| Q: |
Hi, Ines.
We know that you are now working in "Cheng Yeung &
Co". Was it the first law firm you applied for?
|
| I: |
Well, actually,
I sent a lot of applications in the first round, at least 20-30
letters, and about 15 application letters in the second round.
In the end, I got 4 interviews, and "Cheng Yeung &
Co" was the third firm to interview me.
|
| Q:
|
How did you
find your target law firms?
|
| I:
|
I mainly
found the famous law firms in each field I was interested at
a website called Legal 500 (http://www.legal500.com).
I also learnt from my seniors and classmates regarding which
firms are recommendable.
|
| Q:
|
Have you
tried to apply a position in a city firm?
|
| I:
|
No. From
the information I have gathered, the lifestyle at a city firm
may not be suitable for me. I like to have a more balanced way
of life.
|
| Q:
|
True, I don't
like to work until midnight, too! Do you have any other recommendations
about how to find a suitable law firm?
|
| I:
|
Look at
the specialized field(s) of the firm and consider whether you
are interested in it.
|
| Q:
|
OK, after
choosing the target firms, how long before should one start to
look for a trainee position?
|
| I:
|
For city
firms, students should really be early, apply during Year 2,
or the penultimate year. For local firms, apply during the last
year and during PCLL. But somehow, I managed to find my position
even as late as November, after I had started PCLL.
|
| Q:
|
Do you have
any tips for writing cover letters and CVs?
|
| I:
|
The most
important point is that students should never use a general
cover letter for all the firms. Every cover letter should be
particularly designed for the specific firm, so that your letter
would be special and would attract their attention. Students
can mention why they are interested in the firm, and their important
achievements and abilities. But the latter two should not be
too long because the CV is also showing the same thing. The
cover letter only acts as a highlight for the reader and should
not be longer than a page. As for CV, 2 pages are the maximum.
It should look professional and must be readable. Another important
thing is that the cover letter and the CV should be carefully
proofread, preferably by another person. The Careers and Placement, Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) is a great help on this matter.
Their advice about how to improve my cover letter and CV really
helped me a lot. My special thanks to Ms Louisa Li for her generous
assistance.
|
| Q:
|
Let's go
on to interviews. What are the common questions asked during interviews
in law firms? Can you give us some tips regarding how to answer
them?
|
| I:
|
Different
law firms have distinct interviews. As for myself, I have encountered
an interview which lasted for a full day. Other interviews may
include some tests and meetings with interviewers. The tests
may include English tests, some translation exercises, and a
case study or problem-solving question related to the relevant
practice areas of the firm. Putonghua speaking may also be tested.
Should there
be several stages in the interview, a partner of the firm usually
discusses with the applicant about his/her CV, asking some general
questions regarding his/her interests and achievements in the
first meeting, and the ambience is generally more relaxed. Students
should make sure that they are familiar with what are written
in their CVs. In the second meeting, there is usually a panel
consisting of several partners. Some more in-depth questions
are asked, such as the reasons for choosing the firm and the
applicant's expectation to the job. The most typical answer
to the former question would be to tell the interviewer that
you are interested in the specialized field(s) of the firm and
relate to your fields of study / relevant experiences; if possible,
name several major clients of the firm to initiate some talking-points
with the partners.
|
| Q:
|
What do law
firms look for in the applicants? And how can students prepare
for an interview?
|
| I:
|
Different
law firms look for different kinds of people. They would like
to have trainees who can fit into the culture and style of the
firm. For example, some firms like to choose sociable persons,
while others prefer polite and quiet girls. Therefore, just
show one's true self is ok. Do not try to pretend to be another
kind of person, since the interviewers are very experienced
and they know whether interviewees are speaking the truth. There
are no standard answers to every question, so really try to
communicate with the interviewers, as interaction is essential.
For preparation,
be sure to have a thorough knowledge of the background of the
firm. Gather as much information about the firm as you can.
Try to look into the firm's website, ask senior students who
are familiar with the firm or even people who are working there.
The interviewers would certainly be impressed and this helps
you stand out from the crowd. Just show them that you are genuine,
that you truly want to join the firm, is good enough.
|
| Q:
|
Ok, here
is the last question. What other advice would you give to students
who wish to join the legal profession?
|
| I:
|
I will only
stress one thing again: know your abilities, interests and career
aspirations. Be well-prepared and gather as much information
as possible during your job-hunting!
|
| Q:
|
Haha~ We
will surely remember this. Thank you very much for your help.
|
| I:
|
Thanks, you
are welcome! |
