Discussing a firm’s international reach can often veer into the generic, so be careful with this one. Most large City firms have offices in (or operate in) many of the same jurisdictions, so it can be difficult to identify specific factors that are convincing differentiators. Moreover, you should never talk about a firm as if it is a travel agency; travel opportunities vary between firms and industries and can be few and far between for juniors, so focusing on your desire to travel may not suggest your motivations are particularly relevant. However, I’ll give some examples that might be worth considering in limited circumstances.

International experience

Has the firm been the undisputable leader in a particular jurisdiction for a number of years? Has it won a series of high-profile awards in recognition of its work in a particular country? Does it work more with emerging markets than other firms? Or has it worked on a groundbreaking international deal, perhaps with dozens of jurisdictions involved or a tangible social impact?

Explain why you care

If you mention these types of points, highlight why you are particularly interested in the jurisdiction you choose to highlight. For example, have you previously worked or lived there? 

Tip: be sure to check that the specific office you are applying to join actually works on matters involving the jurisdictions you mention, otherwise it may be a moot point. For example, if you’re applying to the London office, and you have a personal interest in Latin America that you want to link to the firm’s work involving that region, make sure there are actually opportunities to get involved in that work from the London office.

International footprint 

Does the firm have a greater spread of international offices than its competitors? Does it have offices in particularly unique jurisdictions? Is the firm uniquely strong across multiple key jurisdictions, perhaps following mergers with leading firms that were headquartered in those jurisdictions? Or does the firm have a particularly unique approach to international work, for example by collaborating with a network of third party “best friend” firms who are leaders in their jurisdictions? 

Explain why you care

Could working within a global network of offices offer opportunities to benefit from the knowledge, insights and expertise of others from all over the world? Could a firm’s presence across multiple jurisdictions mean it’s better placed to win the most complex cross-border mandates, thus giving you the chance to work on a uniquely interesting range of challenging matters? 

Might there be more opportunities to work abroad if the firm has a comprehensive global footprint? Would a “best friends” approach to international work appeal more? Could this approach provide the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most highly regarded professionals from leading firms around the world? More generally, do these aspects align with your international mindset? If so, explain how you developed this international mindset. For example, was it through growing up, studying or working in different countries, and/or learning multiple languages?

International mindset: although the phrase has no objective definition, I understand “international mindset” to mean having a desire and ability to absorb, appreciate and adjust to different environments, markets and cultures, which in turn enhances your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with people from around the world (including in a business context).

Growth and expansion

Was the firm the first in the market to open offices in a new and exciting emerging market? Is the firm currently in an exciting stage of growth more generally? Has the firm opened offices that will help it to win more work in a specific sector or from a certain category of client (e.g. has it expanded into one or more technology hubs to enhance its reputation for carrying out cutting-edge technology work)? Or has the firm expanded to compete with other firms and protect its competitive advantage? For example, a UK-headquartered firm might expand into the US to ensure it has the same cross-border capabilities as US-headquartered firms that have already expanded into the UK.

Explain why you care

Did the firm’s decision to open a particular office demonstrate its desire to grow and excel in in an area that particularly interests you? If so, why does this area interest you? Do the openings of new offices demonstrate that the firm is agile, forward-thinking and opportunistic? Does this indicate that the firm will maintain its leading position, or become a market leader? Would it be exciting to join during a period of significant growth and evolution? 

Tip: note that if you choose to discuss a firm’s international expansion, you may well be asked to recommend where else the firm should open an office, so give this some thought in advance!

Headquarters

If the firm is headquartered in a different jurisdiction, see if you can differentiate it from other firms headquartered in the same jurisdiction, as well as firms in the jurisdiction where you are applying. For example, if you are applying to the London office of a US-headquartered firm, does that firm have a greater presence in London than any US competitors, but a better reputation and client base in the US than any London-headquartered firms?

Explain why you care

Could this suggest the firm is better placed to win work that straddles those jurisdictions, and if so, can you demonstrate why you’re particularly interested in such work? Or might this indicate that the firm has a better chance of attracting high-profile clients that are headquartered in the same place? Remember, those clients may well have work that needs to be carried out in London one day!