Application Process & Interviews at Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The process involved one interview as well as one event with candidates and people within the firm.

I got my current role through a clerkship program. I completed this program in 2020, and then was offered a permanent graduate position. I was lucky enough for the The interview process was very smooth - we had a networking/information event, a brief application, and then one interview (no second round).

I entered the firm through the clerkship process. This involves written application (CV and 2 short answer questions), interview and then clerkship performance (where they gauge your attitude and working ability).

Prior to the interview, I submitted a cover letter and my resume. Completed one face-to-face interview. Cannot recall if there were competency assessments.

Corrs has a simple and direct process - you complete the application, upload your CV, and then attend a single interview. If you have been selected to interview, you are invited to a dinner at the firm, which was a really fun night that included a wine tasting and presentations from panels of lawyers. You are also invited to a cocktail night to celebrate the end of the interview process, which provided another opportunity to get to know the firm

Graduates are hired directly thought the clerkship process. This involves a CV, answering questions, an interview and cocktail function.

Only one clerkship interview which was a welcome change. Firm hosted one networking event (although it was online due to COVID) throughout the process. Overall positive.

I was asked about the reason for applying to the firm and the team I was interested in. The interview focused on my experiences and interests.

The interview was very casual. It was more of a get to know you than a formal grilling about my work and aspirations, which I enjoyed. We spoke about my work background, as well as the impact of COVID on WFH (this was back in 2020) and women in the law. We also spoke about hobbies, dogs and life in general.

My interview (and I think generally all interviews here) are more conversational. There are no prescribed questions and it is a two directional asking/answering process. I only remember one question from my interview because it was one of the most memorable: "If you have one, tell me more about someone who is your role model?"

No set questions were asked, but rather, it was an open and free-flowing discussion. I found this was the most inviting interview style I experienced, which in turn encouraged me (and others) to share their most authentic self with the firm, and likewise, for the interviewers to be as authentic as possible with us. This is helpful, as it meant I was able to really understand if the firm would be the right fit for me as a person.

Questions were based on my interest in law and CV.

It is important to conduct research into the firm and the teams that spark an interest.

Learn about recent deals / matters that the firm has worked on and be prepared to discuss how you possess each of our firm's values.

For those applying through the clerkship program, I would let them know not to overprepare, be themselves, and ask questions that they genuinely want to know the answer to.

Generally research the firm. Consider common interview questions and how your prior experience could be relevant. Reflecting on your areas of interest is very helpful, as this question is often asked. Usually what you say is less important than how you say it - all firms are looking for is someone keen on the firm, interested in commercial law, and generally pleasant to work with.

The key thing is to be interested and passionate, and further, be able to talk about why/how you came to know this. I think people here are perfectly happy with candidates not being exactly sure of what they want to do in their career. However, the attitude of being open and trying new things is important.

Just be yourself, and be able to identify which unique aspects of Corrs mean you particularly want to work here (as opposed to in private practice generally).

Thoroughly research the firm and know your CV.

Be confident in what makes the firm stand out, and how you fit in to that framework. Don't be afraid to express interest in particular areas and organise through buddies / HR to meet with those teams.

Be honest about your interests and goals. Corrs does not expect that everyone wants to work in commercial law all of their law career and understands that people may work there as a stepping stone. - I spoke about loving employment law and public law as they were my genuine interests; I did not make up that I loved big M&A transactions because I don't. - Discuss you skills and interests in team work, problem solving and developing relationships.