Shearman & Sterling

[v123]

Hey guys!

I’m applying to S&S and realise finance is their main practice area. I’m interested in this area from what I’ve learned speaking to trainees at other firms and from the AS semi finals at Travers Smith. However, I’m finding it hard to articulate why their finance practice appeals to me without having any practical experience in this area. Any tips or suggestions?

 

[Salma]

It would be great to hear how @Alice G successfully did it.

 

[Alice G]

I am actually not particularly well versed in finance but I did look into M&A specifically and why this interests me. Take a look at the sectors Shearman work within- I’m interested in life sciences so discussed this in my app and interview I also think maybe look at project finance as they’re very big on this!!

I didn’t actually go into much depth about their practice areas personally but they are very proud of their strengths so this sounds brilliant! If I can read anything over for you then please let me know and I shall do so on messenger?

What are you apply for may I ask?

 

[v123]

I am actually not particularly well versed in finance but I did look into M&A specifically and why this interests me. Take a look at the sectors Shearman work within- I’m interested in life sciences so discussed this in my app and interview I also think maybe look at project finance as they’re very big on this!!

I didn’t actually go into much depth about their practice areas personally but they are very proud of their strengths so this sounds brilliant! If I can read anything over for you then please let me know and I shall do so on messenger?

What are you apply for may I ask?

Hi Alice,

That is so kind of you- thank you very much! I did some work in the energy industry but didn't know if I would be getting too off-topic discussing that. Based on your advice it seems like I could potentially discuss M&A and the energy industry and go from there. I am trying to apply for the training contract. Do you have a VS/TC with S&S?

Thank you for your generous offer as well. I would love to send over a short paragraph this week and if you had time for any feedback that would be fabulous!

 

[Alice G]

You are very welcome and of course! Send something whenever you feel comfortable I have a spring vac scheme with them coming up in April- found out today I got it and interviewed yesterday not at all!! Best thing is to be authentic and look at their strengths and match this to you. I couldn’t really do this that well- I am a history grad who did a history of medicine module but other than that it’s really hard to justify why I am so interested in life sciences!! Go with energy as they are really big on this and really cater to Shearman- if there is a deal or client you can reference well, I would go for it! I really hope this helps and good luck with your app

 

[v123]

You are very welcome and of course! Send something whenever you feel comfortable I have a spring vac scheme with them coming up in April- found out today I got it and interviewed yesterday not at all!! Best thing is to be authentic and look at their strengths and match this to you. I couldn’t really do this that well- I am a history grad who did a history of medicine module but other than that it’s really hard to justify why I am so interested in life sciences!! Go with energy as they are really big on this and really cater to Shearman- if there is a deal or client you can reference well, I would go for it! I really hope this helps and good luck with your app

Congrats on securing the vac scheme! Thank you again for all of the helpful info

 

[Mamie]

I am actually not particularly well versed in finance but I did look into M&A specifically and why this interests me. Take a look at the sectors Shearman work within- I’m interested in life sciences so discussed this in my app and interview I also think maybe look at project finance as they’re very big on this!!

I didn’t actually go into much depth about their practice areas personally but they are very proud of their strengths so this sounds brilliant! If I can read anything over for you then please let me know and I shall do so on messenger?

What are you apply for may I ask?

Hi Alice,

I also struggle to articulate why I'm interested in certain practice areas when I have little/no experience in them. For example I'm very interested in finance and I'd be keen to secure financial services seat to determine if it's the area I want to qualify in, but I don't have any direct experience to explain why. How would you recommend I tackle this? I'm happy to pursue experience in the meantime to back this up.

Thank you,

Mamie

 

[Alice G]

Hi Alice,

I also struggle to articulate why I'm interested in certain practice areas when I have little/no experience in them. For example I'm very interested in finance and I'd be keen to secure financial services seat to determine if it's the area I want to qualify in, but I don't have any direct experience to explain why. How would you recommend I tackle this? I'm happy to pursue experience in the meantime to back this up.

Thank you,

Mamie

Hi Mamie

That is a tough question and I appreciate the diffficulty entirely. I personally really struggled to articulate my ‘why law’ response because I am a non-law student and I always felt what I was saying was too obvious and superficial. I think you really have to dig deep and try really hard to write down maybe three reasons why you think you are interested in finance- this is much much easier said than done I understand but unfortunately it’s very difficult to offer advice asides from this when it comes to personal motivation. What I would recommend is perhaps going to seminars or events about finance? Or even purchase a book about finance and the law maybe? I really don’t think lacking experience is a stumbling block at all here though. Yes, if you can relate back to something specific about a practice area or a sector it can help to deepen a response but it doesn’t render one devoid of experience weak by any means at all. Really get to the root of your interest and state explicitly that having the opportunity to sit in the department for a week would help you to consolidate your initial interest. If you wish to send me a paragraph via a private message to look over I’d be more than happy to help and offer guidance in a more tailored way

 

[Mamie]

Hi Mamie

That is a tough question and I appreciate the diffficulty entirely. I personally really struggled to articulate my ‘why law’ response because I am a non-law student and I always felt what I was saying was too obvious and superficial. I think you really have to dig deep and try really hard to write down maybe three reasons why you think you are interested in finance- this is much much easier said than done I understand but unfortunately it’s very difficult to offer advice asides from this when it comes to personal motivation. What I would recommend is perhaps going to seminars or events about finance? Or even purchase a book about finance and the law maybe? I really don’t think lacking experience is a stumbling block at all here though. Yes, if you can relate back to something specific about a practice area or a sector it can help to deepen a response but it doesn’t render one devoid of experience weak by any means at all. Really get to the root of your interest and state explicitly that having the opportunity to sit in the department for a week would help you to consolidate your initial interest. If you wish to send me a paragraph via a private message to look over I’d be more than happy to help and offer guidance in a more tailored way

Thank you Alice, this was really helpful.

I've picked up a few books I've been intending to read so I better get to it haha!

And thanks for the offer - that's very kind of you and I might take you up on it

 

[Alice G]

Thank you Alice, this was really helpful.

I've picked up a few books I've been intending to read so I better get to it haha!

And thanks for the offer - that's very kind of you and I might take you up on it

That sounds perfect- I hope they prove fruitful!
And absolutely do! Whenever you like