The STAR Method is one of the most effective ways to structure your answers during interviews, application forms and competency questions. It helps you communicate your experiences clearly and demonstrate the skills that law firms look for such as teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. It gives your answers a logical flow and ensures you provide enough detail without losing focus.
How to Use the STAR Method
1. Situation
Briefly set the scene. Describe where you were, who was involved and what was happening.
Example: During my role as a law clinic volunteer, a client came to us with a housing dispute that required urgent attention.
2. Task
Explain what your responsibility or objective was.
Example: I was responsible for gathering relevant documents and researching tenancy law to prepare a draft letter of advice.
3. Action
Describe the steps you took to complete the task. Focus on what you personally did rather than what the team did.
Example: I reviewed the client’s tenancy agreement, identified key clauses and worked with a supervisor to ensure the advice was legally accurate and easy to understand.
4. Result
End with a clear outcome. Show what was achieved and what you learned.
Example: The client successfully reached an agreement with their landlord and I developed a stronger understanding of client communication and written advice.
Why It Matters
Law firms often use competency-based interviews, meaning they want you to provide evidence of how you have demonstrated specific skills. The STAR Method helps you deliver structured, reflective and memorable answers.
You can also use STAR when writing application answers, reflecting on work experience or preparing examples for assessment centres. It ensures your points are focused on what you contributed and the impact you made.
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