Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

[James Wakefield]

Hi Gemma

Willkie’s VI questions have been circulating the forum and other group chats meaning those who have done the VI late December/ January most have known the questions beforehand. Is this easy for you to spot when reviewing?

(I did mines in November without prior knowledge so it sucks to know many have/will progress knowing the questions)

I didn’t know the q’s beforehand and did mine in January. I’m sure that’s the same for most people.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma!

I’m wondering if you usually review VIs in the order they’re received or in the order of the application/no particular order?

Thank you!

Hi @James Wakefield in the order they come in. Everyone will hear back within the stated ten to fifteen working days of the deadline.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma

Willkie’s VI questions have been circulating the forum and other group chats meaning those who have done the VI late December/ January most have known the questions beforehand. Is this easy for you to spot when reviewing?

(I did mines in November without prior knowledge so it sucks to know many have/will progress knowing the questions)

Hi @BreadandButter roughly (there is no quota) the same percentage of people get through to the next stage, no matter when the interview is taken, so I don't think knowledge sharing of questions themselves impacts success.

 

[addy2004]

Hi @addy2004

We do provide some guidance in the emails sent to all candidates, sent at the same time. This is to ensure transparency and fairness for all.

thanks
Gemma

Hi Gemma,

Thank you for your response. I respect that you ensure transparency for all candidates during the process, so this is comforting to know.

Have a great weekend!

 

[BreadandButter]

Hi @BreadandButter roughly (there is no quota) the same percentage of people get through to the next stage, no matter when the interview is taken, so I don't think knowledge sharing of questions themselves impacts success.

Thank you Gemma.

Lastly, for the partner interview this is done in person but if someone goes to university let’s say in Scotland is it acceptable to ask for a video interview? Would this be detrimental to their chance of gaining a place on the vacation scheme as they will
not be able to build a strong relationship not being in person.

 

[S206]

Hi Gemma, Hope you are doing well! How would you recommend preparing for written exercises - both at willkie and at other firms?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Thank you Gemma.

Lastly, for the partner interview this is done in person but if someone goes to university let’s say in Scotland is it acceptable to ask for a video interview? Would this be detrimental to their chance of gaining a place on the vacation scheme as they will
not be able to build a strong relationship not being in person.

Hi @BreadandButter yes of course, we've been doing this since the start of our grad rec programme as it benefits those in full time work and those who are a fair distance away. It has no impact on decision making.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma, Hope you are doing well! How would you recommend preparing for written exercises - both at willkie and at other firms?

I'm afraid I'm not aware of the resources out there, nor of the exercises at other firms so it's difficult to recommend. My general guidance is to 1. answer the questions (obvious but surprising how many people don't), 2. stick to the word count given, 3, dedicate at least 50% of the allocated time to the writing up of your work (notes are not marked) 4, have a good structure to your work.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi all, just to let you know I am on annual leave for a week and won't be answering any questions until Monday 20 January.

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[callieantonatou]

I was assigned to complete the Video Interview by Watson Farley and Williams! Do you have any advice to give me ?

 

[chrisbrown]

I was assigned to complete the Video Interview by Watson Farley and Williams! Do you have any advice to give me ?

Do you mean Willkie? This is a Willkie thread so I think Gemma can only answer certain questions about Willkie specifically. 🙂

If not then it might be good to ask on the other TCLA threads that cover all firms including Watson Farley & Williams. 🙂