Ask 3 future trainees (Magic & Silver Circle, International Elite) ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

[Dheepa]

What is the best advice for tests is the SJT because I feel that every time the SJT test is what leads to my rejection in applications. Also, how do you ensure that you answer the test on your competencies and use the firm's values.

Hi Asil,

Adding to what Jacob has said, here's my response to a similar question from a couple days ago, I hope some of the resources linked help you!

Hi Lisa,

Unfortunately I think SJT's is pretty unpredictable and super hit or miss sometimes. That being said,

1. HSF have a great practice test (I especially love this one because it tells you the reasoning behind the correct and wrong answers) https://careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/uk/grads/what-we-look-for
2. A&O have this sample question here (hyperlinked)
3. Go on the firm's GR website and really take the time to read the descriptions of what their looking for in trainee. I kept this window open a lot while doing SJT's because whenever I came across a particularly difficult question it helped to reflect on what I would do alongside what competencies the firm valued.
4. Jess also has some great advice here : https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/situational-judgement-tests.1729/

 

[DJMG]

Hi guys. I have an AC in a few days and am just preparing for the inevitable question around a recent commercial story that interests me. I was just wondering if you think when asked this I should provide a long answer with a lot of detail, or provide a very brief overview of the topic and leave the interviewers room to draw further points out of it? I am just worried that if I only talk about it at a surface level they will just move on to the next question and assume that's all I knew. Equally, I don't want to ramble on and on for ages. Sorry if this question seems a bit particular but I would appreciate your insights

 

[Naomi U]

What is the best advice for tests is the SJT because I feel that every time the SJT test is what leads to my rejection in applications. Also, how do you ensure that you answer the test on your competencies and use the firm's values.

Hi @Asil Ahmad

It's hard to give perfect advice for SJT because I don't think there is ever a perfect answer. Personally my approach for preparing was to look at the firm's values and try to find an answer that promotes that the best. There will usually be 2 options that are never correct then 2 that are okay- the difficulty is choosing between these. I think it's always best to strike a middle ground between being a yes man vs being too rigid so that may also help guide your answers.

Also my advice for client related questions is to remember you are answering from the role of a trainee not an associate or partner, so think realistically about the boundaries of your role.

Hope this helps!

 

[Naomi U]

Hi guys. I have an AC in a few days and am just preparing for the inevitable question around a recent commercial story that interests me. I was just wondering if you think when asked this I should provide a long answer with a lot of detail, or provide a very brief overview of the topic and leave the interviewers room to draw further points out of it? I am just worried that if I only talk about it at a surface level they will just move on to the next question and assume that's all I knew. Equally, I don't want to ramble on and on for ages. Sorry if this question seems a bit particular but I would appreciate your insights

Hi @DJMG

Congrats on your AC!

Personally I always picked 2-3 stories and prepped in quite a bit of detail just in case. I think in terms of the length of your answer, it depends on the way the question is phrased and how the interview flows. I think if you prepare to mention few brief points that you are prepared to discuss in depth if needed, this will stop you rambling on. I answered a similar question a while back which might help guide your structure.

Best of luck

Hi @Lawgirl123

I don't think there is a specific answer to this question as I think what interviewers are looking for here is your reason why. I think I would advise following a few stories/deals that you are particularly interested in. When you are researching these stories/deals ask yourself:

What market/ industry was this achieved in, and what are the current trends e.g. is this an emerging market, a declining market?

Was this the first deal of this kind and why? When was the last/similar deal completed and what were the reasons for the time lag?

Was this deal particularly more complex and why? (Consider cultural, financial, environmental, tax and competition implications)

I think if you approach your preparation for this question from this angle, this will really help to tailor your answer!

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

[Dheepa]

Hi guys. I have an AC in a few days and am just preparing for the inevitable question around a recent commercial story that interests me. I was just wondering if you think when asked this I should provide a long answer with a lot of detail, or provide a very brief overview of the topic and leave the interviewers room to draw further points out of it? I am just worried that if I only talk about it at a surface level they will just move on to the next question and assume that's all I knew. Equally, I don't want to ramble on and on for ages. Sorry if this question seems a bit particular but I would appreciate your insights

Hi DJ,

I agree with Naomi. More detail is always better than too broad or vague of an answer. In terms of how to avoid coming across as rambly for a longer answer, I'd say structuring your answer is key. If need be use really obvious pointers like firstly, secondly, etc. I always structured my answers to questions like this as follows:

1. Explain the news story I've chosen, some background to it and why I'm interested in the story/the industry it concerns
2. Explain the broader commercial themes/trends the story touches on
3. Relate it back to how law firms work would be directly impacted
4. Provide your own opinion on how you think this story could develop in the future

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi guys. I have an AC in a few days and am just preparing for the inevitable question around a recent commercial story that interests me. I was just wondering if you think when asked this I should provide a long answer with a lot of detail, or provide a very brief overview of the topic and leave the interviewers room to draw further points out of it? I am just worried that if I only talk about it at a surface level they will just move on to the next question and assume that's all I knew. Equally, I don't want to ramble on and on for ages. Sorry if this question seems a bit particular but I would appreciate your insights

Hi,

Please see below an answer I gave to this on another thread:

In terms of approaching commercial-orientated interviews, I typically had 2 fairly full, fairly well-developed case studies that I would discuss. Typically, I'd look for them to both be quite different- for example, one transactional (e.g. a big merger or acquisition) and one contentious/ regulatory (for example a major court case, insolvency or regulatory change), and I would want both of them to be on the more complex side of things too rather than super simple. Sometimes I'd use something more political but I tended to err away from these as they run the risk of catching the interviewer's politics the wrong way.

Things that were super relevant during my assessment cycle, for perspective, included:
- Carrillion collapse
- Thomas Cook collapse
- Tiffany LVMH merger and subsequent dispute
- Google/ Amazon/ Starbucks UK tax issues
- Brexit regulatory climate
- US China trade wars

I would prep 2 for any given AC- research all hell out of them, read from a big variety of sources and develop a really good knowledge of the framework of the issue as well as making an effort to really understand the different commercial concerns of different stakeholders. I tended to find that the interview would only really focus on one but I quite liked being able to say "I'd be delighted to talk about X or Y, do you have a preference?" at the interview.

 

[DJMG]

Hi,

Please see below an answer I gave to this on another thread.

Thank you all so much-that is really helpful advice From what you've said, I am now thinking that my stories might be too broad, probably better described as trends tbh. I was going to prepare to talk about the rise of digital healthcare (and regulatory/data privacy issues that come with this), the rise of Tesla and whether its stock price constitutes a bubble, and the increased regulation of Big Tech (specifically looking at the EU's new legislation around it). Do you think I would be better off choosing more specific stories and working outwards from them to discuss the broader trends? Thanks!

 

[Jacob Miller]

Thank you all so much-that is really helpful advice From what you've said, I am now thinking that my stories might be too broad, probably better described as trends tbh. I was going to prepare to talk about the rise of digital healthcare (and regulatory/data privacy issues that come with this), the rise of Tesla and whether its stock price constitutes a bubble, and the increased regulation of Big Tech (specifically looking at the EU's new legislation around it). Do you think I would be better off choosing more specific stories and working outwards from them to discuss the broader trends? Thanks!

I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with discussing trends rather than specific stories, so long as you know the necessary info in good depth and stuff.

I would personally err away from the Tesla stock price, as, in my opinion, it's much less of a legal issue and more of an investment issue - focus on issues which have legal implications.

I think you could definitely discuss stories and then bring the discussion 'out' to focus on a trend; this is a not-dissimilar approach to what I took where I would often discuss parallels between current issues and issues during the financial crisis (for example, comparisons between the government propping up banks in 07-08 vs not propping up Thomas Cook, etc).
Also- circling back to your initial question- I would go into a good bit of depth in the initial response, but don't go in with everything you know off the bat because it means that as soon as the interviewer asks a question it might be something you don't know. I would personally outline, say, 3 key issues in your initial response covering what is at the centre of the issue with some wider information, and then let the interviewer ask questions from there.

 

[DJMG]

I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with discussing trends rather than specific stories, so long as you know the necessary info in good depth and stuff.

I would personally err away from the Tesla stock price, as, in my opinion, it's much less of a legal issue and more of an investment issue - focus on issues which have legal implications.

I think you could definitely discuss stories and then bring the discussion 'out' to focus on a trend; this is a not-dissimilar approach to what I took where I would often discuss parallels between current issues and issues during the financial crisis (for example, comparisons between the government propping up banks in 07-08 vs not propping up Thomas Cook, etc).
Also- circling back to your initial question- I would go into a good bit of depth in the initial response, but don't go in with everything you know off the bat because it means that as soon as the interviewer asks a question it might be something you don't know. I would personally outline, say, 3 key issues in your initial response covering what is at the centre of the issue with some wider information, and then let the interviewer ask questions from there.

This is great-thank you Jacob. And yep you're right re. Tesla not being law-related, whoops...I'll think of another.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hi Asil,

Adding to what Jacob has said, here's my response to a similar question from a couple days ago, I hope some of the resources linked help you!

Thank you very much Dheepa this is really helpful.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hi @Asil Ahmad

It's hard to give perfect advice for SJT because I don't think there is ever a perfect answer. Personally my approach for preparing was to look at the firm's values and try to find an answer that promotes that the best. There will usually be 2 options that are never correct then 2 that are okay- the difficulty is choosing between these. I think it's always best to strike a middle ground between being a yes man vs being too rigid so that may also help guide your answers.

Also my advice for client related questions is to remember you are answering from the role of a trainee not an associate or partner, so think realistically about the boundaries of your role.

Hope this helps!

Naomi thank you for your reply and I agree with you about the client based questions

 

[Naomi U]

Thank you all so much-that is really helpful advice From what you've said, I am now thinking that my stories might be too broad, probably better described as trends tbh. I was going to prepare to talk about the rise of digital healthcare (and regulatory/data privacy issues that come with this), the rise of Tesla and whether its stock price constitutes a bubble, and the increased regulation of Big Tech (specifically looking at the EU's new legislation around it). Do you think I would be better off choosing more specific stories and working outwards from them to discuss the broader trends? Thanks!

Hiya

That's what I did- I picked 2-3 deals and expanded outwards. I think this really helps show your commercial awareness and there is greater room for discussion than to speak abstractly

 

[Dheepa]

Thank you all so much-that is really helpful advice From what you've said, I am now thinking that my stories might be too broad, probably better described as trends tbh. I was going to prepare to talk about the rise of digital healthcare (and regulatory/data privacy issues that come with this), the rise of Tesla and whether its stock price constitutes a bubble, and the increased regulation of Big Tech (specifically looking at the EU's new legislation around it). Do you think I would be better off choosing more specific stories and working outwards from them to discuss the broader trends? Thanks!

Agreed with Jacob. Nothing wrong with discussing trends but I would mention a specific story that tracks that trend anyway. This was my own approach to questions like this.

Re: Tesla, I disagree with Jacob slightly on the point that it is solely an investment issue. My own personal opinion on the Tesla stock price is that because it is the dominant autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle developer in the market atm, part of its over valuation can be linked to that. If you take this view yourself (I'd encourage you to read around it and also look into what Elon Musk has said about Tesla being more akin to a tech company - this doesn't seem to be too far from the truth imo especially considering the battery tech they are developing) then one trend you can try to take away from the story is the rise of AVs/EVs in general and the opportunities that presents for law firms (although maybe there are more directly linked news stories you can use for this particular topic if it is something you're interested in).

The point of this kind of question is really to see if you can make sense of purely commercial issues to see how law firms can capitalise on that so my own advice is don't feel like you need to stick to something that has purely legal implications. Track a story that you're really interested in and think about where law firms can come in for their clients in those areas!

 

[DJMG]

Agreed with Jacob. Nothing wrong with discussing trends but I would mention a specific story that tracks that trend anyway. This was my own approach to questions like this.

Re: Tesla, I disagree with Jacob slightly on the point that it is solely an investment issue. My own personal opinion on the Tesla stock price is that because it is the dominant autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle developer in the market atm, part of its over valuation can be linked to that. If you take this view yourself (I'd encourage you to read around it and also look into what Elon Musk has said about Tesla being more akin to a tech company - this doesn't seem to be too far from the truth imo especially considering the battery tech they are developing) then one trend you can try to take away from the story is the rise of AVs/EVs in general and the opportunities that presents for law firms (although maybe there are more directly linked news stories you can use for this particular topic if it is something you're interested in).

The point of this kind of question is really to see if you can make sense of purely commercial issues to see how law firms can capitalise on that so my own advice is don't feel like you need to stick to something that has purely legal implications. Track a story that you're really interested in and think about where law firms can come in for their clients in those areas!

Ok great, thank you. I'll have a go at strengthening the link between the Tesla story and the firms I'm applying for. I think that there is also something to be said for the rise of AVs/ EVs and the opportunity this presents as a potential new high-end specialism for law firms constantly trying to differentiate themselves... I'll have a think about it! Thank you for your help

 

[Osh]

Would you say a graduate with a bit more legal experience, i.e legal volunteering/vacation schemes would have to tell less of a 'story' and can just explain what they enjoyed (and why) from their previous work experience when answering why commercial law?

 

[Jacob Miller]

Would you say a graduate with a bit more legal experience, i.e legal volunteering/vacation schemes would have to tell less of a 'story' and can just explain what they enjoyed (and why) from their previous work experience when answering why commercial law?

Great question.

The thing to remember about the 'why commercial law' question is that it should be your reasons for wanting to go down this route. That makes it an inherently personal answer which should 100% be tailored to your experiences and outlook! I would personally say that it's nice to be able to give a personal slant to this, but, if you feel that most of your desire has actually arisen from prior experiences and you feel you can answer that fully, go for it!

Best of luck

 

[Osh]

Great question.

The thing to remember about the 'why commercial law' question is that it should be your reasons for wanting to go down this route. That makes it an inherently personal answer which should 100% be tailored to your experiences and outlook! I would personally say that it's nice to be able to give a personal slant to this, but, if you feel that most of your desire has actually arisen from prior experiences and you feel you can answer that fully, go for it!

Best of luck

Thank you that is useful. I just felt going from my A-level interest in law up until now as a graduate would have me speaking for ages. Obviously using that structure as a 2nd year was less of an issue as I would have had less experience to call on and talk about.

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi all,

I am not sure whether you can help out with this but I am trying to figure out Jones Day's rivals and I am really struggling. I followed a guide written by Jaysen, checked Legal 500, etc. However, it seems like Jones Day is competing with so many very different firms in many different practice areas (from Eversheds through the Magic Circle to some other US firms). I would appreciate any advice. Thanks

Hi Nicole,

I only have a fairly limited experience with JD, but, based on the research I have done on them, your assessment is pretty accurate. When approaching the issue of against whom they compete, I would personally acknowledge this and structure my answer appropriately by going through competitors in a few key areas and why they might differ across different practice areas

 

[castrooo]

Hi @Jacob Miller @Dheepa @Naomi U

Thank you for all your insights so far! I received a call last Thursday offering me a vacation scheme with a law firm. I am now wondering if you would recommend asking for feedback following my Assessment Centre? So that they know, I am keen on taking on feedback and improve professionally? Or would you that (because I was successful) not leave a good impression on HR?

Thank you

 

[Dheepa]

Hi @Jacob Miller @Dheepa @Naomi U

Thank you for all your insights so far! I received a call last Thursday offering me a vacation scheme with a law firm. I am now wondering if you would recommend asking for feedback following my Assessment Centre? So that they know, I am keen on taking on feedback and improve professionally? Or would you that (because I was successful) not leave a good impression on HR?

Thank you

Hiya, first off congrats on your VS! Really happy for you!

No I don’t think it will leave a bad impression at all. I asked for feedback too after successful offers just so I could improve on my performance during the vac. It might take some time for GR to get back to you though just because it’s generally a busy time of year for them, but I think it’s a great idea to ask for the feedback and you should definitely do it!