How to Answer 'Why Lazard' 2027: What Makes Lazard Different
"Why Lazard?" is the single most predictable question in the 2027 recruitment cycle. The trap is answering it like any other bank. Lazard is not a bulge bracket, and your answer must show you understand exactly what makes Lazard different. Below is a framework that does that in under two minutes.
What Makes Lazard Different
Lazard is the world's largest independent investment bank, founded in 1848, with no balance sheet lending and no trading desks. That independence means it advises solely on its clients' interests — a genuine differentiator in M&A. It is renowned for restructuring (its sovereign advisory work is legendary) and for advising on some of the most complex cross-border deals in Europe. In interviews, referencing this independent advisory model — not "prestige" or "deal flow" — is what separates strong answers from generic ones.
How to Structure Your 'Why Lazard' Answer
Use this three-part structure to answer "Why Lazard" convincingly:
- The business model: "Lazard is an independent advisory firm — no conflicts from lending or proprietary trading, so the advice is purely client-driven." This shows you did your homework.
- A specific proof point: Name a recent Lazard-advised deal or the restructuring franchise and explain why it interests you in one or two sentences. Specificity beats adjectives.
- The fit: Connect it to you — e.g. you want broad deal exposure and early responsibility, which Lazard's lean deal teams provide, rather than being one of fifty analysts on a bulge-bracket deal.
Keep it tight. Two minutes maximum — recorded answers get cut off, and interviewers can tell when you are padding.
Why 'Why Lazard' Decides Your 2027 Application
Every candidate says they want "excellent training and deal exposure". If your "Why Lazard" could be copy-pasted for any bank, you are out. Lazard hires people who specifically want Lazard — the independence, the advisory culture, the lean teams. The question is also the opener, so it sets the tone for everything after. A sharp, differentiated answer buys you goodwill for the rest of the interview.
How to Prepare Your 'Why Lazard' Answer
Research one deal deeply rather than five superficially — you need one you can discuss for a minute without notes. Rehearse out loud on camera until it sounds natural, not scripted. And check your answer against what interviewers actually hear: our 2027 Lazard Online Assessment Video Interview Exact Questions and Answers pack includes model answers for the "Why Lazard" video interview question, showing exactly how a differentiated answer sounds. Knowing the bar before you record is the fastest way to clear it.
FAQ
How long should my 'Why Lazard' answer be? Around 90–120 seconds. Concise and specific beats long and vague.
Should I mention specific Lazard deals? Yes — one deal you genuinely understand is far better than listing three you can't explain.
Is it bad to mention Lazard's prestige? Prestige alone is a weak answer. Frame it around the independent advisory model and why that suits you.
Does 'Why Lazard' appear in every stage? It typically appears in the video interview and again in the final round. Have a consistent, refined version ready for both.
Preparing for Lazard's video interview? Our 2027 Lazard Online Assessment Video Interview Exact Questions and Answers has the exact questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.
