To make sure your answer about
Davis Polk's work is persuasive enough, after you finish writing you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my description of Davis Polk's work very specific to the firm, or is it general enough to apply to many other firms? Am I being specific in mentioning the firm's main practices, their structure, client base, market recognition, and past mandates?
- Does the substantive reasoning I am providing to explain my interest seem like a genuine statement of my motivations? Am I clear in explaining what specific features of the work attract me and how that connects with my more general professional and intellectual interests?
- Am I connecting and reinforcing this reasoning by mentioning actual examples of my experiences which illustrate my points?
If the answer is 'yes' to all of those questions then I think your answer will be persuasive.
As for your second question, I know last year partners looked over my CV in the interview, but I was asked to provide the CV at application stage. Back then you would apply by simply sending your CV and cover letter to the firm via email, the application form system was introduced this cycle. As such, I would not worry too much. I suspect the partners will use the information in the application form or you will be asked for a CV later on if this is necessary for the interview.
