I applied to a few firms on this list, and the Debevoise application stood out for asking an unusually large number of first-stage questions. It look me a long time to draft the answers, and knowing what you're getting into is helpful here. These may not be verbatim (2025):
- Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to Debevoise? (250)
- Please indicate if there are any preferred practice areas that interest you. (250)
- Please detail any extra-curricular activities and leisure interests, including any relevant responsibilities and achievements. (250)
- Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (250)
- Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (250)
- Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? (300)
- What do you hope to get out of a career at a Firm like ours? (250)
