Application Process & Interviews at Lane Neave NZ

The interview process was great. I initially thought that having a function before the final interview was unnecessary. However, I quickly realised that the function was a great opportunity to calm the nerves and get to know the people that were interviewing me the following day. I believe that I would not have been as comfortable during my interview if the pre-interview function did not exist.

Firstly there were online aptitude tests and applications, then a pre-interview zoom. If selected from there, then there was a pre-interview function in the evening (nibbles and drinks) a month or so later which was a really fun event where you got to chat to lots of people and get a feel for the company. The interview itself was the next morning/few days with 3 people in different roles.

I thought these were all reasonable and I did not find this process strenuous.

I applied with my CV and a cover letter I had a zoom interview I had a pre interview function and an interview

Personality test Cognitive test CV and letter Zoom interview Pre-interview function In person interview

My interview process was short and sweet, consisting of one virtual 20 minute interview with a Partner and Solicitor. It was very casual and more akin to a conversation, and felt more like they were trying to get to know my personality.

I applied on the website with a CV and cover letter. Then I was invited to a zoom interview with HR. Then I was invited to a second interview which prior I had to complete a personality quiz and an abstract reasoning test. The second interview was in person in Christchurch and included a event the night before with some current staff and those that were interviewing. After that interview I was offered the job.

I really enjoyed the interview process and how I had the ability to show off my personality and skills. Through zoom interviews, personality tests and a pre-interview function, I felt that I was able to provide an accurate depiction of myself which made getting hired for the role even more rewarding.

I really enjoyed the hiring process at Lane Neave because it felt thorough, fair and didn't make me as anxious as some other processes. I first completed an online application which included a CV and Cover Letter. I then received an email that I had been shortlisted for an online interview. As a part of this, I had to complete a couple of assessments including a personality profile (psychometric assessment) and a cognitive assessment. I found the cognitive assessment quite stressful and felt I hadn't done very well at the end, but we weren't able to see our results. It would have been ideal to receive the results of these assessments for our own information afterwards regardless. After completing the interview via Zoom and the assessments, I was shortlisted again and was offered an in person interview which also included attending a pre interview function at Lane Neave with the other shortlisted Summer Clerks. This was a great way to meet the panel and other staff, tour the office, meet other potential Summer Clerks and get a gauge on the culture at Lane Neave. I enjoyed meeting other staff members and this really cemented for me that I wanted to work at Lane Neave. Following the function, I attended an in person interview at Lane Neave. The interview felt a good balance between formal and casual. I felt comfortable to answer the questions, the panel were engaged and I felt that they were genuinely interested. I was told I would find out in a week or so, but I received a call that afternoon with an offer which I was blown away by.

After the initial application, there was a shortlist of candidates who had to complete some psychometric testing, IQ testing and an initial interview over zoom. The second part involved another few tests and an in person interview/pre-interview function the night beforehand. This was a great time to meet with other members of the firm and get a feel for the environment/culture of the firm.

There was an initial zoom interview, followed by a secondary interview. I was flown to Christchurch and met a large number of the firm.

Fun interview, easy going, very personable.

I applied with my CV, cover letter and an example of academic writing. I think the offer to interview was by email - which was surprising, and when I saw an email from Georgie I originally had assumed it was a rejection where other interview offers had been conveyed over the phone. At that point I think I was paired up with a buddy, who rang me to introduce herself and answer any questions if I had them. I was flown up to Christchurch for a pre-interview function and had a day in the city before that to look around which was nice. It was good to meet people at the firm and have a look around the office. The interview was a short time later and I was again flown up to Christchurch for this - at this point I knew all the other Otago students interviewing, so it was a little intimidating sitting with them in the departure lounge. My buddy couldn't be there to meet me before the interview, but I was paired with another buddy and it was good to hear from another junior in a different team about what their experience was like. The interview was fairly informal and chatty, with Fiona and Ben Cooper. I received an offer about a month later.

The process was very straight forward and everyone I met along the way made me feel at ease, despite the inevitable nerves that comes with interviews.

I was interviewed in 2020 so things might have changed since then - but my interview process was very structured and quite intense. We had to do hours of testing (answering personality questions (a LOT of questions), puzzle type things), a video call, and then an interview. I did not particularly enjoy the interview - the questions were too planned. It would have been nicer if it was more of a conversation.

Very thorough and unique experience - as compared to other roles I had applied for.

Was one interview with Josh Leckie, for my summer clerkship can't remember much but it was a positive interview

You are given plenty of chances to get to know the staff and find out more about the firm before being interviewed.

I only had to do one interview (after handing in my CV).

The interview process (not through graduate recruitment) was easy and involved two interviews that were fairly relaxed.

From what I recall, there were six questions. All of which I was required to answer with real life examples. These questions included: - What are you most proud of? = When was a time in your life where someone depended on you? = What happens when you cannot make a deadline due to your workload being too big? - How do you deal with conflict?

I was asked questions about my studies, the things that drive me, times I had faced challenges in the workplace.

Cant recall was a while ago now.

Where had I shown resilience, where had I worked as a team, how did I handle challenges

I was asked about my interests, experiences, strengths, weaknesses, collaboration and communication skills.

What do you like to do in your spare time What's your favourite TV show What jobs have you worked previously Why do you want to work for us, rather than another firm? What do you like about us? Do you have any questions for us?

I was asked a variety of questions ranging from how I manage conflicting situations to describing my experiences and what they have been able to teach me/how I will be able to apply it to my role.

I was asked questions around challenges I had faced and how I overcame them, why I was interested in the firm, what I felt my skills were, what I wanted to do in my career, and just general questions like that.

I was asked about something I had done to develop a new skill recently, a challenge I had faced and how I had overcome it. A lot of STAR questions in the initial interview.

How do I work? How do I work as a team? What do I value? What do I enjoy doing outside of work?

Too long ago to remember sorry.

I was asked about my favourite papers at university, why I chose Lane Neave, what TV show I was watching and would recommend, who (dead or alive) I would like to have dinner with.

A mixture of personality and behavioural questions.

I can't remember many as it was a couple of years ago, but the two I remember are: - tell us about a time you used initiative - what are you currently watching on Netflix

Where I saw myself in 5 years. What I enjoyed doing in my free time. Why I should be hired. What areas I was interested in and why.

General job interview questions.

Questions related to my previous legal experience, what my responsibilities and role involved in my last position, telling the interviewer about myself and what I liked to do outside work, and the type of person I was.

What day would you like to work? What can you offer that a straight-A Summer Law Clerk can't?

Why I chose the firm, what my strengths and weaknesses are, what area of law I hoped to practice in, why I studied law.

Firstly, spend time on your CV and cover letter. Each firm has to wade through hundreds of CV's and cover letters each year and will generally narrow them down to about 30 in their first round (sometimes slightly more). Having a cover letter that you wrote specifically about a particular firm, or having skills on your CV that are also skills listed on a firms website, will make you stand out and show them you have done your research. Also, prior to an interview, make sure you have real life examples of things you have done that you can adapt depending on the questions you are asked. Most firms will ask you questions like; "what is a time in your life you showed resilience"? Or "what are you most proud of?" Or "what is an example of you showing time management skills?" So, having a few examples of real life situations that you can pre-prepare to deal with interview questions is incredibly valuable.

Have a specific focus area of work, don't just say you want to try anything. Come in with a specific goal/area to join, it makes it easier to slot you into a team.

Learn about the people interviewing you, and learn about the firms values.

Be yourself and be confident in your abilities

Be prepared to have an engaging conversation with your interviewers rather than a one sided q & a.

Research Lane Neave to figure out one or two specific reasons why you might like to work there as opposed to another private practice firm (e.g. its size, or style) Prepare one or two questions to ask your interviewer about matters relating to the firm that catch your interest, or that you would like to know more about Have a think about the type of work you would like to do and whether Lane Neave operates in that space Think about your interests and passions outside of purely the law, and how that might apply to work

What I recommend most to candidates applying to Lane Neave is that they are honest and do their best to present who they truly are. I also recommend that they ensure they show a holistic picture of who they are such as extra curricula's and hobbies as this gives them a better picture of who you are and how you will be able to contribute to the culture of the team.

Lane Neave has a focus on who you are, what you believe in and how you will contribute to the awesome culture here. They don't focus on your GPA or grades. Don't be deterred if your GPA isn't great, because Lane Neave focuses on more than that. I would give the advice to focus on your extra curriculars, who you are as a person and how you fit in to their values and team. Focus on why you are different and how you will be the right fit. I would also recommend to be clear on why you are interested in Lane Neave specifically and if you are wanting to be here long term, as this will all be relevant.

Research, research, research! Don't be afraid to reach out to the HR team to ask about the interview process or if they come to your University, make sure to go and met them. Make sure your values align with the company values.

Think of good questions for the company - you want to figure out if you want to work for them too.

Read current hot topics in legal world. Research your interviewees and what type of law they practice.

I understand the recruitment process has changed quite significantly from when I interviewed in 2019, so I am not sure how helpful this advice would be. When I interviewed the focus seemed largely on personality and fit within the firm. I remember being told that they had seen my academic transcript and an example of my legal writing, so believed I was capable and intelligent and I could relax about that factor. So, if this is still true I would advise that (a

Have a strong emphasis on what you can bring to the table outside of your academics. Your transcript should speak for itself. Focus on what would make you a good colleague and enjoyable person to work with.

Make sure you have a well rounded CV, Lane Neave are looking for candidates that are doing well at Uni but that also have other extracurricular activities. Practice lots of interview questions prior to an interview - you will get more comfortable with being able to take the information you have and answer a question on the spot

Take a genuine interest in the company - why do you want to work there specifically. How does the company align with your values/interests.

Be yourself, read up on projects/work team is involved in

Self-confidence is key. Good grades help. Dress professionally. Be genuine and show interest in the firm.

Be energetic, humble, down to earth and show that you are keen to learn and to get involved in the firm (not just professionally, but socially). Don't try to be too perfect - but try to be someone that others would want to work with.

Be yourself, be ready to describe yourself and who it is you are - this is probably more important and tends to require more thought than the "factual" aspects of your experience, university experiences or grades.

#1 Be Yourself! Think deeply about who you are and what is important to you and showcase that in the interview. Law firms are businesses where you engage with real-life people, not textbooks.