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Any ML/AI enthusiast here based in Chicago?
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I made a calculation mistake in my cost analysis in my Deloitte partner case interview for new grad 2023 position. Another thing that bothers me was when they asked my approach I gave a pretty detailed answer and one of the interviewers was satisfied but the second didn’t get it and asked me to explain it thrice and some to and fro talk was there. Rest of it was pretty good and I nailed the implementation part and behavioural for sure. Do you guys think I still have a chance? Deloitte
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Additional Posts in Corporate Transactional Law
Anybody know an employee at John Deere?
For what it's worth, I knew I would do corporate law and took all the transactional law school classes my school had to offer--it taught me nothing about how to engage in a corporate practice so it's not like you missed out on anything. Just be responsive and ask questions as you go along. So long as you show an interest and are engaged with the work, you'll do great.
General skills are the same for a 2nd year in lit compared to 2nd year in corporate: attention to detail, staying organized, being responsive, etc.
The biggest difference is the type of law. You won’t be on westlaw/lexis ever again likely. Lots of documents and no more arguments via paper (briefs). Transactional work is usually where all sides want a common outcome rather than a winner take all approach in litigation.
Ask lots of questions of people above you and try to observe as much you can. You won’t be extremely helpful for the first few months but it will get better.
Third year here but otherwise same boat! Reading the above comments have been super helpful. I’m nervous but excited. OP, we’ve got this!
Good luck!
First off, the idea of a "career litigation associate" has been beaten to death, but most get what you mean. Law is law at your level - attention to detail, teamwork, being forward-thinking, researching precedent (in corporate work, examples of clauses that fit a situation and can be imported, like using baseball arbitration to address a dispute).
Your background makes you attractive for just those reasons. Also, if your "career" has been in business lit, you are aware of the downside of a poorly crafted indemnity provision or management rights clause, etc... that becomes invaluable when you have to actually draft one.
Much of corporate is having excellent project management and communication skills. But also learn the resources most relevant to your practice area (Practical law, dealpoint data, factset, etc.), where the best and latest precedent are, and be intentional about learning how to negotiate and draft the key agreements in your practice area. I notice that even most of the “good” associates aren’t terribly resourceful or knowledgeable about their practice area, choosing instead to rely on their experiences and intuition. Obviously, real live experience is most valuable but you’ll be in a better situation to address something complex or novel if you’re also a student of the law.
What is a career litigation associate?
🙃 that is what I meant.
Something to consider, the group you're joining likely knows you have next to no experience with what you're doing and so expectations will be reasonably low. Stay humble, don't need to exaggerate your background and if you're teachable then those giving you work should hopefully take the time to explain what you're doing and why. It may take a few tries to see how it all fits together, but your group needs you to do good work first and worry about becoming an expert later.
Like someone else said that means project management, communication, even just careful attention to detail (slow down, think critically, ask questions, show that you're paying attention) will take you pretty far.
Approach it the same way as day 1 of lit. You’re essentially worthless but you’re enthusiastic and willing to do what no one else wants to. It’s not like law school prepared you for lit so you just have to convince the partners that you’re worth spending their time on.
Thank you so much everyone!