Application Process & Interviews at Simpson Grierson

The recruitment process involved submitting a CV and cover letter, and one interview. The interview was mainly focussed around finding out who I was as a person, my interests, strengths, and attitude to work. It did not focus much on my legal studies.

I found it relatively relaxed. There was one personality test and then one interview day which included a buddy catch-up, interview with two partners, tour of the office and a post-interview function. The process provided great opportunities to get to know the firm and have them get to know you.

We had to submit our CV and cover letter online and then we we were invited to an interview. Prior to the interview we found out who was interviewing us so we could research the interviewers. We were also provided the contact details of a "buddy" who already worked at the firm, that we could ask all the questions we had to. Our buddy also met us before the interview itself. The interview was about 45 minutes and they just got to know us , but also asked some typical interview questions. After the interview we got a tour of the large offices and invited to an event with all the interviewees and many staff members that night.

The interview process at SG stood out to me amongst other firms. The interview was focused around you as a person, and not just your grades. I also met members of the People & Culture team, as well as juniors and partners, all of whom were supportive and clearly wanted applicants to feel at ease.

I enjoyed the process - it was one of the least stressful processes. There was an application adn one small questionnaire, then one interview with two partners that was conducted in a very 'conversational' way, and that was all! However, we were hired in the first year of COVID, so I know that was not the usual process. I think there is usually a coffee involved with your 'buddy', a post-interview function, and a post-offer function as well as the above.

Clean, easy and breazy

I was asked about how I responded to failure, what books I am reading, and what interests me in law.

I was asked about various aspects of my CV What is your proudest achievement? What are you listening to/reading at the moment? Tell us about yourself

Lots of questions about yourself, your CV, your extra-curricular activities, your work experience. Then some questions about team work, handling pressure, dealing with difficult situations etc.

Mostly questions about my life outside of university such as jobs, sports, and what books I have read lately.

Most fo them were very casual and based on what I had written in my CV regarding myself and my hobbies, and whethe these related to the partners' hobbies. Other questions involved a challenged I had faced/overcome, and my biggest achievement .

Why do you want to work at SG and not the public sector for example

I flew up to my interview, and on the flight I made a big brainstorm about who I think I am and what makes me unique. I thought about what drives me to do law, what my personality strengths are, and how I work best.

Think about what makes you interesting and convey it in the interview, it will help make you memorable.

Know your CV back to front and be ready to discuss yourself and everything you've noted in your CV. Know who the people interviewing are and what type of law they do. Show an interest in multiple areas of law. Be eager to learn and improve.

Take yourself seriously, but not too seriously. Do some research on the partners that are interviewing you so you can ask them questions about their work.

Everyone says it and it is hard to do but try to let your poersonality shine in your cover letter and CV. List your hobbies and what you like doing in your spare time, as this could set you apart from the rest. At interview stage, research the partners interviewing you to see if you have shared inetrests to chat about.

Read up on the interesting work done at the firm! Partners love to hear you have done some research