Browne Jacobson (x2)
Browne Jacobson Paralegal Role – November 2023
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Cover letter
3. CV
4. Interview
Which aspect does this report cover?
Paralegal role final interview
Note that I also applied separately for work experience, where I passed a pre-recorded video interview. There was no limit on how long I had to prepare each question, and I was then given two minutes to record each answer. There was no option to re-record answers. I was asked 5 questions during this, including:
- Tell us about a practice area you like.
- What does law mean to you?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team
Where did the assessment centre take place?
Remotely
What did the interview involve?
1. CV run through: discussed my legal journey, answered questions regarding my fit to be a paralegal, and answered legal questions based on a fictional commercial scenario (~35 minutes with 1 partner)
2. Competency and motivation interview: competency and motivation questions (35 minutes with 1 senior graduate recruiter).
CV run through
This interview was referred to as a “getting to know you chat”, but it was essentially an informal interview during which the partner went through my CV in detail to discuss my experiences and why these would be useful to the firm. She also asked me about any practice areas I was interested in and why, as well as my understanding of what a solicitor does. In addition, I was asked whether there was something about me that was not on my CV.
In addition, I was tested on my motivations for working as a paralegal and joining the firm. The partner explained in detail how the firm operates and then asked questions based on what I had been told. They expected some level of knowledge of law and being a paralegal.
Competency and motivation interview
Competency questions
I was asked a number of questions (some of which I can’t remember), including:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
- Tell me about a time you had to manage a high workload.
Motivation questions
- How did you become interested in law?
- Why Browne Jacobson LLP?
Legal and commercial awareness questions
- What challenges would you expect to encounter at the firm?
- What is your understanding of what a paralegal does?
What was the outcome?
The firm called me two weeks after the interview to tell me I had been successful.
Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?
The motivation interview is very straightforward. They really go through your work experience and application, so it is important to know your experiences inside out. Although they have scripted questions, they just want to know you as a person. The firm are looking for professional, straightforward individuals who have a sense of humour as this is their culture.
This assessment centre was for a longer-term role the firm. I had done a week’s placement at this firm as well. The questions were more relaxed this time around.
The legal and commercial awareness questions were not that difficult, but I would recommend researching and reviewing a piece of news in advance.
When discussing the firm’s culture and how you can be a good fit, just be attentive and understand what the partner is explaining. Ask questions if you do not understand and think of the most basic or logical steps/answers. Sometimes, they only want to see how you think, and if you know the basics.
Browne Jacobson Vacation Scheme – April 2022
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Online tests
3. Telephone interview
4. Assessment centre: face-to-face interview, case study (including presentation), group exercise and written exercise.
4. Vacation scheme
Which aspect does this report cover?
Telephone interview
Telephone interview
The telephone interview lasted for ~15 minutes. I was interviewed by the Emerging Talent Manager. I was asked the following questions:
- From the research you have done about our firm and our culture, what is it about the Brown Jacobson environment that will allow us to see the best version of you?
- Based on your knowledge of our firm, the type of work we do, the clients we work for and the values to which we hold ourselves accountable, what do you believe you can add to the firm and its clients?
- Our reputation is built on delivering exceptional service for our clients. Beyond giving exceptional legal advice (which clients expect of any law firm), what else do you think our clients really value?
- Resilience is a key strength in any good solicitor. Describe a time when your resilience was strongly tested, perhaps, by a sizable setback, and how you had to dig deep, push through the hard times and ultimately overcome the challenge?
What was the outcome?
The firm emailed me 2 weeks after the interview to tell me I had been unsuccessful. I was then offered a feedback call.