Monday, January 14, 2008

Happy BoB

As I promised here is a round up of my interview at a certain MC firm which took place this morning. I am sure that you are not supposed to enjoy interviews this much, but I can honestly say hand on heart that I felt I gave a very good impression of myself and found it to be a very interesting and stimulating experience.

The morning started with a critical reasoning test. These are a pain in the backside but the firm was good enough to send out a practice paper so that with some study I was able to walk in a lot more confident about it, and felt that I did not embarrassed myself totally.

This was followed by an interview with a member of HR and concentrated on my 'soft skills' (talking to people, handling different situations, being a normal human being!), although the first 15 minutes were spent talking about my military and musical career. Questions included:

Describe a situation where you have recognised a colleague is under pressure and you have resolved it;
Describe a situation where a conflict has arisen and you have dealt with it.

I managed to give some good examples, and asked lots of questions at the end about training and the company ethos, and generally had quite a nice chat.

I was then given a tour with my two competitors, ahem, I mean fellow applicants, and shown all that the building had to offer, including the biggest flat screen television I have ever seen.

The day ended with an interview with a partner who was really nice, and asked me questions set to test my 'commercial awareness'. The scenario was based upon a real estate transaction, which was great as I love Land Law and would love to work in that field, be it at the Bar or as a Solicitor. It also helped that the partner was a property Lawyer and that I had expressed an interest in it on my application form.

So a good day in which I believe I have done well, but could have done better in a few areas like talking about how my time in the Army developed my soft skills, and thought a bit more about the connection between commercial awareness and how it impacts the advice a lawyer gives. I suppose all I can do is wait until the email arrives in my mail box.

In other news I also outdoor clerked on two occasions last just to keep me occupied and in a legal frame of mind, earn some more cash, and do a bit more networking with Barristers.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi BoB,

Sounds to me as if you've done well! All the very best, I hope the forthcoming MC email carries nothing but good news!

Hannah said...

I know I've already said it, but whatever the result I'm so proud of you! xxx

Bar or Bust said...

Thank You Baby that means a lot to me x

Anonymous said...

When's the wedding?!?!?!? ( its aobut TIME I got to buy new - virtual- shoes and a hat!! :)

Bar or Bust said...

Very funny Minx. Unfortunately I have just received the email with bad news, but having the support that I get from Hannah makes it a bit easier to bear. Ah well pick myself up and live to fight another day. Who wants to be a solictor anyway!

Anonymous said...

The SWINE!!! How VERY dare they!!!
Seriously though I' sorry to hear you didn't get the summer placement you desired. MC's are bloody notorious in their selection, and if you have any leaning toward the Bar whatsoever they are more than likely to bin you at the first opportunity; seems to me MC's are only after one thing and thats wage slaves.
Fear not and battle on! you will make an excellent barrister; when said MC comes looking to instruct you think of the fee you can charge them!!!

Android said...

Their loss!

Lost said...

My flat mate and best friend for the past 5 years has an aunty who just happens to be a partner or a MC firm.

Yet I still cannot get work experiencec there! Because my first year grades will not be good enough for them, and I shall not degrade myself by emailing said Aunty and have a rejection.

Even links cant get you anywhere.