Group interview for Law firm

Chiarrai1 · 04-11-2009 05:04PM #1

Anyone have a clue what kind of questions will be asked in the group interview by Arthur Cox??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

hada · 04-11-2009 05:47PM

Chiarrai1 wrote: »

Anyone have a clue what kind of questions will be asked in the group interview by Arthur Cox??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

They are three random questions, ranging from who would you go to dinner with, to who is your favourite singer?

Just say what you need to say, don't get overly hung up on anything.

Say enough to get your point across.

Oh and best of luck!

bear17 · 04-11-2009 07:32PM

It starts off with everyone introducing themselves and answering a really general question, ie what's your favourite film/website etc and why. Then, like hada says, three general topics are thrown out for discussion. Usually are pretty topical issues, but if one was to make a special effort to read the papers coming up to it, don't focus on law/commercial issues. I remember hearing that an art exhibition was asked about this time last year!

Best of luck, I don't think an average performance at it will destroy an application myself, so don't get too worried about it, and you should do fine. They got back to you pretty promptly anyway, so fingers crossed that's a good sign!

Chiarrai1 · 04-11-2009 07:35PM

Thanks for that lads!

Aprilsunshine · 04-11-2009 07:50PM

Have in your head who you would like to have to dinner alive or dead - favourite song - soundtrack to your life etc really silly questions but can so easily throw people. Then they ask topical things. You have to 'flirt' with them. Sounds mad but they look for bubbly as well as articulate....that is the feedback the gave to lots of people anyway!

legal eagle 1 · 04-11-2009 08:08PM

Just curious, are Arthur Cox offers out yet?

TaperJeanGirl · 04-11-2009 09:15PM

They ask the most random questions. It's basically a chat first, then they ask three questions. They are pulled from anywhere really, but do involve some legal issues, ones you might encounter at debates or something. It's difficult to try get a word in edgeways at times!

Re: Arthur Cox offers- I think they were sending them today and yesterday.

r14 · 04-11-2009 10:47PM

Whaterver you do try not to be too cringy. I heard about someone - when asked about their favourite website they said youtube and in particular a hilarious video they saw on youtube about Lord Atkin.

Apparently it was groans all round and it went down like a lead balloon. Don't try to be too smart with your answers and play to your strengths.

Ab roller plus · 04-11-2009 10:50PM

Aprilsunshine wrote: »

You have to 'flirt' with them.

Do not attemp to caress a leg under the table - save that for the second interview!

johnfás · 05-11-2009 12:19AM

r14 wrote: »

Whaterver you do try not to be too cringy. I heard about someone - when asked about their favourite website they said youtube and in particular a hilarious video they saw on youtube about Lord Atkin.

Apparently it was groans all round and it went down like a lead balloon. Don't try to be too smart with your answers and play to your strengths.

Not half as bad as answering "what job have you always wanted to try for a day?" with "I have always wanted to work for Arthur Cox, which is the best firm in Ireland".

Cringe!

(that Lord Atkin video is absolutely fantastic btw!!)

TheDemiurge · 05-11-2009 01:14AM

Holy f**k, Simon Cowell sounds like Lord Denning compared to that.

Favourite song:- "Nasty Girl" by Vanity 6
Favourite film:- "V For Vendetta"
Who I would most like to have dinner with: Russell Brand

Or, according to David McWilliams - clothes on, or off??

bear17 · 05-11-2009 07:05PM

On a less positive note...anyone get a Cox PFO yet?

browne111 · 05-11-2009 08:09PM

oh no im dreading my PFO. Hate to be so negative but id imagine they sent sucessful letters first!

Thirdfox · 05-11-2009 08:31PM

This is the advice I've always given myself and followed - be yourself... if you really are mental then give your mental answers - if they don't like it, they probably won't like you (unless you plan on pretending to be someone else for the next 4 years).

I've had rejections and acceptances - but I can be confident that I said what I wanted to say, the interviewers heard it and some liked it enough to offer me something in return.

If you really like Mozart then go with it, same applies if you think J-Lo is da bomb. Don't be false

(not that I am suggesting that the OP was going to be like that).

I once got caught out by - "so...what is the difference between The Economist and Newsweek then?" (I did quickly recover but it never crossed my mind to compare and contrast the two periodicals when I was reading them!)

edit: remember (though it's harder in a recession) - you're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. A firm might not suit you, just as you may not suit a particular firm.

bear17 · 05-11-2009 11:26PM

browne111 wrote: »

oh no im dreading my PFO. Hate to be so negative but id imagine they sent sucessful letters first!

Yeah, I recall from last year the deafening silence when others are being invited to interview:(! I'd say if no letter has come by now the PFO will arrive on Monday unfortunately. Hope I'm wrong, for my benefit as well!

legal eagle 1 · 05-11-2009 11:41PM

Arthur Cox have started sending out successful letters this week as far as i know but, even if you do get PFO chin up, still plenty more firms to go :rolleyes:

drkpower · 06-11-2009 12:14AM

Thirdfox wrote: »

edit: remember (though it's harder in a recession) - you're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. A firm might not suit you, just as you may not suit a particular firm.

Ssshhhuuuurrrrre.......:D

MrMicra · 06-11-2009 12:20AM

johnfás wrote: »

Not half as bad as answering "what job have you always wanted to try for a day?" with "I have always wanted to work for Arthur Cox, which is the best firm in Ireland".

That's the kind of thing that they'd love.
I would like to bill tobacco companies for 16 hours a day.

Thirdfox · 06-11-2009 02:00AM

drkpower wrote: »

Ssshhhuuuurrrrre.......:D

No seriously, after I talked to a few firms and found out what their aims and markets are etc. I decided not to apply for them since they were obviously on a different track to me. I don't want to square a circle

If I attempted to I'm sure they'd see through my plastic enthusiasm too - though perhaps I am too humble about my liaryering skills :P

The questions posed here are quite interesting - but I'll do my best not to think about them too much right now. Otherwise I'll over-analyse and start debating whether it'd be better to invite Hitler or Buddha to dinner

Oh, here's one: "If you could be any fish, what fish would you be?"
I'd love to answer - "Jellyfish"

(I think I would too if they ever did ask me that).

Commiserations to those who didn't get an interview offer - but as I said above, if they didn't think you were right for them, were they right for you/would you still want to work there?

_JOE_ · 06-11-2009 08:14AM

Thirdfox wrote: »

No seriously, after I talked to a few firms and found out what their aims and markets are etc. I decided not to apply for them since they were obviously on a different track to me. I don't want to square a circle If I attempted to I'm sure they'd see through my plastic enthusiasm too - though perhaps I am too humble about my liaryering skills :P

The questions posed here are quite interesting - but I'll do my best not to think about them too much right now. Otherwise I'll over-analyse and start debating whether it'd be better to invite Hitler or Buddha to dinner

Oh, here's one: "If you could be any fish, what fish would you be?"
I'd love to answer - "Jellyfish" (I think I would too if they ever did ask me that).

Commiserations to those who didn't get an interview offer - but as I said above, if they didn't think you were right for them, were they right for you/would you still want to work there?

Fully agree. When i was in the same position, i made sure to attend each of the open evenings a you'll get a feel for the place. They type of people that work there, and you instinctively know whether you'll fit in. If i didn't think the firm was a place i'd like to work in the future, i wouldn't apply to them...

In the end i only applied to around 5 firms, and was lucky enough to have had a choice...I remember the feedback that was given at the interview; they were looking for someone different, someone who acted them self and not throwing out lines of appreciation at every opportunity.

Chiarrai1 · 08-11-2009 04:38PM

anyone know when the second round interviews would be on?

dee8839 · 10-11-2009 02:11AM

I'm so nervous about my group interview, even reading this thread is giving me butterflies! This time last year I got PFOs from everyone, and this time its my last chance...

I've been offered a job for a Big 4 accounting firm (how I don't know, I haven't a clue!!) but I really don't want to take it unless I don't get a law job. But I've got to accept or decline it by mid December.

Does anyone know would we have heard back from the other law firms about interviews by early December or not? I really don't want to have nothing again this time next year, so I think I'd take the accounting job if I don't get a law job. Foolish maybe, we'll see...

Best of luck to everyone with group interviews this week. Any feedback greatfully received!

And by the way, totally agree that not every firm is for everyone. I attended all the presentations and one firm was seriously Children of the Corn, like those trainees seemed dead inside!!! Em, no thanks....!

legal eagle 1 · 10-11-2009 02:32AM

Hey don't be nervous, just give it your best shot on the day, its all you can do!
I think most of us have contemplated going down the accountancy route at one stage or another, at least you have a back up plan.........wish i had one!
I think feedback on most law firms is usually end of December/January time!
You never know though, this time we may both be lucky :rolleyes:

dee8839 · 10-11-2009 12:02PM

Best of luck legal eagle 1, I hope we're both sorted soon!!

I'm amazed actually at the amount of wannabe solicitors willing to go down the accountancy route - when I told my old classmates from college I was considering it they told me I was going over to the dark side!! I don't know, whats the difference between having a back up plan and compromising all the ambitions we worked for up along?

Anyone getting communications from the bigger firms in the coming weeks, any updates as to when PFOs or interview offers are received would be a great help, just to keep everyone in the loop, thanks.

Thirdfox · 10-11-2009 12:44PM

Good luck everyone - I still stick with the old adage "be yourself"

See you tomorrow (if anyone else is up for the morning interview

).

legal eagle 1 · 10-11-2009 08:13PM

Lots of luck, would you mind letting us know how you get on and the questions that are put to your group. Thanks;)

farcelona · 11-11-2009 03:31PM

heya dee8839.... best of luck with the group interview, mine is on next week and im really nervous about the whole thing.

Maples sent me an interview offer today so if you applied to them you should check your email. They are holding a "drinks reception" for all candidates.... does anyone want to tell me what to wear... suit and tie or blazer and (god-awful chinos)?

Thirdfox · 11-11-2009 03:58PM

legal eagle 1 wrote: »

Lots of luck, would you mind letting us know how you get on and the questions that are put to your group. Thanks;)

The interview was fine - questions asked were a bit strange (or more "out of the ordinary") at times. In the interest of fairness to those who don't use boards.ie etc I won't be putting up questions asked of me - but the type of question asked is very broad (be prepared to talk about serious issues and more "trivial" issues). I'll re-iterate - just give them your honest opinion, in the most convincing way possible.

farcelona wrote: »

heya dee8839.... best of luck with the group interview, mine is on next week and im really nervous about the whole thing.

Maples sent me an interview offer today so if you applied to them you should check your email. They are holding a "drinks reception" for all candidates.... does anyone want to tell me what to wear... suit and tie or blazer and (god-awful chinos)?

Don't be nervous - though it can feel like "The Apprentice" at times - "sir Alan, I'm not disagreeing with Ken but he's obviously not fit for the job" :P (backstabbing fellow candidates probably isn't advisable).

Generally for a drinks reception I'd wear suit and tie.

farcelona · 11-11-2009 05:30PM

Thirdfox while i wish you would tell us in excruciating detail about every question that was asked, i fully understand you not doing so. The last thing you want to do is give a competitive advantage to those of us with interviews later in the week, it wouldn't be fair to those not using boards.ie and it could disadvantage yourself.

Cheers for the advice as regards the suit and tie, would prefer to be over dressed rather then under dressed.

Thirdfox · 11-11-2009 05:44PM

Here's my secret tip - if you go in a suit and everyone's in business-casual...just take off your tie :P

Going from business casual to formal is not so easy if you're wearing chinos

dee8839 · 11-11-2009 06:46PM

farcelona wrote: »

Thirdfox while i wish you would tell us in excruciating detail about every question that was asked, i fully understand you not doing so. The last thing you want to do is give a competitive advantage to those of us with interviews later in the week, it wouldn't be fair to those not using boards.ie and it could disadvantage yourself.

I totally agree, while I'd love to know exactly what to expect I do think in the interests of fairness (and not sabotaging yourself!) its best not to. Hope it went well for you!

Farcelona - congrats on the Maples interview, I managed to completely forget to apply for them, dammit!! My group interview is next week too, who knows, we might end up debating NAMA or Santa with each other and never even realise who we're talking to!! :rolleyes:

Group interview for Law firm

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