- Feb 17, 2018
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The UK has struck its first major post-Brexit trade deal after signing an agreement with Japan:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54116606.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54116606.
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Commercial Awareness Discussion Thread
- Thread starter Jaysen
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Hi guys,
This commercial awareness thread has been super helpful.
I was wondering if anybody had some guidance how to approach CA questions in applications. For example, DLA Piper's app question is 'Which business news story has interested you the most in the last 12 months and why?'. Though not explicitly stated in the question, it is good practise to relate the answer back to how it may impact the firm. However, I am struggling to do this.
E.g. If I talk about the concern around big tech and antitrust law. How can I talk about the impact on the firm beyond the fact they will see an increase in regulatory work?
Thanks!
This commercial awareness thread has been super helpful.
I was wondering if anybody had some guidance how to approach CA questions in applications. For example, DLA Piper's app question is 'Which business news story has interested you the most in the last 12 months and why?'. Though not explicitly stated in the question, it is good practise to relate the answer back to how it may impact the firm. However, I am struggling to do this.
E.g. If I talk about the concern around big tech and antitrust law. How can I talk about the impact on the firm beyond the fact they will see an increase in regulatory work?
Thanks!
Hi there - sorry this wasn't answered sooner! So it can be good in these responses to link it back to a firm if it can be done naturally and convincingly but don't feel you have to! This question just asks you to discuss a business story which interests you with no mention of needing to relate it back so if you feel this cannot be done well and your words would be better placed on the analysis and content then definitely do this and don't worry about mentioning the firm
- Feb 17, 2018
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For anyone with an interest in ESG, Baker McKenzie has released a 10-part(!) webinar series here: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/resources/esg-webinar-series.
This is really interesting article comparing a SPAC IPO and a traditional IPO for anyone who is interested!
https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/what-is-a-spac/
https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/what-is-a-spac/
Does anyone have any thoughts on how the FCA covid insurance litigation in the high court (which found in favour of businesses seeking payouts from reticent insurers) might impact law firms operating in both the contentious and non-contentious insurance sector?
I can't think of anything beyond an increased likelihood of litigation as different claimants figure out whether their policy wording fits the bill, and more stringent drafting of insurance contracts in future.
I can't think of anything beyond an increased likelihood of litigation as different claimants figure out whether their policy wording fits the bill, and more stringent drafting of insurance contracts in future.
This is a first instance and very specific decision and personally I believe will be changed by the Court of Appeal. It is too soon to sing victory!
HSF has written a very interesting article but the FT really outlines what are the challenges for small companies.
Hi! I was completing the TCLA M&A Course and got a little confused. Under methods of financing, it was titled "Methods of Financing (Share Purchase)" and the lecture goes on to discuss financing through shares, debt or a combination of both. I was wondering if these methods applied solely to share purchases or if they applied to asset purchases as well (presumably not since they are not purchasing any of the target companies' shares?) Am I correct to think this?
@Jaysen perhaps you can help clarify! Thank you
@Jaysen perhaps you can help clarify! Thank you
An asset purchase could definitely be funded by selling equity. When generating finance by selling shares, the company purchasing the assets would sell shares in the same way, but the share price may fluctuate more depending on how investors perceive the value of the assets being purchased. A company can generate finance by selling equity at any point provided that they don't dilute the shares of current shareholders!Hi! I was completing the TCLA M&A Course and got a little confused. Under methods of financing, it was titled "Methods of Financing (Share Purchase)" and the lecture goes on to discuss financing through shares, debt or a combination of both. I was wondering if these methods applied solely to share purchases or if they applied to asset purchases as well (presumably not since they are not purchasing any of the target companies' shares?) Am I correct to think this?
@Jaysen perhaps you can help clarify! Thank you
I've got this tonight, and I think that's definitely what I'd say for the question. Client roster is obviously vital, and then I would say employees, reputation and strength in practice areas and legal tech is a good point if it's developed by them! What did you mean by know-hows?
Also any advice for the competition? I've just prepared by looking pretty generally at trends this year within the sectors.
Know-how refers to specific tech or financial skills.
I have been also trying to argument my ideas and link to law firms
Firms have adopted new ways of working in light of the pandemic. They may of also taken cost cutting measures. Maybe these new ways of operating have shone light on financially efficient ways of working? Has the working day changed as a result of the new found method - working from home (not overly relevant to your question, I realise).
Just ideas, I’m keen to know other thoughts.
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Arcadia, the owner of Topshop, Burtons and Dorothy Perkins, is on the brink of collapse: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55099374. I think it's worth brushing up on the basics of insolvency and what administration means for interviews.
- Feb 17, 2018
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A sad day for Debenhams after attempts to rescue the company/seek a buyer have not been successful. The company's 124 shops will cease trading and 12,000 employees are likely to lose their jos: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55142724.
We actually used Debenhams as a case study to explore the collapse of the high street and administration during our virtual training programme earlier this year. I'm expecting far more interview questions on insolvency/administration/restructuring in the near future.
In the New Year, once the applications calm down, @Alice G and I may restart these training programmes or conduct these as webinars so you guys can join if you missed out on our session!
We actually used Debenhams as a case study to explore the collapse of the high street and administration during our virtual training programme earlier this year. I'm expecting far more interview questions on insolvency/administration/restructuring in the near future.
In the New Year, once the applications calm down, @Alice G and I may restart these training programmes or conduct these as webinars so you guys can join if you missed out on our session!
I think that a lot of employees will be happier with their work-life balance if they are allowed to continue working from home several days per week. Obviously, for the new intake of trainees, this will be all they have ever known. This will impact the economics of running expensive offices, and also 'hot-desking', for example, will you be able to keep an office or desk if you only come into work three days per week?
The logistics will need to be carefully thought through - for instance, will certain teams only come in on a Friday? Will the whole team then be expected to participate in social activities too?
And the burning question, what will happen to water cooler conversations and office romances? This may sound slightly flippant but the conversation and informal networking are really important in smooth-running offices. Also, some 15-20% of couples met their partner at work, so will this drop when those opportunities aren't there?
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