Definitive Guide to Law Firm Interviews! *Monday Article Series*

[harris100]

Hi guys, I wanted to know if anyone knew how to answer the "what do you understand about what we do" question (upcoming sidley interview) and I'm a bit lost on what it actually entails - and if it does include things like pay structure and firm goals - where do you find this info?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys, I wanted to know if anyone knew how to answer the "what do you understand about what we do" question (upcoming sidley interview) and I'm a bit lost on what it actually entails - and if it does include things like pay structure and firm goals - where do you find this info?

I have answered in the other thread, but I would avoid pay structures and focus more on the following factors - you don't need to cover them all, this is a brief summary of what you know, not what you could talk about for a long period of time:

• The firm's position in the market
• Its expertise, whether by practice areas/sectors or both
• The firm's values
• The firm's strategy
• How the firm operates - e.g. lean teams, use of technology, how it works with clients etc

For research, I would look at the firm's website and profiles like this Chambers one.

I would also try to ensure in your answer you are explaining the criteria you are applying - e.g. are you talking about the firm broadly or are you talking about the firm's London office (it won't be an issue if it is one or the other).