I think Baker still hasn't sent them out yet; they told me they will by the 10th of Jan (or at least, aim to...)Has anyone received sidely AC Summer, Latham AC Summer, Baker Summer Test?
Also how many W&C Spring invites have gone out? If you received one, can you please let me know when you did the VI?
I agree with Jessica's points, I will just add that for the simple 'Why law' question you should seek to emphasize more general features of legal practice that attract you. It is perfectly acceptable to say that your masters confirmed your interest in pursuing a legal career because you have found commercial law significantly more interesting than any other areas of the law. However, you should be careful that your answer does not become a simple 'why commerce'. You want your stated motivations not to be equally applicable to other careers in international commerce, such as consulting, investment banking or corporate development. As such, I would try to point out some of the general features of legal practice that can be attract someone: using legal reasoning to interpret complex cases, statues and regulations; drafting documents to allocate rights, responsibilities and business risk; leveraging textual analysis and advocacy skills; doing complex research on legal and commercial precedents etc.@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu
What is the best way of approaching answers to why law vs why commercial law? I did law undergrad and had debated changing careers until I decided to pursue masters degree in international commercial where I took a practical M&A module which made me realise i wanted to go into commercial law. This is what I have talked about in my applications/VIs and have given this answer regardless of whether I was asked why law or why commercial law. If asked in an interview to elaborate on the difference between the two, how would you suggest approaching an answer to this?
thank you so much in advance!
Congrats 🥳 when did you apply and is the AC for spring for summer?Does anyone have any insights into the Latham AC?
For Davis Polk here is a 2021 thread discussing different candidates' interview experiences which should give you a broad idea of what you can expect. I will also take the opportunity to plug the new Davis Polk firm profile I have written this year. If you have not already, I definitely advise you to take a look, as it has a lot of useful information on the firm's history, reputation, work, practice areas, and strategy. One thing I would advise you to cross check is Chambers rankings, as since publishing the profile Chambers has published its new 2025 UK Guide and I think a few have changed. Also, consider reading some of the more recent news about the firm's London practice, such as the lateral hire of Sidley's Restructuring co-heads.I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!![]()
thats amazing thank youI am also working on my Travers Smith Summer VS application at the moment and had the exact same thoughts. 🥲🥲
I have quoted what @Jessica Booker advised to do when I asked this same question. 🙂🙂
I think most of the answer for 'why a city law firm' will be similar to the usual 'why commercial law', but I would use one or two different sentences to reframe it and address the City element. I would focus on the City's standing as one of the world's leading financial centres and the corollary - that the biggest international commercial clients will look to City firms to advise on their complex transactions and disputes. City law firms will also tend to coordinate and lead numerous other offices and counsel from a variety of jurisdictions to deliver on their clients' mandates. Thus, if you are particularly interested in high-end and cross-border commercial matters, you can justify an interest in working in a City law firm as opposed to any other commercial law firm.If an application question is asking ‘why do you want to pursue a career in a city law firm’, is it right if I interpret this as ‘why commercial law’ or is this asking something different?
I haven’t come across ‘why city law’ before so I am a bit unsure. Not every city law firm will be a commercial law firm so I don’t know how to approach this part of the question.
do you have any insight on the VI? I have mine today and I was wondering how many questions there are/ the structure of it like timingsHas anyone done K&E AC?
I know right! But I do have to say that it super thoughtful of them to keep us updated every step of the way.cooley with the heart attack status update email...
86% increase looolcooley with the heart attack status update email...
Yea wish all firms did the "You will know specifically on this date whether you progress". Would take all the agony out of waiting for a response.I know right! But I do have to say that it super thoughtful of them to keep us updated every step of the way.
Wonder what the numbers are 😭86% increase loool
I think most of the answer for 'why a city law firm' will be similar to the usual 'why commercial law', but I would use one or two different sentences to reframe it and address the City element. I would focus on the City's standing as one of the world's leading financial centres and the corollary - that the biggest international commercial clients will look to City firms to advise on their complex transactions and disputes. City law firms will also tend to coordinate and lead numerous other offices and counsel from a variety of jurisdictions to deliver on their clients' mandates. Thus, if you are particularly interested in high-end and cross-border commercial matters, you can justify an interest in working in a City law firm as opposed to any other commercial law firm.
Real😭😭 Lowkey wondering how many candidates they’ll invite to do the psychometric test lolWonder what the numbers are 😭