Hey @harris100 , well done on securing the interview invite!
First, I recommend having a look at TCLA’s
Sidley Austin Law Firm Profile to brush up your knowledge about the firm. It will also be helpful to have a chat with any future trainees or current trainees/associates of the firm regarding any specific questions you may have.
Additionally, I have quoted a post I made recently on interview tips below:
1. Motivational-Based Interview: This will often cover ‘Why law?’, ‘Why commercial law?’, and ‘Why this firm?’. It’s essential to have clear, thoughtful responses that show your genuine motivation for both the profession and the specific firm. I’ve encountered a few assessment centres where they asked separately about law and commercial law, so it was useful to tailor my responses accordingly. For the ‘Why law?’ question, a general approach works well, supported by specific experiences and research showing your overall passion for law. For example, I highlighted how starting my degree sparked a commitment to the legal field, even before specialising.
When asked ‘Why commercial law?’, I knew I needed to highlight the intersection of commerce with legal practice, describing how this area of law aligns with my interests in business dynamics. This is where mentioning relevant experiences—like virtual internships via Forage, open days, or in-person internships—comes in handy. These can showcase a range of skills, plus a deeper understanding of the field.
2. Competency/Situational-Based Interview: In this segment, you’ll likely be asked about scenarios where you demonstrated specific skills, which may involve legal or business experiences but could also draw from any background. Each experience holds value, even if it’s not directly law-related. For example, during an assessment centre, I was asked to
discuss a time I showed integrity. Off the top of my head, I remember approaching my answer similar to this:
While reviewing contractual provisions, I demonstrated integrity by going beyond a standard review to ensure that both parties’ interests were fairly represented. Instead of simply accepting terms as written, I took the initiative to scrutinise clauses that could lead to imbalances, especially around liability and obligations. When I identified provisions that heavily favoured one party, I recommended revisions to create a more equitable balance. For this step, I received feedback from my supervisor on my ability to swiftly communicate business-related concerns.Such a commitment to fairness, even when it meant additional effort or challenging initial drafts, allowed me to uphold both ethical standards and the trust of all parties involved. Ultimately, my integrity was the guiding principle, ensuring transparency and fostering long-term confidence on both sides.
As you can see, I followed the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. However, while I keep this structure in mind, I adapt my answer in an interview to make it sound natural and conversational. For assessment centres, having a structured answer is excellent, but the ability to communicate it confidently and personably makes it even stronger.
3. Case Study Interview: While commercial awareness is key throughout the application process, it’s especially critical in case study interviews. Commercial awareness goes beyond just keeping up with the news—it’s about grasping the implications of business concepts on the legal sector.
For example, you might encounter a question on the impact of recent listing rule changes on law firms and their clients. If you’re interviewing with a firm that specialises in transactions, case study questions may centre around transactional areas of law like M&A. However, for firms with a disputes focus, case studies might lean towards litigation. Regardless, it’s helpful to be well-versed in both areas, so linking knowledge across disciplines can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
You might also be asked to discuss a recent news article rather than a fictional case. Here, they may ask you to assess broader impacts on clients and the firm itself. If, for instance, interest rates come up while you’re interviewing at a firm with a strong private equity practice, you could discuss how higher rates could slow private equity deals due to increased borrowing costs. As borrowing with high leverage is standard in private equity, you could point out that firms may see a dip in deal flow until economic conditions improve. Additionally, considering the law firm as a business itself, higher rates might mean it borrows less to fund operations, which could influence how it navigates the changing economic climate.
For case studies and article discussions, a structured answer is key. Start by summarising the main points, then address the implications for law firms and their clients, add any insights you think are valuable, answer the specific questions in the instructions, and consider any policy implications or open questions you’d like to raise.
Overall Tip: Confidence is key. If you speak confidently, you’ll be able to calm your nerves and let your skills come through clearly. Best of luck, and do keep us updated— we’re rooting for you!
