Application Process & Interviews at Hall & Wilcox

2 rounds of interviews, each involving a partner and a People & Culture representative

There was an initial application asking about my background, skills and experience followed by two interviews. In both the first and second round interviews, I interviewed with a partner and a people & culture representative.

We had an interview and networking breakfast. This was a great opportunity to get to know the firm and culture better, and feel more relaxed throughout the process.

Sending in my CV and having an interview with a Partner and an Early Career Advisor

The interview process involved an application, a networking breakfast, and two interviews.

I had one interview with the firm which was mostly a normal interview style process but it also felt like a bit of a conversation which helped with nerves.

Two in person interview, friendly discussions, behavioural questions

We had just one interview which was good as it made the process much less stressful than it was at other firms.

The interview process is highly social and vets candidates for social qualities as well as competency. Initial applications must be submitted without identifiers such as gender, ethnicity etc to remove bias. When selected applicants then had to attend a graduate breakfast. This is not a process in which applicants will be eliminated or anything, but it gives them a chance to feel out the firm and get to know people within the firm. There are then two rounds of interviews. After these interviews conclude offers are made or not made.

I liked how our name, gender, university and address were all redacted at the initial stages of the application to remove any biases. This made the application process very attractive as I knew I would mainly be assessed based on my capabilities, skills and work experience. There were no psychometric tests which is another indication that the firm does not believe in hiring people based off their test scores. The interview process itself was very relaxing (sounds counter intuitive I know) as the Partner, Senior Associate and HR member made me feel very welcomed. I got asked questions about my exchange program, my language skills and my hobbies and the focus was not just on grades and my legal experience.

The interview process was warm and inviting.

The HR employee and SC were very warm and friendly and wanted to know me as a person and not just my ability to learn the law.

CV, cover letter and interview with HR, a partner and a senior lawyer.

The interview process was very efficient. I was surprised at how quickly after I applied I was informed of an interview and then from the interview how quickly I was told of the hiring decision. I didn't apply until late 2022 so not within the usual grad timeline.

The hiring process was great. I liked the structure and for myself it was helpful that we didn't hire from the clerkship program as I had not clerked previously (I had been working full-time). I liked how the application process was stripped of all potential biases by removing certain details. I personally liked how there was no assessment centre as they can be quite impersonal, however, I understand they are sometimes required. The interview had a good amount of structure without being robotic; I enjoyed getting to know the firm and speaking about myself among the formal interview questions. On the day of receiving the offer, I got a call from the partner who was in my interview which was a nice touch and different from other firms I was interviewing with at the time.

In Sydney, after getting shortlisted there are two rounds of interviews. There is also a breakfast to meet people at the firm. Both interviews are fairly conversational and are led by a partner and someone from the People and Development team.

I submitted a cover letter with my resume and then had an interview with a senior partner and the People & Culture manager. In saying this, I already worked at the firm as an assistant, so this was a quicker process than others.

One interview, no psychometric testing, a 'get to know the firm' event

The interview process was quite casual and warm. Provided a good indication of the culture.

Interview process include completing an online application, meet and great breakfast and interview. I have found this process very efficient unlike other firms where you are required to complete series of other preliminary tasks to before you even secure an interview.

I was asked about my background, skills, experience and interests. There were questions about what areas of law I was interested in, and why I was particularly interested in commercial law. I was asked about my strengths and how they could be applied in a particular practice area. I was also asked about how I respond to adversity and tackle difficult situations, and also value-based questions such as the emphasis that I place on integrity.

I was asked questions about why I was interested in insurance, my story into law, why I was interested in the firm, and questions relating to how I manage competing priorities, commitments outside of work and study and on my personal interests and passions.

Mostly standard interview questions, together with specific questions to the company values and the experiences I outlined in my application

I was asked about myself and what I saw myself doing in the future.

Behavioural questions, experience-related questions, legal case related questions, questions relating to the firm and the hallmarks

About past experience, attributes etc

Some questions were competency based and asked of experience in my past in certain situations and how that might translate. Most were values based: how do you handle mistakes? what was your biggest achievement? where do you see yourself? There were questions related specifically to the values the firm prioritises such as teamwork, diversity and innovation.

Work experience, university/education, hobbies, information about the company.

I was asked questions about my previous work experience and questions that would tell them about who I was as a person.

Why did you apply for HW? What are your values? What can you bring to the firm? What areas of law are you interested in?

I was asked general questions about my education, past job experience, what I liked to do outside of work. I was also asked what my thoughts were for working in insurance and for the Defendants. I was then asked about how I would handle past difficult situations at work. There were chats about non-work related things as well such as where I grew up etc.

I remember it being quite conversational (eg 'tell me about yourself'). There were also some more formal questions and questions about the type of practice area I was interested in. I also recall speaking about my history and lead-up to applying for the role, as well as my university results. As mentioned previously, I do remember having an opportunity to get to know the firm so within that was some space for me to ask questions which was nice.

What are you looking for in a job? If you could pick anyone in the world to be your mentor, who would you pick?

Interview was very laid back - I was asked about my past experience and why I want to join the firm, but the questions were couched in a conversational manner

Personality questions, some firm specific culture questions and then just a general 'chat' and questions that flowed from that.

The interview was based around the online application questions as well as getting to know the candidate and how they would be a good fit for the firm.

About myself personally. About my work experience. What I am interested in.

About myself, my journey (i came to law late and had a long previous career), why i like Hall & Wilcox. I felt as long as my academic results were good , it was really going to come down to how well i fit in with the Hall & Wilcox culture. Luckily I fit!

Why this role

Questions more in respect to getting to know me in a personal capacity and whether I would be a good fit for the firm culture.

I believe it is important to reflect on your experiences through work, university and extra-curricular activities and extract the key skills and good habits that you have developed from these experiences. This will enable you to demonstrate your value as a candidate throughout the hiring process. Being confident in the interview process is important, and good preparation and research about the firm will assist greatly in this respect. Consider what are the key skills and attributes held by professionals working at a commercial law firm, and articulate how you have built on these skills and attributes through your experiences and how you are committed to growing these skills and attributes throughout your career.

Be yourself - your interests and passions are what make you unique and help you to stand out!

Understand the Hallmarks Think about why you want to work at Hall & Wilcox - for example, why does Hall & Wilcox appeal to you as a law firm

Be interested in what the firm can offer and present yourself as enthusiastic and interesting to work with.

It seems that attending career fairs to meet people at the company can be really beneficial. Also trying to get a job while you are still studying will make it easier to transition to a higher role once you graduate.

Be familiar with the firm and what it is about. Know why you are applying to this firm and what makes it different. Be yourself and be honest about what you are passionate about.

Understand the hallmarks and how they relate to you

Read up on the firms values: The Hallmarks and Smarter Law. Also read up on the firms place within the market. It has a large insurance practice, so be open to work in insurance even though you likely know nothing about it.

Learn about the company.

Just be yourself. The company really wants to understand what it would be like to work with you.

Read up on the company and understand why you want to work for HW before interviewing. To understand that you will be asked the regular interview questions but to ensure that you let you personality show as I have realised that is a huge thing that they were looking for throughout the interview.

I would say: be yourself (ie genuine and authentic), be curious, know your point of difference, have an idea of the area you might like to work in (although this is not essential), and understand HW and its values.

Have a clear understanding of the firm's hallmarks and which ones resonate, and what smarter law means to you.

Be aware of projects that your interviewer has worked on so you can converse with them about it Be yourself, prepare ways you can talk about yourself and how your traits fit with the firms traits

Read the firm's website to learn about its core values - there is an emphasis on the Hallmarks so it is good to know them well and how you relate to them

Be authentic and prepare by doing your research.

You should really research the firm and how the firm mission and values align with your personal and professional goals and values. You should take the time to research something about the firm that makes it stand out from other firms. Where possible, reach out to the firm's people as that will help them in remembering you. When doing the application, just be yourself and demonstrate why you wish to join the firm but be genuine.

Be yourself and know why you really want to be part of the firm.

Be genuine, be yourself. Don't try to tailor your responses to what you think people want to hear.

Be yourself. If you feel connected to the firm then the best way to showcase that is by being yourself and explaining why.