I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at A&O Shearman (London, England) in Nov 2018
Interview
Very fair. Expected types of case study questions and very personable second interviewer. I know this varies from interview to interview as others had significantly harder second interview with much more difficult questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q. Why law?
Q. Why A&O?
Q. What might you find difficult?
Q. Any questions?
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at A&O Shearman in Nov 2014
Interview
Fill out an application form with various questions e.g. why law, why A&O, a current issue that has interested you and how this affects the firm. Day of interview: 3 other people. Each get an individual room. Started with Case Study exercise - given various documents i.e. overview of company, financial statements, contracts, non-disclosure agreement, and given 30 minutes to prepare a short presentation on any issues that need to be raised with partner. Then present to partner for 30 minutes. He/She will be raising points you have missed.
2nd Interview is competency. The interviewer was very friendly - asked all the standard questions why law, why A&O. Make sure you know your application back-to-front - they will press you on it.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
You have said here that A&O challenges conventional ideas. Tell me about a time when you've done this.