For the Sidley Austin VS application, I am asked to discuss a current commercial issue that interests me. I'm considering discussing a recent judgment, such as the DOJ v. Google antitrust case. I would touch upon two specific aspects of the case and then briefly discuss the potential future impact on firms like Sidley Austin (and their clients), which have significant antitrust practices in both Europe and the U.S. However, I'm concerned that my analysis of this topic might be too evident or basic, and I'm wondering whether I should opt for a more 'unique' topic. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Commercial Issue Application Question
- Thread starter alexandramonica
- Start date
- Sep 9, 2024
- 298
- 469
Hi Alexandra! I do not think you need to find a more unique topic than this. In my successful applications and interviews last year, for basically every commercial news question I discussed the Inflation-High Interest Rates story, and I never received negative feedback for it - despite the fact that this was probably the least 'unique' story I could be talking about. I think what matters more for this type of question is not the news story you choose itself, but rather how you go about discussing it. Showing a real depth of understanding and a structured multi-faceted analysis of a big news story will be more impressive than a vague description of a more niche topic.
I don't think choosing the DOJ v Google case could ever be held against you - firstly, it is a significant recent development in a longer shift towards stronger antitrust enforcement which is particularly ripe from a dual legal and commercial analysis. Secondly, it will still be less commonly seen in applications when compared to topics like inflation and the economy, impact of recent and upcoming elections, and so on.
That being said, I do think it's good to always strive for additional specificity and to find ways to differentiate your answer from other applicants. One thing I would suggest here is to take some time to research and understand Sidley Austin's specific antitrust practice and client base. Are any big name clients particularly likely to be affected by the case? Is Sidley's antitrust practice especially well-placed to advise clients and to win mandates following this development? Does the firm have significant prior expertise with this type of case? If so, mentioning any of these details in your analysis will definitely help set you apart.
- Sep 9, 2024
- 298
- 469
- Sep 9, 2024
- 298
- 469
Hi @tosin4774!
If the question is formulated as a broad 'discuss a commercial topic that interests you', you do not necessarily have to discuss an affected practice area. The only things that you must do are analyze the topic and provide an explanation as to why it interested you. However, if you can discuss specific practice areas effects I think this shows good commercial awareness skills.
As such, I would perhaps advise you to either (i) try to integrate the practice area link into your general analysis of the topic; or (ii) explain that, since you have an interest in that specific practice area, one of the reasons why you found the story interesting was exactly because it affected the work lawyers do in this practice. For either (i) or (ii) if you can also mention how the story particularly influences either the specific firm's practice area or its specific clients (which you could consider name dropping) - I think that would make your answer stand out even more.
If the question is formulated as a broad 'discuss a commercial topic that interests you', you do not necessarily have to discuss an affected practice area. The only things that you must do are analyze the topic and provide an explanation as to why it interested you. However, if you can discuss specific practice areas effects I think this shows good commercial awareness skills.
As such, I would perhaps advise you to either (i) try to integrate the practice area link into your general analysis of the topic; or (ii) explain that, since you have an interest in that specific practice area, one of the reasons why you found the story interesting was exactly because it affected the work lawyers do in this practice. For either (i) or (ii) if you can also mention how the story particularly influences either the specific firm's practice area or its specific clients (which you could consider name dropping) - I think that would make your answer stand out even more.
