law you’re proposing says about you as an applicant. Does it show that you’re someone who thinks about fairness, innovation, sustainability, or risk? By picking a topic/reform that resonates with you, I think you can better reflect to the reader the kind of lawyer you want to be.
Good luck!
