Ask Paul, Weiss Anything! (2025/26)

[Mehbubul]

Good morning everyone!

Thank you for being interested in applying to PW's Open Days, Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts. The firm is a fantastic place to work and looks forward to welcoming you all in the future!

As context to the responses I will give to your questions, I thought it might be helpful to introduce myself and explain my background.

I am an Associate in the Antitrust Team in London, with 1 years' PQE. Our work can broadly be categorised as follows: (i) Transactional i.e. ex-US Merger Control and Foreign Direct Investment assessment of M&A transactions (strategic or sponsor) (ii) Behavioural i.e. abuse of dominance and cartel investigations and (iii) Digital Regulation e.g. DMCCA or DMA. The vast majority of my work (and the team's at present) falls squarely in the Transactional category, which can broadly be segmented between PE clients which are typically high volume, low complexity filers and strategic acquirers (e.g. in oil & gas, pharma, semiconductors, telecomms etc.) seeking to buy their rivals, suppliers or customers, which can cause much more complex competitive issues based on "horizontal overlaps" and "vertical relationships" between the Parties.

I trained (unusually) in the Civil Service with the competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority and moved into the private sector on qualification. Prior to entering the legal profession, I worked internationally in the Thoroughbred horseracing industry. At university, I studied History. As this hopefully exemplifies, taking the road less travelled in your educational and professional journey is no impediment to becoming a lawyer, nor from joining a world-leading practice such as Paul, Weiss.

I'm hear to help, so please ask anything that may be useful to you in future.

Best
Meg

Hi Meg,

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I also work in the Civil Service and am an aspiring solicitor. I would love to hear how your experience in the public sector has helped you develop the skills and competencies needed for a career at a City law firm specialising in transactional work.

Thank you!

 

[LizzieArthey]

Dear Lizzie,
Thank you for your response. I just want to clarify, you screen applications before the deadline but complete a holistic review after applications close? I am a bit confused because the firm's website states that "we review applications after the deadline."

Hi Ronaldo,

We start reading applications as they come in (we receive a large number of applications, so this is to make sure we manage our time and are able to read through all of them in the timeframe required). Decisions about who to invite to interview are made after the deadline closes. You are not at an advantage if you submit your application earlier.

Many thanks,
Lizzie

 

[Maddy]

Hi Lizzie @LizzieArthey ,

I wanted to ask whether there are any minimum A-level or undergraduate grade requirements for applications. I also wondered if submitting an application on the deadline date would place candidates at a disadvantage, given that applications are reviewed as they are received.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

 

[afazeli-nia]

Hi,

Thanks for taking your time to answer questions. What are some of the steps Paul Weiss has taken to further DEI initiatives and improve workplace culture? Are there any affinity networks set up within the firm that create a more inclusive culture?

Kind Regards
Eddie

PW has a long history of work in the pro bono and in particular the civil rights space in the US and this has continued in the London office. We are all routinely staffed on complex, interesting pro bono matters for a range clients. The firm also works hard in a number of areas to create a sustainable and inclusive environment, ranging from its work with sustainable suppliers in our restaurant to working with local schools with higher proportions of students on free school meals. The Vacation Scheme Promise is a real highlight at PW and something I've been talking about since I was a student myself. It's great to be part of the firm that actually made it happen.

As in other areas, we are encouraged to run with any ideas we have in the sustainability/inclusion space and I am pleased to say that we are working with some of the best of the most well-connected and forward-thinking people in this area (shout out Paul Gascoyne and Rob Powell). Both are very receptive to ideas from lawyers and business services professionals at the firm and I have personally worked quite closely with Rob in securing partnerships with charities that share our values. We have also run cultural activities, career chats and other social events with partners, alumni and clients, networks and community groups, which are great to be part of.

 

[law2022x]

I was wondering how important academics are during the application review stage. I averaged 62 with a few marks in the 50s from Cambridge and I am trying to not be delusional or naive about where I apply. I am also trying to cut my losses before applying so I don't spread myself too thin this application season. Do I have a real chance or would I be at a slight disadvantage - all good either way, just trying to be realistic with myself.

 

[afazeli-nia]

Hello All,

I am interested in applying for the Vacation Scheme and wanted to know how is Paul Weiss currently using AI tools to enhance legal practice, and in which areas have you seen the biggest impact?

We have several AI initiatives at the firm and our knowledge and innovation teams in the US and UK often work with earlier-stage AI businesses so we can directly feed back into the development of the products we use.

One of the products I use the most is Harvey, which is a legal-oriented AI tool. It has been a big game-changer for me and my colleagues and can do a really wide range of tasks, from proofreading and suggesting amendments to emails, to creating issues lists to assisting with contract review during diligence. This saves time, helps catch more difficult-to-spot issues and frees you up to think more analytically instead of getting bogged down in process-heavy tasks. Of course, the biggest issue with AI tools is that they aren't fool-proof and that they do hallucinate. This makes it all the more important to have sufficient legal training and sufficient guardrails in place to ensure not only that all outputs are checked but also that the end product is fit-for-purpose in the legal, regulatory, commercial context.

I think this more holistic, human-oriented crossroads between market intel, regulatory landscapes and risk appetite is what clients at this level are paying us for and (thankfully!) it's not something I can see being replaced by AI any time soon.

 

[DavidJC]

We have several AI initiatives at the firm and our knowledge and innovation teams in the US and UK often work with earlier-stage AI businesses so we can directly feed back into the development of the products we use.

One of the products I use the most is Harvey, which is a legal-oriented AI tool. It has been a big game-changer for me and my colleagues and can do a really wide range of tasks, from proofreading and suggesting amendments to emails, to creating issues lists to assisting with contract review during diligence. This saves time, helps catch more difficult-to-spot issues and frees you up to think more analytically instead of getting bogged down in process-heavy tasks. Of course, the biggest issue with AI tools is that they aren't fool-proof and that they do hallucinate. This makes it all the more important to have sufficient legal training and sufficient guardrails in place to ensure not only that all outputs are checked but also that the end product is fit-for-purpose in the legal, regulatory, commercial context.

I think this more holistic, human-oriented crossroads between market intel, regulatory landscapes and risk appetite is what clients at this level are paying us for and (thankfully!) it's not something I can see being replaced by AI any time soon.

Hi Ali,

This was a really insightful response about how legal tech actually fits into your work.

Could you please elaborate a little more on how outputs are checked and identified as being inappropriate as such? Is it usually something that might stick out right away or something that you pick up on when you take a holistic view of the context and all the outputs e.g. regarding a specific contract it has reviewed?

For that matter, how "unfit-for-purpose" might the AI outputs usually get, if you have any examples of when you've needed to ignore a suggestion or revert an amendment?

 

[LizzieArthey]

Hi Lizzie @LizzieArthey ,

I wanted to ask whether there are any minimum A-level or undergraduate grade requirements for applications. I also wondered if submitting an application on the deadline date would place candidates at a disadvantage, given that applications are reviewed as they are received.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

Hi Maddy,

We have no A-level requirements, however we do require candidates to have received or expect to receive a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree.

If you submit your application on the deadline date it doesn't place you at a disadvantage.

Thanks,
Lizzie

 

[xMontmorency]

Hi @Meg - Paul Weiss

I was wondering what mandates PW has secured over the last year in its antitrust team; and whether PW has managed to move beyond merger control into cartel/dominance, collective actions, DMCCA, FDI or anything sectoral?

I know Herdman and especially Kar were seen as 'big' moves, so wondering whether they've been able to secure any notable mandates or clients.

 

[Meg - Paul Weiss]

Hi - thank you for answering our questions! Are you open to career switchers?

Good afternoon.

In my experience the firm is indeed open to career switchers, indeed I consider myself to be one of them!

Being a career switcher provides you with two invaluable advantages over more traditional candidates i.e. university graduates or lateral hires: (i) You will bring indispensable industry knowledge to your legal career. For example, from an Antitrust perspective, who better to advise on the substitutability of various semiconductor IP than a semiconductor IP engineer? Indeed, one of the most difficult things about being an AT lawyer is that with every new deal, you have to learn about a new industry. If the products are tangible e.g. car manufacturing and the supply chains simple, then this is not too challenging. However, many of the deals PW advises on are some of the most complex in the market involving AI, semiconductors, and all manner of software, for example! If you come to a transaction with the ability to explain highly technical concepts in layperson's terms to your colleagues, then you will be invaluable addition to the team! (ii) You will bring with you all the contacts from your previous career which can be built upon as Business Development opportunities, ensuring you can introduce the firm to potential new clients.

Hope this helps.

Best
Meg

 

[qaz99]

Good morning everyone!

Thank you for being interested in applying to PW's Open Days, Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts. The firm is a fantastic place to work and looks forward to welcoming you all in the future!

As context to the responses I will give to your questions, I thought it might be helpful to introduce myself and explain my background.

I am an Associate in the Antitrust Team in London, with 1 years' PQE. Our work can broadly be categorised as follows: (i) Transactional i.e. ex-US Merger Control and Foreign Direct Investment assessment of M&A transactions (strategic or sponsor) (ii) Behavioural i.e. abuse of dominance and cartel investigations and (iii) Digital Regulation e.g. DMCCA or DMA. The vast majority of my work (and the team's at present) falls squarely in the Transactional category, which can broadly be segmented between PE clients which are typically high volume, low complexity filers and strategic acquirers (e.g. in oil & gas, pharma, semiconductors, telecomms etc.) seeking to buy their rivals, suppliers or customers, which can cause much more complex competitive issues based on "horizontal overlaps" and "vertical relationships" between the Parties.

I trained (unusually) in the Civil Service with the competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority and moved into the private sector on qualification. Prior to entering the legal profession, I worked internationally in the Thoroughbred horseracing industry. At university, I studied History. As this hopefully exemplifies, taking the road less travelled in your educational and professional journey is no impediment to becoming a lawyer, nor from joining a world-leading practice such as Paul, Weiss.

I'm hear to help, so please ask anything that may be useful to you in future.

Best
Meg

Hi Meg, Thanks for this.

Does the firm's London office undertake any international trade work (e.g., WTO, sanctions, export controls, or trade disputes), or is that primarily handled by colleagues in the US?

Thanks

 

[DL101]

Hi,

My question is for the graduate recruitment team at Paul Weiss.

I come from a forced migrant background and do not have A-levels or equivalent. I still have a 2.1 bachelors degree. Am I likely to get special consideration for my circumstances?

Also, during last application cycle, I received invite to the online test. It seems like not every applicant had an invite. Does that mean my application may have stood-out somewhat?

Thank you very much!

 

[Meg - Paul Weiss]

Hi,

I hope you guys are having a great day!

I have a few questions:

1) Is the firm currently in the process of developing any pro-bono initiatives, as I know it is a big part of the US office?
2) With the firms Brussels and London offering a strong competition/litigation practice, is this an aspect that Juniors in competition will benefit from?
3) How have the firm's mentoring pods/coaching programme benefited junior development?

Good afternoon.

Taking each of your questions in turn:

1. The firm offers a huge variety of pro-bono opportunities, with associates at all levels encouraged to participate and contribute. I have volunteered at The Connection, for example, a charity providing the homeless with food, washing facilities, medical and rehabilitation services. Colleagues of mine in the AT Team have also dedicated their time to working on legal pro bono cases (frequently including those emanating from our US offices) including on matters as diverse as domestic violence, immigration and environmental law. My Brussels colleagues have also assisted the European Citizen's Rights, Involvement & Trust in connection with the organisation’s advocacy to create a European Citizenship mobility scheme.

2. Yes absolutely! Our AT Partners are keen that the group sees itself as one cohesive, integrated team servicing clients from the two major European HQs for AT law. As such, all transactions are advised on by associates based in both London and Brussels and team members of all levels of seniority regularly visit both offices. I am going to Brussels myself for the first time next month.

3. I have found the mentoring programmes to have benefited me by providing an informal and confidential space for airing questions and concerns that I would not feel comfortable advertising to the entire team. I have been able to discuss how to implement specific feedback as well as ask for guidance on general approaches to work, time management, communication etc. While the AT Team has instituted formal mentoring arrangements with partners and senior associates, I have honestly developed such good relationships with a number of senior colleagues, that I now appreciate "mentoring" is happening on a daily basis, I just don't often realise it because our team is so friendly and not at all hierarchical.

Hope that helps!

Best
Meg

 

[Superfrozone]

Good afternoon.

Taking each of your questions in turn:

1. The firm offers a huge variety of pro-bono opportunities, with associates at all levels encouraged to participate and contribute. I have volunteered at The Connection, for example, a charity providing the homeless with food, washing facilities, medical and rehabilitation services. Colleagues of mine in the AT Team have also dedicated their time to working on legal pro bono cases (frequently including those emanating from our US offices) including on matters as diverse as domestic violence, immigration and environmental law. My Brussels colleagues have also assisted the European Citizen's Rights, Involvement & Trust in connection with the organisation’s advocacy to create a European Citizenship mobility scheme.

2. Yes absolutely! Our AT Partners are keen that the group sees itself as one cohesive, integrated team servicing clients from the two major European HQs for AT law. As such, all transactions are advised on by associates based in both London and Brussels and team members of all levels of seniority regularly visit both offices. I am going to Brussels myself for the first time next month.

3. I have found the mentoring programmes to have benefited me by providing an informal and confidential space for airing questions and concerns that I would not feel comfortable advertising to the entire team. I have been able to discuss how to implement specific feedback as well as ask for guidance on general approaches to work, time management, communication etc. While the AT Team has instituted formal mentoring arrangements with partners and senior associates, I have honestly developed such good relationships with a number of senior colleagues, that I now appreciate "mentoring" is happening on a daily basis, I just don't often realise it because our team is so friendly and not at all hierarchical.

Hope that helps!

Best
Meg

Thank you!!!!

 

[Alex - Paul Weiss]

Hi Associates,

Given Paul, Weiss’s significant growth in recent years, could you share insights on the firm’s future growth strategy? For example, is the focus on revenue expansion, lateral hiring, or particular practice areas?

I have a following question for Alex. In private equity, has there been a greater focus on secondaries transactions given the depressed IPO market?

Best,
Camryn

Thanks for your question Camryn. On growth I think the main point is that they want it to be a long-term success/sustainable, and therefore are putting in place excellent training etc. to nurture every lawyer here. From an M&A perspective, you have to go to training regardless of how senior an associate you are on and there is a huge focus on this. They have additional training sessions for more junior lawyers on the fundamentals so every base is covered. Given we do not yet have trainees, all of our growth from a headcount perspective has come from hiring laterally. In M&A, everyone has gelled really well, people are incredibly approachable, regardless of the firm they have come from. We have recently hired litigation partners, and are equally looking to build out that practice area.

On secondaries - yes with the caveat that often LPs/portcos don't tend to like continuation funds as they aren't a true "exit" as the sponsor will continue to hold an interest in the company (albeit via a different fund).

 

[Meg - Paul Weiss]

Hi Meg,

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I also work in the Civil Service and am an aspiring solicitor. I would love to hear how your experience in the public sector has helped you develop the skills and competencies needed for a career at a City law firm specialising in transactional work.

Thank you!

Good afternoon.

As a precursor to answering your question, I think it is important to highlight that I worked in a very specific part of the Civil Service, in the Competition and Markets Authority, one of who's main functions is to regulate mergers. As such, much of my time spent in the Civil Service was concerned with transactional work, and I essentially specialised as an AT lawyer from day one of my TC which is highly unusual. I only make this point because, where you currently work in the Civil Service will determine the degree of transferability of your existing legal knowledge to transactional work.

That element aside, the CMA was invaluable to my professional growth because it provided me with the supportive environment necessary for someone very junior to learn how to contribute in front of large numbers of highly experienced colleagues. Due to the magnitude of the work undertaken by the CMA, especially in terms of its market studies and investigations, I also was given the opportunity to improve my abilities as a team player - to anticipate requests and colleagues' needs, to be responsible for all the detail and correspondence on specific points, and to understand how my small contributions related to the overall project.

Hope that helps.

Best
Meg

 

[tosin4774]

Hi Associates,

What appeals to you about the culture at Paul, Weiss?

Best,
Tosin.

 

[Meg - Paul Weiss]

Hi Meg, Thanks for this.

Does the firm's London office undertake any international trade work (e.g., WTO, sanctions, export controls, or trade disputes), or is that primarily handled by colleagues in the US?

Thanks

Good afternoon.

Confirming this work is undertaken by our US colleagues.

Best
Meg

 

[Alex - Paul Weiss]

Hi Associates,

What appeals to you about the culture at Paul, Weiss?

Best,
Tosin.

Thanks Tosin. Without regurgitating things you would hear at presentations about any firm, I think the thing that stands out most is the commitment senior lawyers put into others' development. They take real interest in the improvement of juniors and are happy to speak through things and want to make you better. In the M&A team, seniors (including partners) are very approachable, and are always happy to speak through work, including in non-deal-specific situations such as how to manage competing deadlines etc.

 

[Meg - Paul Weiss]

Hi @Meg - Paul Weiss

I was wondering what mandates PW has secured over the last year in its antitrust team; and whether PW has managed to move beyond merger control into cartel/dominance, collective actions, DMCCA, FDI or anything sectoral?

I know Herdman and especially Kar were seen as 'big' moves, so wondering whether they've been able to secure any notable mandates or clients.

Good afternoon.

Our practice covers the full remit of AT matters including all ex-US merger control and FDI analysis, behaviour matters as well as digital regulation. The AT Team also holds various House Counsel roles for major PE Houses.

Current mandates (outside the transactional remit) include representing a company in a global cartel investigation and representing Qualcomm before the European Commission, US FTC and KTFC in its complaint against ARM.

Best
Meg