General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[JW]

Hi everybody! I was wondering if there were any threads available or if anybody had any examples of questions that may be asked at an interview where there is a discussion based on your application/cv? Thanks

 

[Jessica Booker]

When asked in a competency interview, for example "tell me about a time you recently worked in a team", how recent does your example have to be? Could it be from a year ago? @Jessica Booker I would be grateful for your insight

Yes - a year is fine, especially given current circumstances where team working isn’t always straight forward or you have numerous opportunities

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey guys,

If you're applying to Freshfields, the deadline is actually at 18:59 today.

As others have suggested, it may be factoring your location and time difference if you are outside of the UK (assuming you are in the US time zone or equivalent).

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Does anyone have the graduate recruitment email for Ashurt? Can't seem to find it online

 

[law2021]

Is it appropriate to follow up with GR if it's taken over a month for a response after a WG? Or should I assume a rejection is imminent...?

 

[AH97]

Does anyone have the graduate recruitment email for Ashurt? Can't seem to find it online

You have to go through the query forms on their website! https://www.ashurst.com/en/contact-us/

 

[Jacob Miller]

Is it appropriate to follow up with GR if it's taken over a month for a response after a WG? Or should I assume a rejection is imminent...?

Personally I wouldn't follow up post-WG. Grad Rec will be exceptionally busy at the moment, especially if they're WFH, and they'll receive dozens of emails asking similar questions. I know the wait is exceedingly hard but just try and concentrate/ distract yourself with other stuff to try and make it easier! Also don't assume a rejection is imminent, it might be the case that they're just weighing up different apps against each other to decide on exactly who to ask to interview so it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be knocked back!

Very best of luck

 

[law2021]

Personally I wouldn't follow up post-WG. Grad Rec will be exceptionally busy at the moment, especially if they're WFH, and they'll receive dozens of emails asking similar questions. I know the wait is exceedingly hard but just try and concentrate/ distract yourself with other stuff to try and make it easier! Also don't assume a rejection is imminent, it might be the case that they're just weighing up different apps against each other to decide on exactly who to ask to interview so it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be knocked back!

Very best of luck

Thank you for getting back to me!

 

[whisperingrock]

Does anyone have the graduate recruitment email for Ashurt? Can't seem to find it online

gradrec@ashurst.com

 

[Beth P]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ricky]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

My view:

1. Identify the challenges the firm faces in the legal market focussing on the client perspective and then what it can do to overcome them: gaining new clients, retention, pricing models, ALSPs, onshoring etc.
2. How does the firm differentiate itself from others: training, work, structure, business model/strategy, thought leadership, how they add value, international presence, collaboration, use of legal tech etc.

There is some overlap but the first question is asking you to identify the challenges and then provide solutions. The second is just asking you to show your understanding of how the firm differs.

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

I really like @Ricky's points here. I think for question one, the key thing to show is a consistent drive towards meeting client needs without ever compromising the quality of advice and service that it offers. I would also add that leveraging technology is increasingly important in this context.
In terms of question two, I think Ricky covers pretty much all bases here. In addition, the one thing I'd say (and I give this advice quite often) is don't focus much on culture here unless you've spent a decent amount of time with the firm before- there's no credibility to an answer on culture if you've not spent time with them to experience it.

V best of luck with your applications!

 

[Beth P]

My view:

1. Identify the challenges the firm faces in the legal market focussing on the client perspective and then what it can do to overcome them: gaining new clients, retention, pricing models, ALSPs, onshoring etc.
2. How does the firm differentiate itself from others: training, work, structure, business model/strategy, thought leadership, how they add value, international presence, collaboration, use of legal tech etc.

There is some overlap but the first question is asking you to identify the challenges and then provide solutions. The second is just asking you to show your understanding of how the firm differs.

I really like @Ricky's points here. I think for question one, the key thing to show is a consistent drive towards meeting client needs without ever compromising the quality of advice and service that it offers. I would also add that leveraging technology is increasingly important in this context.
In terms of question two, I think Ricky covers pretty much all bases here. In addition, the one thing I'd say (and I give this advice quite often) is don't focus much on culture here unless you've spent a decent amount of time with the firm before- there's no credibility to an answer on culture if you've not spent time with them to experience it.

V best of luck with your applications!

Thank you so much both of you. Super useful and makes much more sense now!

 

[Ricky]

I really like @Ricky's points here. I think for question one, the key thing to show is a consistent drive towards meeting client needs without ever compromising the quality of advice and service that it offers. I would also add that leveraging technology is increasingly important in this context.
In terms of question two, I think Ricky covers pretty much all bases here. In addition, the one thing I'd say (and I give this advice quite often) is don't focus much on culture here unless you've spent a decent amount of time with the firm before- there's no credibility to an answer on culture if you've not spent time with them to experience it.

V best of luck with your applications!

Completely agree about culture. Have heard several GR say don't talk about it in applications as it is just too generic. There is so much else to talk about and link back to you.

 

[M1999]

If a firm is non-rolling. Do they read the applications in a random order?

 

[Jacob Miller]

If a firm is non-rolling. Do they read the applications in a random order?

It will depend on the firm's individual practices. They might read in random order, alphabetical order, or some form of algorithmic order. @Jessica Booker will probably be best placed to advise here.

 

[J Wu]

If a firm is non-rolling. Do they read the applications in a random order?

Idk the specific answer to whether some firms read them in a random order but some non-rolling firms read applications as they come in to manage volume but only send out AC invites after the deadline

 

[Jessica Booker]

It will depend on the firm's individual practices. They might read in random order, alphabetical order, or some form of algorithmic order. @Jessica Booker will probably be best placed to advise here.

Lots of different ways this is done. Alphabetical is possible but isn’t a very good way of doing it (tends to favour different nationalities).

They may rank it on something like test scores (if they have used that).

Could just be completely random.

They still may review by when you applied, but just review after applications are received.

 

[Lawgirl123]

Hi guys /. @Jaysen - is there a course on TCLA that goes through law firm practice areas? Could have sworn I saw one but can't find it now!

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi guys /. @Jaysen - is there a course on TCLA that goes through law firm practice areas? Could have sworn I saw one but can't find it now!

Keep an eye out for my next Monday Article which will cover this in some depth!