UT Austin Law School Interview Guide: Questions & Tips

So, you landed an interview with UT Austin School of Law, congrats! That’s a big step forward. But now comes the part where you need to stand out, not just on paper, but face to face (or screen to screen). Whether you’re preparing for a Kira Talent video interview or a traditional conversation, this guide will help you walk in ready and walk out confident.

We’ll cover the most common UT Law interview questions, real sample answers, tips from successful applicants, and the details you need to know—from what to wear to how to follow up. If Texas Law is your dream, this is how you show them you’re ready.

Read: University of Texas--Austin School of Law: Program and Application Overview

Why the Interview Matters at Texas Law

UT Austin School of Law conducts interviews to assess more than academic potential. The admissions committee wants to understand your motivations, values, and how you’ll contribute to the legal community. Treat this as a key part of the admissions process, not a formality.

Interviews help determine if applicants align with the mission of the University of Texas and its broader community. With a limited number of interview spots, being invited to speak with the admissions team is already a strong sign.

Read: Law School Interviews: Questions, Answers & Expert Tips

The UT Austin Law Interview Format

UT Austin School of Law uses the Kira Talent platform for its interviews, which means your responses are recorded rather than conducted live with an interviewer. This format allows the admissions committee to review your answers asynchronously alongside your full application.

The interview typically includes:

• Three video-response questions: For each, you’ll get 60 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to respond. These questions may ask about your motivations for attending law school, your experiences working in teams, or how you’ve handled challenges.
• One written-response question: You’ll have 15 minutes to craft a thoughtful answer. This part tests your ability to communicate clearly and think critically under a time limit.

Because there’s no live person on the other side of the screen, your delivery, tone, and structure matter even more. Practice looking into the camera, speaking clearly, and managing your time so you don’t get cut off. And most importantly, stay calm—this format is designed to give every applicant an equal opportunity to be heard.

How to Prepare for the UT Austin Law Interview

Preparation begins well before you speak with an interviewer. Here’s how to get ready:

Inventory Your Strengths, Skills, and Accomplishments

Legal employers, including admissions committees, want to know what unique strengths you'll bring to the program. Start by making a clear inventory of your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Choose three to four main strengths and build a collection of specific examples and stories that highlight these strengths. Aim for at least 10-15 examples—this might seem like a lot, but compelling stories stick in interviewers’ minds and provide convincing evidence of your capabilities.

Dig Into What Makes UT Austin Unique

Show genuine enthusiasm and commitment by thoroughly researching the UT Austin School of Law. Go deeper than just the homepage—look into the law school’s core values, renowned clinics, faculty achievements, and recent developments. Identify what specifically draws you to UT Austin Law and be ready to articulate why those factors resonate with you personally. Understanding the institution's unique offerings allows you to tailor your responses authentically and persuasively.

Develop Your Core Message

Craft a concise, compelling narrative that answers questions like, "Tell me about yourself," or "Why UT Austin Law?" Your core message should summarize your background, strengths, and motivations clearly and concisely—ideally within 60 seconds. Practice this message until it feels natural, genuine, and conversational.

For instance:

"I’m a first-year student committed to public interest law. My prior experience with the Department of Justice ignited my passion for criminal justice reform. I’m drawn to UT Austin Law's renowned clinics and its emphasis on practical advocacy training. I look forward to contributing my strong advocacy skills and deep-rooted commitment to social justice to your community."

Prepare Personalized Questions and Responses

Interviews should feel conversational, so prepare thoughtful questions specifically tailored to UT Austin Law and your interviewer. Also, anticipate commonly asked questions (such as those listed in UT Austin’s "Commonly Asked Interview Questions"). Revisit your application materials thoroughly to confidently speak to each component. Keep your answers concise (around 60 seconds), weaving in stories and examples that highlight your experiences and qualifications.

Be Ready to Talk Through Your Entire Application

Expect your interviewer to bring up specific parts of your application: your personal statement, resume, writing sample, and even your letters of recommendation. You should know what you wrote, why you wrote it, and how it fits your story. This is your chance to add depth to what’s already on paper, so don’t be caught off guard. Skim your file the night before, and come in ready to connect the dots.

Common UT Law Interview Questions to Expect

Here are several questions applicants report hearing during UT Austin interviews:

Why do you want to attend the University of Texas School of Law?

Sample Answer: “I want to attend Texas Law because of its strong public interest focus and the opportunity to work with the Mithoff Pro Bono Program. I’m deeply committed to expanding access to legal services, and I appreciate that UT Law offers not just doctrinal training but real-world experience in helping underserved communities. I also value the sense of community that I’ve heard about from current students and alumni.”

What distinguishes Texas Law from other law schools?

Sample Answer: “Texas Law stands out to me for the strength of its faculty in both constitutional and environmental law, which aligns with my interests. I’m also drawn to the school’s location in Austin—a vibrant legal and political hub—because it offers a range of internship and externship opportunities that few other schools can match. That blend of rigorous academics and hands-on learning is hard to find elsewhere.”

How have your background and professional experience shaped your interest in law?

Sample Answer: “Working as a paralegal at a nonprofit that serves immigrants showed me firsthand the power of legal advocacy. I handled client intake and supported attorneys with asylum filings, and that experience taught me how crucial strong legal representation is. It solidified my desire to attend law school so I can serve vulnerable communities more directly.”

What are your long-term goals and how will a degree from UT Law help?

Sample Answer: “My long-term goal is to work in civil rights litigation. Texas Law’s robust clinical offerings and its Civil Rights Clinic, in particular, would give me early exposure to that kind of work. I also hope to clerk for a judge after graduation, and I know UT’s strong clerkship placement support can help me get there.”

What is your proudest accomplishment in the last five years?

Sample Answer: “After graduating college, I took a gap year and started a community tutoring program in my hometown. We matched high school students with local college mentors and helped over 60 students improve their grades or prepare for the SAT. Building that from scratch taught me how to organize, motivate people, and lead with purpose.”

Tell us about a time you handled a difficult circumstance.

Sample Answer: “During my undergraduate mock trial season, our team captain quit two weeks before regionals. As vice captain, I had to quickly reassign roles and run practices. It was stressful, but we adapted and ended up qualifying for the championship round. It taught me how to lead under pressure and keep morale high.”

How do you plan to contribute to the UT Law community?

Sample Answer: “I hope to contribute by joining and eventually leading student organizations focused on pro bono service. I also want to serve as a peer mentor for first-year students, especially those coming from underrepresented backgrounds. Law school is demanding, and I’d like to help others feel supported and seen, just as I’ve felt through my own mentors.”

Pro Tip: After practicing responses like these out loud, take time to revise them for clarity and flow. You don’t need to memorize your answers,but you do want to be comfortable telling your story, staying focused, and connecting your goals to what UT Austin School of Law offers

How to Follow Up After the Interview

Start by sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Keep it short but intentional. Mention something specific you discussed during the interview to show that you were engaged and reflective. Reaffirm your strong interest in attending law school at UT Austin, and express appreciation for their time and insights. If you interviewed with a specific faculty member or administrator, address the note directly to them. Otherwise, you can send it to the admissions office.

If you’re placed on the waitlist, don’t go silent. Send a letter of continued interest (LOCI) within a couple of weeks. In that letter, briefly restate why Texas Law remains your top choice, and include any meaningful updates to your application, such as new grades, an award, additional professional experience, or a new letter of recommendation. If you’ve visited campus or spoken with current students or faculty since your interview, mention that to show your ongoing engagement.

Stay involved by attending virtual info sessions, following UT Law news, and remaining in contact with the admissions committee if new, relevant updates arise. Demonstrating consistent, thoughtful interest can tip the scales in your favor.

Insider Advice from Past Applicants

Applicants admitted to Texas Law suggest these tips:

• Show how your goals align with UT’s programs and values. This is a common piece of advice. Applicants are encouraged to articulate how their career aspirations match the offerings at UT Law. For instance, referencing specific clinics or programs demonstrates a clear connection between your goals and the school's resources. ​
• Reference clinics, faculty, or student organizations that excite you. Highlighting specific aspects of UT Law, such as particular faculty members or student organizations, shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in what the school offers. This level of specificity can set you apart from other applicants. ​
• Highlight your community involvement or legal internship experience. Discussing your hands-on experiences, like community service or internships, provides concrete examples of your commitment to the legal field and can demonstrate how you've applied your skills in real-world settings.​
• Share why you chose UT Austin over other schools. Explaining your reasons for preferring UT Austin helps the admissions committee understand your decision-making process and reinforces your interest in their program. It also shows that you've thoughtfully considered how UT Law aligns with your goals.​
• Practice your answers out loud multiple times. Given that UT Law utilizes a recorded interview format, practicing your responses aloud can help you become more comfortable and articulate during the actual interview. Applicants have noted the importance of preparation to effectively convey their thoughts within the time constraints.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

• How does Texas Law support students pursuing public interest law? - This question shows your commitment to public service and allows you to learn about specific programs, clinics, or scholarships that support this path.​
• What opportunities exist for dual degree programs? - Inquiring about dual degrees indicates a desire to broaden your expertise. UT Austin offers various joint programs, and this question can lead to a discussion about how these programs integrate with the law curriculum.​
• How are students matched with legal internships or externships? - This demonstrates foresight into practical experience. You can learn about the school's process for placements, the role of the career services office, and the types of organizations that typically host interns.​
• What distinguishes UT Law graduates in the legal employment market? - This question allows you to understand the school's reputation and the strengths of its alumni network. It also shows that you're thinking ahead about your career prospects.​
• Can you tell me about the mentorship opportunities available to students? - Mentorship can be crucial during law school. Asking this shows you're proactive about seeking guidance and support.​
• What resources are available for students interested in [specific area of law]? - Tailoring this question to your area of interest (e.g., environmental law, intellectual property) shows that you've thought about your specialization and are seeking ways to deepen your knowledge.​
• How does the law school foster a sense of community among students? - This question reflects your interest in the school's culture and your desire to be part of a collaborative environment.​
• Are there opportunities for students to engage in pro bono work during their studies? - Engaging in pro bono work is a valuable experience. This question shows your commitment to service and gaining practical experience.​
• What support does the school provide for students preparing for the bar exam? - Understanding the resources available for bar preparation indicates your focus on long-term success.​
• How does the school support diversity and inclusion within the student body and faculty? - This question demonstrates your values and interest in being part of an inclusive community.

For more insights, read: Top 10 Questions to Ask During Your JD Application Interview

UT Austin Law School Interview – Tips From an Expert

Roman S. is an experienced coach in a variety of academic subjects, including law. With unique backgrounds in engineering, law, and business, Roman can help you put together JD application materials and approach law school interviews that make you stand out as a unique and worthwhile candidate.

You can book an intro call and prepare for the next step toward your law career!

The Bottom Line

The UT Austin School of Law interview is your opportunity to go beyond the numbers. It’s a moment to speak directly to the admissions committee, share your story, and show why you're the kind of candidate who will thrive at Texas Law.

No matter your background—whether you're applying straight from college, coming from a graduate school program, or returning after professional experience—authenticity and preparation matter most. Thoughtful, well-practiced answers can make a lasting impression.

Read these next:

• Harvard Law Interview Guide — Questions, Tips, and Timeline
• How to Ace the Cornell Law School Interview
• How to Ace the Columbia Law School Interview
• Yale Law Interview Guide — Questions, Tips, and Timeline

FAQs

Can I use my personal statement or resume content in the interview?

• While it's acceptable to draw upon experiences from your personal statement or resume, it's important to present them in a fresh and concise manner during the interview. Avoid reading directly from your application materials; instead, discuss your experiences authentically and relate them to the interview questions.​

Are there specific technical requirements for the Kira interview?

• Yes, ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a functioning webcam, and a quiet, well-lit environment. Familiarize yourself with the Kira platform beforehand to avoid technical issues. Practicing with the software can help you become comfortable with its interface and timing constraints.

What types of questions are asked during the interview?

• The interview may include behavioral questions (e.g., "Describe a time you faced a challenge"), situational questions (e.g., "How would you handle a disagreement in a team setting?"), and questions about your motivations for pursuing law and choosing UT Austin specifically. Preparing examples from your past experiences can help you answer these effectively.​

How should I prepare for the interview?

• Preparation involves practicing common interview questions, reflecting on your experiences, and understanding UT Austin's values and programs. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors to receive feedback. Additionally, ensure your interview environment is free from distractions and presents a professional setting.​

Is it possible to reschedule the interview if needed?

• If you encounter unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from completing the interview within the designated timeframe, contact the admissions office as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on potential accommodations or rescheduling options.​