Ask Paul, Weiss Anything! (2025/26)

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

Hi everyone!

Thank you for being here and for answering all our questions. It is always very helpful to hear directly from associates and the graduate recruitment team. These are my questions:

1. Recently, I read that PW developed a Legal AI tool in partnership with Harvey AI. Was this something that associates were able to get involved in (from a business development standpoint)?
2. How do tools such as the Emoji Detector and Flash Search tools impact your work as lawyers? If at all.
3. From your perspective, what are the most important skills to succeed at PW?
4. The firm has around 10 offices, which is fewer than most of its competitors. How does this, if at all, affect the work that you do?

 

[afazeli-nia]

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?

Classic cop-out lawyer answer but, it depends. Mostly our review fits into that first bucket of very obvious sense-checking (i.e. look at document, look at output, correct inaccuracies). Where I use AI to assist with drafting, it's more about working with the AI output or using the ideas it gives to inform your drafting. Often my end product is completely different than the AI output but a big part of AI's usefulness is that it can get over that 'blank page' problem and allow you to draft iteratively rather than from 0. Where you see that more holistic review is when you are considering an agreement in the context of a transaction. As a simple example, while the AI does a decent job of telling me if a contract requires consent before it can be assigned, what it can't do right now is tell me whether the agreement needs to be assigned as part of this specific deal.

On "unfit-for-purpose" outputs, these do come up but probably less than you would think and are often due to things like the document being a scanned-in pdf. Examples from doc review include incorrect signatory names, incorrect dates or not picking up every provision I've asked for in an agreement. Use of AI in our field is really interesting at the moment because, in many ways, it is more effective than a human lawyer. It doesn't get tired or bored and it doesn't get offended if you ask it to do menial work all the time. I think, as lawyers, we need to make sure we're using these tools in the right way. In practice, I think that means: (i) understanding what AI is good at and what AI is bad at; and (ii) that, just like when supervising a trainee/junior, you have to check everything that it does.

 

[afazeli-nia]

Hi everyone!

Thank you for being here and for answering all our questions. It is always very helpful to hear directly from associates and the graduate recruitment team. These are my questions:

1. Recently, I read that PW developed a Legal AI tool in partnership with Harvey AI. Was this something that associates were able to get involved in (from a business development standpoint)?
2. How do tools such as the Emoji Detector and Flash Search tools impact your work as lawyers? If at all.
3. From your perspective, what are the most important skills to succeed at PW?
4. The firm has around 10 offices, which is fewer than most of its competitors. How does this, if at all, affect the work that you do?

1. I've touched on this already but yes we work very closely with Harvey (and other providers). Through our knowledge and innovation teams, we can work with Harvey directly to pass on feedback and be involved in product development. Maybe I've misunderstood your question but I don't think this is really a BD thing as PW is a client of Harvey here. On the legal side, we do of course represent the usual big names you'd expect on a range of AI matters across the US, UK and EU, with UK/EU matters generally run out of the London office.

2. Perhaps I'm out-of-touch but I haven't heard of the Emoji Detector or Flash Search tools and I'm not aware of us using them at the firm. I generally don't come across many emojis in my work life but maybe you can enlighten me!

3. Excellent academics, enterprising and approachable. You'll know better than me how competitive training contracts are right now and that's doubly so at a firm like Paul, Weiss. This firm has a real concentration of very high-performing people and our trainees need to be able to keep up with these people without missing a beat. Your academics will show that you've been working hard consistently for the past 10+ years of your education. Your extra-curriculars will show that, on top of your education, you are working hard to get work experience, network and learn about the field you're interested in. Being approachable and friendly will allow us to work long hours and do stressful work with you without creating an unpleasant work environment for us.

4. Generally you'll see city firms follow one of two models. The first is that they'll have lots of offices across several jurisdictions. The benefits here are that it can lower internal costs, the end-product is in theory unified and offices can cross-refer work to each other and take on matters with an international focus. The main downside is that you are 'stuck' working with your own offices. This can have some negative knock-on effects such as slower service or local firms being good for general tasks but lacking expertise in niche or specialist areas.

The other way of doing things is to have one office, or fewer offices, and a network of firms that you pick from in different jurisdictions. This probably costs a bit more and you don't have the benefit of everyone working with the same systems and under the same banner. The key benefit is that you have much more leverage as you are more a client than a colleague. I think this incentivises local firms to work faster and provide higher-quality work-product in order to secure your business. It also allows you to pick the best, most-qualified firm for the specific job at-hand in each jurisdiction, rather than being 'stuck' with your own office.

I think PW is probably somewhere in the middle of the road, leaning to the latter model. We have our own offices and our own lawyers in key jurisdictions and, where we need specialist or local advice, we engage local counsel who are qualified in the area we need them and who provide services at a competitive price.

 

[aspiringsolicitor2027]

1. I've touched on this already but yes we work very closely with Harvey (and other providers). Through our knowledge and innovation teams, we can work with Harvey directly to pass on feedback and be involved in product development. Maybe I've misunderstood your question but I don't think this is really a BD thing as PW is a client of Harvey here. On the legal side, we do of course represent the usual big names you'd expect on a range of AI matters across the US, UK and EU, with UK/EU matters generally run out of the London office.

2. Perhaps I'm out-of-touch but I haven't heard of the Emoji Detector or Flash Search tools and I'm not aware of us using them at the firm. I generally don't come across many emojis in my work life but maybe you can enlighten me!

3. Excellent academics, enterprising and approachable. You'll know better than me how competitive training contracts are right now and that's doubly so at a firm like Paul, Weiss. This firm has a real concentration of very high-performing people and our trainees need to be able to keep up with these people without missing a beat. Your academics will show that you've been working hard consistently for the past 10+ years of your education. Your extra-curriculars will show that, on top of your education, you are working hard to get work experience, network and learn about the field you're interested in. Being approachable and friendly will allow us to work long hours and do stressful work with you without creating an unpleasant work environment for us.

4. Generally you'll see city firms follow one of two models. The first is that they'll have lots of offices across several jurisdictions. The benefits here are that it can lower internal costs, the end-product is in theory unified and offices can cross-refer work to each other and take on matters with an international focus. The main downside is that you are 'stuck' working with your own offices. This can have some negative knock-on effects such as slower service or local firms being good for general tasks but lacking expertise in niche or specialist areas.

The other way of doing things is to have one office, or fewer offices, and a network of firms that you pick from in different jurisdictions. This probably costs a bit more and you don't have the benefit of everyone working with the same systems and under the same banner. The key benefit is that you have much more leverage as you are more a client than a colleague. I think this incentivises local firms to work faster and provide higher-quality work-product in order to secure your business. It also allows you to pick the best, most-qualified firm for the specific job at-hand in each jurisdiction, rather than being 'stuck' with your own office.

I think PW is probably somewhere in the middle of the road, leaning to the latter model. We have our own offices and our own lawyers in key jurisdictions and, where we need specialist or local advice, we engage local counsel who are qualified in the area we need them and who provide services at a competitive price.

Thank you for such a detailed response Ali!

Oh wow, that's interesting! I just read about those tools in an article about the firm's achievements, and I had never heard anything like them before, so I was really intrigued (https://www.paulweiss.com/insights/...best-use-of-technology-by-the-american-lawyer).

 

[Hrishant]

Hello everyone😊,

You’v highlighted qualities such as an entrepreneurial mindset, commitment to excellence, and continuous learning as key attributes you look for in candidates. Beyond that, is there a common theme or quality you’ve noticed among trainees or associates who go on to thrive at the firm?”

Thank you.

 

[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.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone from the GR team could let me know about this. Thank you!

 

[Alex - Paul Weiss]

Hello everyone😊,

You’v highlighted qualities such as an entrepreneurial mindset, commitment to excellence, and continuous learning as key attributes you look for in candidates. Beyond that, is there a common theme or quality you’ve noticed among trainees or associates who go on to thrive at the firm?”

Thank you.

Thanks for the question. Ultimately everyone is different, and everyone brings different strengths to the table, but that is a positive thing for the firm as it means we have well-rounded teams. That being said, a commitment to working hard and to learning and getting better is a common theme. This is not easy, and that's part of what makes it fun, but you should come to work every day wanting to be better and give it your all (even when you are tired!!).

 

[lyass]

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. This question is for the recruitment officers: I was wondering if you take in foreign qualified lawyers as trainees?

 

[TS.Law]

Hello PW's team!
Thank you for sharing such helpful insights in this thread. I learned from your website that Paul Weiss is focused on ‘building the future of law’ (https://www.paulweissukearlycareers.com/opportunities/vacation-scheme). Considering the turbulent and fast-changing times we are in, how does the firm define that future, and what role do you see trainees playing in making it a reality?

Regards
TS

 

[eaajones]

Hello, have results for the October open day been sent out yet? I am still waiting to hear. Thank you.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Hi Lizzie, is there a "soft threshold" of grades cut-off for uni (first-year grades)?

 

[cheeseontoast]

@LizzieArthey @Paul @ Paul Weiss Hi Lizzie and Paul, just wanted to ask whether applicants can reapply to another slot of the in-person open day after they got rejected?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

@LizzieArthey @Paul @ Paul Weiss Hi Lizzie and Paul, just wanted to ask whether applicants can reapply to another slot of the in-person open day after they got rejected?

Yes you can

 

[Sahiba Saifi]

Hi everyone,

I hope you'll join me in giving a very big welcome to Paul, Weiss’s graduate recruitment team, Paul Gascoyne and Lizzie Arthey, who are live right now in the forum to answer your questions.

They are joined by three associates:

• Alexander Brown, an associate working in the M&A team at Paul, Weiss
• Meg Hebbert, an associate working in the London antitrust team
• Ali Fazeli-Nia, an associate in the IP and technology transactions group

Please use this thread to ask any questions you have about Paul, Weiss, the application process, or anything in between.

Best,
Jaysen

---

And here are the upcoming Paul, Weiss Deadlines

Vacation Schemes

Winter Vacation Scheme: Apply by 28 September 2025
Spring Vacation Scheme: Apply by 21 December 2025
Summer Vacation Scheme: Apply by 21 December 2025

Open Days

October Open Day 2025: Apply by 30 September 2025
November Open Day 2025: Apply by 2 November 2025

Hello everyone,


My name is Sahiba Saifi, and I am a first-year law student at the University of Leeds. I am really interested in learning more about Paul, Weiss and was excited to see the open day and vacation scheme opportunities coming up.

As someone who is just beginning my legal journey, I would really value your advice on what can help a first-year student stand out in an application for the open day and, more generally, what types of experiences, skills, or qualities the firm looks for in future candidates.

I am especially interested in how Paul, Weiss combines its transactional work with a strong commitment to pro bono and inclusion, and I would love to hear how students can start developing the mindset and abilities that align with that environment.

Thank you very much for your time and for taking questions here today.

Kind regards,
Sahiba Saifi

 

[Sahiba Saifi]

1. I've touched on this already but yes we work very closely with Harvey (and other providers). Through our knowledge and innovation teams, we can work with Harvey directly to pass on feedback and be involved in product development. Maybe I've misunderstood your question but I don't think this is really a BD thing as PW is a client of Harvey here. On the legal side, we do of course represent the usual big names you'd expect on a range of AI matters across the US, UK and EU, with UK/EU matters generally run out of the London office.

2. Perhaps I'm out-of-touch but I haven't heard of the Emoji Detector or Flash Search tools and I'm not aware of us using them at the firm. I generally don't come across many emojis in my work life but maybe you can enlighten me!

3. Excellent academics, enterprising and approachable. You'll know better than me how competitive training contracts are right now and that's doubly so at a firm like Paul, Weiss. This firm has a real concentration of very high-performing people and our trainees need to be able to keep up with these people without missing a beat. Your academics will show that you've been working hard consistently for the past 10+ years of your education. Your extra-curriculars will show that, on top of your education, you are working hard to get work experience, network and learn about the field you're interested in. Being approachable and friendly will allow us to work long hours and do stressful work with you without creating an unpleasant work environment for us.

4. Generally you'll see city firms follow one of two models. The first is that they'll have lots of offices across several jurisdictions. The benefits here are that it can lower internal costs, the end-product is in theory unified and offices can cross-refer work to each other and take on matters with an international focus. The main downside is that you are 'stuck' working with your own offices. This can have some negative knock-on effects such as slower service or local firms being good for general tasks but lacking expertise in niche or specialist areas.

The other way of doing things is to have one office, or fewer offices, and a network of firms that you pick from in different jurisdictions. This probably costs a bit more and you don't have the benefit of everyone working with the same systems and under the same banner. The key benefit is that you have much more leverage as you are more a client than a colleague. I think this incentivises local firms to work faster and provide higher-quality work-product in order to secure your business. It also allows you to pick the best, most-qualified firm for the specific job at-hand in each jurisdiction, rather than being 'stuck' with your own office.

I think PW is probably somewhere in the middle of the road, leaning to the latter model. We have our own offices and our own lawyers in key jurisdictions and, where we need specialist or local advice, we engage local counsel who are qualified in the area we need them and who provide services at a competitive price.

Thank you for the response, Sir. If someone was on track for a first-class degree in their law degree, however, did not perform as well in their A levels due to mitigating circumstances, would this be taken into account?

 

[HMajesty]

Hello, by when can we expect to hear back on the summer vacation scheme?

 

[LizzieArthey]

Hello, by when can we expect to hear back on the summer vacation scheme?

Hello - we are currently in the process of screening applications. You can expect to hear from us in the next few weeks.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Hello, how many people are shortlisted for the first stage interview ?