Main things to know about a deal

[Lawgirlxo]

Hi all,

Assuming you're preparing for the interview question that ask 'tell me about one of our deals you've found interesting'

What are the key components of a transaction to be aware of? I've got the various jurisdictions and practice areas involved in the deal. What else do you recommend I should be aware of?

Many thanks

 

[Lawgirlxo]

@Jaysen

 

[Salma]

Hi all,

Assuming you're preparing for the interview question that ask 'tell me about one of our deals you've found interesting'

What are the key components of a transaction to be aware of? I've got the various jurisdictions and practice areas involved in the deal. What else do you recommend I should be aware of?

Many thanks

Hey!

I would recommend looking into what key obstacles (if any) the firm overcame in order for the deal to be executed, also look into whether the deal is line with any new legislation or initiatives the region is promoting (for instance the China belt road initiative or Saudi Arabia vision 2030). That is how I analyse it!

I would look into the clients view of the deal (check their website) but also any other websites which comment on the deal and the implications of it.

I hope this helps.

It would be nice to see how others prepare for ‘tell us a deal you have recently read and what you found interesting’ type of question for interviews.

 

[datguyak]

I also like to look at whether a firm has done something similar for that client before -showing how they are able to build long relationships with clients

 

[Lawgirlxo]

Hey!

I would recommend looking into what key obstacles (if any) the firm overcame in order for the deal to be executed, also look into whether the deal is line with any new legislation or initiatives the region is promoting (for instance the China belt road initiative or Saudi Arabia vision 2030). That is how I analyse it!

I would look into the clients view of the deal (check their website) but also any other websites which comment on the deal and the implications of it.

I hope this helps.

It would be nice to see how others prepare for ‘tell us a deal you have recently read and what you found interesting’ type of question for interviews.

Thank you so much Salma! This is very helpful!

 

[Lawgirlxo]

I also like to look at whether a firm has done something similar for that client before -showing how they are able to build long relationships with clients

Didn’t actually think about this - thank you

 

[Jaysen]

@Jaysen

I remember being asked this question at Shearman & Sterling.

I'm assuming when you say "key components" you mean "what questions could I be asked about the deal?", in which case it really depends on what deal you're choosing. For example, if it's M&A, you might want to think about the purchase price (how much the buyer paid), how it was paid (e.g. cash and shares), your opinion on the deal (good value? A premium?), how the buyer financed the deal (e.g. did it sell bonds in the market first? Did the same firm help with that?), the significance of the deal (why did you choose this deal over other deals? Are there trends going on in that sector?) etc.

The questions you will be asked are likely to be based on what you say at interview, especially if you've chosen a more obscure deal. That will help you to focus your preparation. It also helps you if you're not too sure about something (e.g. don't bring up the fact that the company raised finance by issuing bonds if you don't know what bonds are).

 

[Lawgirlxo]

I remember being asked this question at Shearman & Sterling.

I'm assuming when you say "key components" you mean "what questions could I be asked about the deal?", in which case it really depends on what deal you're choosing. For example, if it's M&A, you might want to think about the purchase price (how much the buyer paid), how it was paid (e.g. cash and shares), your opinion on the deal (good value? A premium?), how the buyer financed the deal (e.g. did it sell bonds in the market first? Did the same firm help with that?), the significance of the deal (why did you choose this deal over other deals? Are there trends going on in that sector?) etc.

The questions you will be asked are likely to be based on what you say at interview, especially if you've chosen a more obscure deal. That will help you to focus your preparation. It also helps you if you're not too sure about something (e.g. don't bring up the fact that the company raised finance by issuing bonds if you don't know what bonds are).

Yes that’s what I meant! Thank you

 

[JA]

I think a good way to structure answers to 'tell us about a deal' questions is this:

1. Who were the law firm's client?
2. What did the client do?
3. Why did the client do it?
4. Why do you find the deal interesting?