Application Process & Interviews at King & Wood Mallesons

Two rounds of networking and interviews.

The firm uses the clerkship program for majority of graduate recruitment. There is a drinks event which is quite informal and is a good way to learn some names/learn where to come for your interview. You then have your first round interview (with one partner and one HR person). If you make it through to the next round, there is another interview (with one partner and one senior associate).

A bit informal, with friendly people. Lots of laughing, good questions (not generic).

Graduate roles are usually obtained via clerkships. In order to get a clerkship I did an interview and a computer assessment. I then completed a clerkship.

There are two rounds of interviews for the clerkship and then the firm hires from the clerk cohert.

2 interviews, 1 social event, 1 psychometric test.

The interview was somewhat casual and really focused on being a discussion about myself and the firm rather than a series of behavioural questions being fired.

After submitting an application for the position of a seasonal clerk, I was invited to attend a cocktail evening to get to meet some employees at the firm. The interview process was quite simple, as we could book a time for our interview online. I was required to complete an abilities assessment prior to the interview, which was CV based. The interviewers were very friendly and conducted the interview in a way that made me feel at ease and genuinely wanted to get to know me. There was then a round of selection for seasonal clerks. After completing the clerkship, there was another round of selection for graduates.

There were online assessments, as well as cover letter and CV reviews. Subsequently there is an interview with firm representatives.

Like most major law firms, KWM recruit through a formal clerkship process. This process pits law students from different unis against each other, which can be quite competitive and intimidating.

Only one interview and a networking night. Both very good, not overly stressful.

There was a test, followed by an interview with a partner and SA.

We had two interviews. Both were very casual.

There was an informal interview and an aptitude test.

Usual clerkship recruitment process with only one interview and no additional assessment.

Interview, aptitude and psychological profile tests, internship process.

Two interviews and blind CV process.

Online application, interview and clerkship/internship.

Very casual and laidback - they wanted to gauge my personality.

The interviews were very relaxed - part of the reason why I chose KWM is that the people I met throughout the recruitment process were so lovely and welcoming.

Interviews usually started with informal questions about my interests. They usually then went on to my work experience and how it might help me at the firm. That was usually followed by what I was looking for in a law firm/what I wanted to gain from the clerkship program.

About my resume, interests, hobbies, holidays.

Mostly questions about my interests and background. Less formal than other interviews and not many behavioral / competency based questions.

Conversational, interest based ones, as far as I remember.

General behavioural questions, CV based questions and other questions concerning interests.

I was asked questions surrounding my experiences and what I learnt in previous internships. Due to my commerce background, I was asked why I have decided to pursue law as opposed to continuing with accounting/auditing. We also discussed hobbies during my interview.

Mixture of experience and personality.

I was asked to describe myself and my interests, why I am considering leaving my present position, what drew me to this role, what drew me to commercial law.

Why law, why this firm, about my background, which areas are you interested in.

Questions about myself - not a formal interview structure.

I was asked about some of my experiences from my cover letter, e.g. a university research trip I had taken. There were no behavioural questions or strange "what kind of fruit would you be?" questions - it was more of a conversation to see what kind of person I was and whether they would want to work with me.

Mostly focused on my resume. Very casual.

Basic personality questions and questions about my resume.

Standard interview questions, but it was also largely conversational. The focus was on getting to know each other.

Hard to remember - but it was very relaxed by comparison to other interviews, which was comforting.

I was largely asked questions about my CV and the information that I had included. In this way it felt quite relaxed and almost enjoyable (strangely enough). I don't recall being asked any overtly "behavioural" questions.

A range of CV-based questions, followed by long opportunities to ask questions myself and steer the conversation.

It was more of a discussion about my interests and activities - a conversation about me. No set questions.

Resume based questions/general conversational questions about previous life experiences.

I was asked about me and what I enjoy.

I would recommend that they do their research on the firm generally. But more than that, I would say they should think broadly about why they want to work at KWM and focus on being themselves when answering the associated questions. I learnt that there isn't a fixed criteria and that being yourself, and answering honestly, will come across more effectively than a pre-prepared response.

Be friendly. The work and social environment (particularly in the Brisbane office) is quite relaxed - i.e. as long as the work gets done by the time frame needed, there aren't really many issues with what else you are doing with your time. Try and remember the names of people you have met from the firm at the drinks event - it's a good ice breaker. Make sure you have a question prepared for the interview so that you can engage in conversation rather than it seeming like a formal interview.

Research the firm's values and ensure you can explain why you would be a good fit.

I think it is important to know background information about the company and the ethos of the company.

Know your CV back to front - often an interviewer will use it as a jumping off point, so try to think of a conversation point or anecdote for each and every sentence in your CV so you can launch into a natural and flowing conversation that not only is interesting but also shines a positive light on you.

Be able to discuss your CV and experiences and why those might position you well to work at the firm.

Focus on what your assets are and what you can contribute to the firm. Emphasise these in your interview. Be prepared to talk about non-law things like your interests. Culture and fit is equally important in a large firm where team dynamics are essential.

Research the firm beforehand and approach the process with an open mind. Be genuine when you meet the firm representatives and be yourself.

Be yourself and show passion and eagerness to learn.

Read up on the type of work KWM does, as well as their pro bono and social initiatives. There's nothing that will ruin your chances more quickly than saying you're interested in an area of law that the firm doesn't practice.

Know about the company and its focus, be yourself.

Think about how everything you have done prepares you for what you are about to do.

Submit a thoroughly proof-read CV and try to explain any interesting or innovative projects you have completed at university.

Think about your experience, and what you take from each of your past positions and achievements. Be able to talk to that.

I would recommend that they know their CV back to front - anything that is on there, they should be prepared to speak to.

The best way to prepare is to be yourself. The recruitment team are great and generally don't ask you any random questions. You need to be prepared to talk about yourself, so definitely know your resume inside out. It is also important that you can articulate why you have a genuine interest in commercial law, as that is what KWM practices.

Know your resume, and have interesting examples.

Be relaxed and engage with answering questions rather than giving stock answers. Don't over prepare, just know your own resume.

Spend a good amount of time preparing your application, and let them know about what you're like as a person. Personalise it for yourself but also tailor it to the firm.

Relax in the interview. Know your resume well as you will be asked about what you've put on it. Have some commercial awareness (read AFR, etc.)