Breaking into Big Law from a Non-Target University — Dragonfly HK
1. General information
Most applications require — submission of a CV, cover letter, and a set of standardised questions from the firm. Ensure understanding of firm’s — strengths, notable deals, areas of practice and understand recent commercial issues relevant to practice area (e.g. blockchain, trade war, 5G, presidential election…).
Dates of application — generally open from October and end in January. Most firms are rolling basis so apply strategically.
2. The different types of law firms in HK
Split into three general categories — UK, US and local internationals.
3. Selecting the right firm for you
Look at your grades — some firms have a hard cut-off line i.e. Linklaters typically require 3.4 GPA or a high 2:1.
Get to know the firm — open evenings; career talk events, law fair. Can be useful when drafting cover letter and during interview stage.
Firm practice — MC firms are generally corporate based, but firms like Baker McKenzie/Mayer Brown have practices such as employment, IP, real estate that are not offered by MC/US firms.
Variation in assessment process for different firms — US firms have the least number of vacation scheme assessments. UK and local international firms varies. For example:
TC conversion rate — research the ratio of applicants:returns per firm; usually information given at career talks.
4. CV preparation
Draft your CV and cover letter — in a concise, thorough and strategic way is very important.
5. Interview preparation
Draft your CV well — use it to control the flow of the interview.
Prepare behavioural stories — identify stories that can be consistently used to demonstrate a wide range of different character traits such as integrity, team work, entrepreneurship, handling of difficult situations, conflict resolution etc.
Common mistakes
Tell my about yourself — most common and important question to nail
6. Vac Scheme practical tips
Expectations — low technical expectation but expects strong eye for detail requirement
Chinese — inescapable factor of assessment; all firms stress the importance of being competent in Chinese in a business context.
If you enjoy our content and wish to stay updated, feel free to follow us on LinkedIn and visit our website.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dragonflyhk/
Website: https://www.dragonflyhk.org
Originally published on Oct. 13, 2020.
https://www.dragonflyhk.org/breaking-law/biglaw-nontarget
