hello does anyone have an idea how to approach or structure this question We believe that successful lawyers are great Shapers: individuals with interests, hobbies, passions or visions; and the drive and motivation to develop these in order to shape the world around them. We're looking for people who can shape the information they are given; shape arguments; shape relationships; shape solutions. Tell us about a time that you have demonstrated being a Shaper. (300 words max) *
Hey @V2002
It seems the law firms are getting really creative with their questions haha! I’m loving it!
To approach this question, choose one element of being a shaper, as seen in the question. In this example, I’ve taken a strong direction by choosing the "shaping a solution" aspect to
specifically demonstrate problem-solving skills.
I’ve included a structured way to build on this. Although, feel free to ‘shape’ it to your preferences and past experiences
- see what I did there? Haha!
1. Start with a Brief Introduction
- Open with a sentence explaining that you’ll focus on the “shaping a solution” element, as it allowed you to creatively tackle a challenge. This introduction frames your answer and directly connects it to the qualities the firm is looking for in a “Shaper.”
2. Explain Why Shaping a Solution is Important
- Highlight that shaping solutions is essential in legal practice because it requires adaptability, creativity, and effective problem-solving—qualities that allow lawyers to overcome client challenges. Mention that this aspect also aligns with the “Shaper” role they described, emphasising innovation and proactive problem-solving.
3. Provide a Relevant Example of Shaping a Solution
- Describe a specific professional or academic experience where you faced a significant challenge and shaped a solution. Outline the context briefly (e.g., a legal internship, a group project, or a challenging assignment) and the specific problem you encountered.
- Discuss the approach you took to “shape” the solution. Detail your problem-solving process, showcasing how you analysed the issue, considered multiple angles, and used creativity or research to craft an effective solution. Emphasise any strategic or analytical thinking involved.
Example:
- During a legal internship, I encountered a challenging task to assess a complex contractual issue. Recognising that existing resources were insufficient, I proactively conducted additional research and proposed using a new analytical framework to evaluate the clauses, eventually presenting my findings to my supervisor. My solution enabled the team to streamline similar reviews in the future, demonstrating my ability to shape a strategic approach to unexpected issues.
4. Demonstrate Shaping Skills in Other Contexts
- If you’re discussing other shaping scenarios, mention any experience in things like negotiation competitions, mock court proceedings, or any other relevant activities where you shaped arguments or relationships, for instance. These experiences underscore your versatility as a “Shaper” beyond just problem-solving, showing how you mould information and relationships to achieve results.
Example:
- Additionally, my participation in a negotiation competition taught me to shape arguments persuasively and adapt my approach based on the responses of opposing counsel. This experience further honed my ability to think strategically under pressure, a skill essential for shaping outcomes in a legal setting.
5. Conclude with a Forward-Looking Statement
- Finish by expressing how these experiences have shaped your approach as an aspiring lawyer. You could say something like you’re excited to bring this problem-solving mindset to your future role, where you’ll continue shaping solutions, arguments, and relationships to make a positive impact. For the sake of word count though, keep this shorter than the actual discussion.
