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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 228445" data-attributes="member: 42112">Hello!Congratulations on being shortlisted!  🎊 For a 30-minute first-round interview, I'd say you can expect it to be fairly competency-based and conversational, with a strong focus on motivation and fit. My advice is largely based around my own experience interviewing for my previous paralegal role at a boutique commercial property firm in London, so it might differ slightly, but some things that might help to prepare:1. Motivation for the firm and disputes<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Why this firm specifically (i.e. boutique, the type of disputes, their clients, their reputation, and the culture)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Why dispute resolution / litigation (e.g. problem-solving, advocacy, strategy, teamwork, written and oral skills)</li> </ul>2. CV and Experience<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I would go back over your CV and be ready to talk through it concisely</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In advance, I would prepare examples from your previous experiences showing: research and drafting, handling pressure / deadlines, attention to detail, teamwork and communication, proactivity, etc. Even academic or non-legal examples are fine if you have don't have any legal experience yet.</li> </ul>3. Commercial Awareness<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You could potentially be asked about a recent legal or commercial issue relevant to disputes - this is unlikely to be too technical (i.e. it could be around how disputes arise and how firms add value for clients)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When I completed my interview, I was asked some questions about the type of work that a paralegal in the department would complete, so it might be useful to have a rough idea of what a disputes paralegal might do!</li> </ul>4. HR-style Questions<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">These are likely to be strengths or competency based questions</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For example, you may be asked about what you think your main strengths and weaknesses are, how you handle feedback, or why you'd suit a smaller / boutique environment</li> </ul>5. Questions for them<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I would definitely prepare a couple of thoughtful questions to ask (e.g. training, responsibility given, exposure to hearings, the firm culture, etc).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">These types of questions might pop up naturally based on things discussed in the interview, but it is always a good idea to go into it with a few in your back pocket just incase!</li> </ul>Overall, it is likely that they'll be assessing whether you're genuinely interested in disputes, have done your research on the work and the firm, and would work well with the team. I'd try to relax and treat it as a conversation about the role rather than an interrogation (although that is easier said than done, I know!).Wishing you the best of luck!! <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

Verification: Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

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