Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma,

I hope you are keeping well and have had a great winter break.

I just wanted to ask if there is a quota or cap on how many people can get progressed from the video interview stage to the written exercise stage, or whether it’s simply that whoever does well in their video interview can get moved on to the next stage of the application process.

Thank you in advance.

Hi @chrisbrown Happy New Year! No quota or cap at all!

 

[yasmars]

Hi @chrisbrown Happy New Year! No quota or cap at all!

Hi Gemma! Will there be a cap for the partner interview stage?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma! Will there be a cap for the partner interview stage?

Hi @yasmars - no, if a candidate does well in the written exercise then they will be put forward to the next stage.

 

[sunshine101]

Hi Gemma,

I am just wondering if there will be more VI's given out

Thank You !

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi @baj5 - around 50% of the total number of applications came in between 18 and 20 December. I am working my way through them all (it is just me reviewing), which does take time. Please do bear in mind 18th is only 7 working days ago.

Hi @sunshine101 - please do see the above.

 

[legal18]

Hi Gemma, would you be able to provide some insight into how you 'mark' the video interviews? Could a stronger answer make up for a weaker answer?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hi Gemma, would you be able to provide some insight into how you 'mark' the video interviews? Could a stronger answer make up for a weaker answer?

I’m not Gemma but I think I remember in one of Willkie’s application workshops it was mentioned that it’s marked holistically and that what matters is the content itself.

Things like nerves are expected and will not affect the outcome of the VI as long as the answers themselves are clear (i.e., easy to understand) and have a good structure.​

 

[legal18]

I’m not Gemma but I think I remember in one of Willkie’s application workshops it was mentioned that it’s marked holistically and that what matters is the content itself.

Things like nerves are expected and will not affect the outcome of the VI as long as the answers themselves are clear (i.e., easy to understand) and have a good structure.

Thank you!!

 

[WillkieGemma]

I’m not Gemma but I think I remember in one of Willkie’s application workshops it was mentioned that it’s marked holistically and that what matters is the content itself.

Things like nerves are expected and will not affect the outcome of the VI as long as the answers themselves are clear (i.e., easy to understand) and have a good structure.

That is well remembered and correct!

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma, would you be able to provide some insight into how you 'mark' the video interviews? Could a stronger answer make up for a weaker answer?

Hi @legal18 please see @chrisbrown 's answer!

 

[sunshine101]

Hi @sunshine101 - please do see the above.

Thank you Gemma !

 

[tahmed2000]

Hi Gemma,

I am applying for an entry level corporate paralegal role. They firm is asking for a cover letter. The areas I am covering in my cover letter are: 1) why corporate law? 2) why this firm? and 3) what makes me the best candidate or this role? Is this a good structure?

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma,

I am applying for an entry level corporate paralegal role. They firm is asking for a cover letter. The areas I am covering in my cover letter are: 1) why corporate law? 2) why this firm? and 3) what makes me the best candidate or this role? Is this a good structure?

Hi @tahmed2000 I have never had any involvement with paralegal recruitment, but my general advice would be exactly that structure!

 

[addy2004]

Hey Gemma - please may I ask if you can provide any insight to how you mark the written analytical exercise? Specifically, what you examine candidates on? Thank you!

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hey Gemma - please may I ask if you can provide any insight to how you mark the written analytical exercise? Specifically, what you examine candidates on? Thank you!

Hi @addy2004

We do provide some guidance in the emails sent to all candidates, sent at the same time. This is to ensure transparency and fairness for all.

thanks
Gemma

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi Gemma!

I’m wondering if you usually review VIs in the order they’re received or in the order of the application/no particular order?

Thank you!

 

[BreadandButter]

Hi Gemma

Willkie’s VI questions have been circulating the forum and other group chats meaning those who have done the VI late December/ January most have known the questions beforehand. Is this easy for you to spot when reviewing?

(I did mines in November without prior knowledge so it sucks to know many have/will progress knowing the questions)

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi Gemma

Willkie’s VI questions have been circulating the forum and other group chats meaning those who have done the VI late December/ January most have known the questions beforehand. Is this easy for you to spot when reviewing?

(I did mines in November without prior knowledge so it sucks to know many have/will progress knowing the questions)

I didn’t know the q’s beforehand and did mine in January. I’m sure that’s the same for most people.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma!

I’m wondering if you usually review VIs in the order they’re received or in the order of the application/no particular order?

Thank you!

Hi @James Wakefield in the order they come in. Everyone will hear back within the stated ten to fifteen working days of the deadline.

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi Gemma

Willkie’s VI questions have been circulating the forum and other group chats meaning those who have done the VI late December/ January most have known the questions beforehand. Is this easy for you to spot when reviewing?

(I did mines in November without prior knowledge so it sucks to know many have/will progress knowing the questions)

Hi @BreadandButter roughly (there is no quota) the same percentage of people get through to the next stage, no matter when the interview is taken, so I don't think knowledge sharing of questions themselves impacts success.