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Summer Vacation Scheme Thread 2019
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Hi guys,
After extensive research on A&O I'm still struggling with this question: In your opinion, what one thing sets Allen & Overy apart from its competitors and why? (250 word limit)
I could speak about banking & finance, innovation etc - but I don't want to be too cliche.
Any suggestions would be helpful
Ahmed
After extensive research on A&O I'm still struggling with this question: In your opinion, what one thing sets Allen & Overy apart from its competitors and why? (250 word limit)
I could speak about banking & finance, innovation etc - but I don't want to be too cliche.
Any suggestions would be helpful
Ahmed
- Feb 17, 2018
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Pick whichever one you are the most interested in/you know about the most.
Don't worry about being cliche for this question. It's about how well you answer the question and not how unique your answer is.
Hi everyone,
I have been struggling with Linklaters question 'what are the two major changes and industry disruptions that could impact Linklaters and our clients'. Would you approach this question as a general 'disruptions in legal world', or do I specifically have to tie my answer to Linklaters? So for example, how is the rise of legal tech affecting/ will affect Linklaters as opposed to other firms?
Thanks!
I have been struggling with Linklaters question 'what are the two major changes and industry disruptions that could impact Linklaters and our clients'. Would you approach this question as a general 'disruptions in legal world', or do I specifically have to tie my answer to Linklaters? So for example, how is the rise of legal tech affecting/ will affect Linklaters as opposed to other firms?
Thanks!
Actually, there is an interesting article (https://www.trustnodes.com/2018/02/03/magic-circle-law-firm-enters-smart-contracts-race) which could be very useful. My advice is to research the firm, look which practice area makes more money and from that pick a trend and analyse and discuss it. Smart contracts are particularly important for insurance, healthcare and banking sectors.
Hi everyone,
I was in the middle of writing my answer to a commercial awareness question when I realised the question asked for a current 'legal issue' and how it affects the legal market as opposed to a 'commercial issue' (always read the question!).
Would people say there is a difference between a 'commercial' issue and a 'legal' issue (for the purposes of this question)?
I was in the middle of writing my answer to a commercial awareness question when I realised the question asked for a current 'legal issue' and how it affects the legal market as opposed to a 'commercial issue' (always read the question!).
Would people say there is a difference between a 'commercial' issue and a 'legal' issue (for the purposes of this question)?
'Please choose a current legal issue that interests you and describe how it affects/may affect the current legal market' (Addleshaw Goddard application)
I was going to talk about quantitative tightening and its impact on private equity work for commercial firms, but I guess quantitative tightening isn't a 'legal issue' in itself (even though it has legal implications)?
I realise this may be a stupid question so my apologies!
N
It helps to see that it explicitly says legal issue so yeah, I'd stick with something that's explicitly to do with that. Otherwise you're right, general issues will still effect the legal market
No question is stupid in my opinion.
It helps to see that it explicitly says legal issue so yeah, I'd stick with something that's explicitly to do with that. Otherwise you're right, general issues will still effect the legal market
- Feb 17, 2018
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That's a great question actually, I used to struggle with it myself.
You may find this thread helpful: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/addleshaw-goddard-question.836/#post-4869
I think you are right that there is a difference between commercial and legal issues. I wouldn't say QE is a legal issue.
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Can't believe I missed that thread! Thank you so much -- extremely helpful
- Feb 17, 2018
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No problem. I'll be upgrading the search system at some point so these hidden posts are easier to find!
1. What do you think are the main opportunities and challenges facing Allen & Overy and our clients in the next five years? Please explain your answer
How should I go around answering this question? I am a little stuck. I feel it would be cliched to say technology, but perhaps I could say competitive market? raising client expectations?
What's interesting is that asks about the "clients" as well, so it's something to consider.
Thanks.
How should I go around answering this question? I am a little stuck. I feel it would be cliched to say technology, but perhaps I could say competitive market? raising client expectations?
What's interesting is that asks about the "clients" as well, so it's something to consider.
Thanks.
- Feb 17, 2018
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Agreed with all of the above. Any of them could be both an opportunity and a challenge. FYI - it's OK to be cliche for questions like these.
Now just try to narrow down what you want to talk about for each reason. Try to be specific and think about how you can apply it to your understanding of A&O.
Hi guys,
not sure this is the right place to post this, but I took Weil's critical reasoning test on 20th of December and I still haven't heard back from them. I know Christmas holidays have been in between, but would you advise sending an email to check if I took the test correctly? Or they will definitely get back to me at some point.
Thanks!
not sure this is the right place to post this, but I took Weil's critical reasoning test on 20th of December and I still haven't heard back from them. I know Christmas holidays have been in between, but would you advise sending an email to check if I took the test correctly? Or they will definitely get back to me at some point.
Thanks!
I think you should give them some time, they will defo get back to you at some point. Due to the festive season, they could be behind on apps and progressing applicants to the next stage etc
If you don’t hear back from them mid Jan, I would suggest sending an email to check if the test and everything else went through fine?
Hi guys,
I'm writing my cover letter for W&C. I'm writing about my interest in project finance and my interest in their competitive advantage in being able to provide services in Africa.
I wrote about my heritage and interest in African development. My question is whether I should remove the part on African development, as they may think I should go into international development or public policy instead of commercial law?
Any advise is welcome.
I'm writing my cover letter for W&C. I'm writing about my interest in project finance and my interest in their competitive advantage in being able to provide services in Africa.
I wrote about my heritage and interest in African development. My question is whether I should remove the part on African development, as they may think I should go into international development or public policy instead of commercial law?
Any advise is welcome.
Hey Ahmed,
RE the African development point, I would not take it out completely as it is a valid point to make, as long as you provide a clear reason as to why your interest in Africa's development has motivated you to apply to W&C.
For example, in my application to W&C, I spoke about my interest in the projects and finance sector, particularly in Africa as I completed 1) law and society in Africa module at university, 2) a vacation scheme with a mid-sized firm where I assisted on research tasks for clients based in Africa and finally 3) my discussion with trainees at W&C open day about South Africa'a Renewable Energy Independent PPPP and the range of work this programme has generated for the firm.
As mentioned above, you just need clear reasons as to why you're interested in the firm's work in Africa, so your answer sounds more like you're applying for a training contract, rather than a consultancy position within the public policy/international development sector.
I hope this helps.
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