Sidley phone interview

[Jakexander]

Received a Sidley Austin WVS phone interview invite - does anyone know which questions might come up? Has anyone done this before? There was no indication of a phone interview stage on their website.

 

[ZNadeem]

Received a Sidley Austin WVS phone interview invite - does anyone know which questions might come up? Has anyone done this before? There was no indication of a phone interview stage on their website.

Hi! Huge congrats! I am not sure of what exactly will come up, but here is some advice

• Likely 10–15 minutes.
• Professional environment is important (quiet, no distractions, test microphone/audio beforehand).

Motivation Questions

• Why commercial law? Why this career path if your background isn’t standard.
• Why Sidley Austin?

Competency Questions

• Examples of problem-solving, communication, teamwork, or overcoming mistakes.
• Use STAR/PEEL

Commercial Awareness

• Recent deal of the firm or recent commercial news.
• Be ready to explain why it interests you and its wider business impact.

Optional curveballs

• They might ask about something unusual to test thinking under pressure.

Preparation Tips

• Re-read your application and CV; anticipate questions based on what you’ve written.
• Prepare examples for competency questions ahead of time.
• Practice answering questions out loud, ideally with a friend or mentor.
• Prepare 1–2 thoughtful questions to ask the recruiter at the end.
• Pause if needed to think; better to answer carefully than rush.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t rush answers; speak clearly and professionally.
• Don’t let technical issues affect you; test devices in advance.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hi! Huge congrats! I am not sure of what exactly will come up, but here is some advice

• Likely 10–15 minutes.
• Professional environment is important (quiet, no distractions, test microphone/audio beforehand).

Motivation Questions

• Why commercial law? Why this career path if your background isn’t standard.
• Why Sidley Austin?

Competency Questions

• Examples of problem-solving, communication, teamwork, or overcoming mistakes.
• Use STAR/PEEL

Commercial Awareness

• Recent deal of the firm or recent commercial news.
• Be ready to explain why it interests you and its wider business impact.

Optional curveballs

• They might ask about something unusual to test thinking under pressure.

Preparation Tips

• Re-read your application and CV; anticipate questions based on what you’ve written.
• Prepare examples for competency questions ahead of time.
• Practice answering questions out loud, ideally with a friend or mentor.
• Prepare 1–2 thoughtful questions to ask the recruiter at the end.
• Pause if needed to think; better to answer carefully than rush.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t rush answers; speak clearly and professionally.
• Don’t let technical issues affect you; test devices in advance.

Great advice, Zainab!

@Jakexander - I would also add that it's really important to practise sounding enthusiastic and engaged over the phone. Since the interviewers can't see your face, the only indicator of your demeanour they will be able to rely on is your voice. You may find it helpful to practise with a friend or a family member over the phone and get their feedback on how you came across

Good luck!