Why did you choose Ropes & Gray to start your legal career? 

Ropes & Gray’s expertise in high-end transactional work was a natural fit with my previous academic and professional background. I was also impressed by the firm’s client roster in the private equity sphere, promising exposure to a wide range of industries and geographies. During my vacation scheme, the collegial culture and welcoming atmosphere at Ropes & Gray immediately stood out to me. I felt comfortable and at ease in reaching out for support and discussing ideas with all members of the firm, regardless of their level of seniority.

How did you find the recruitment and selection process?

I found the recruitment process to be well-structured and transparent. The communication throughout the process was timely, and I always knew the next steps and what was expected from me.

The interviewers were approachable, making the conversations feel more like insightful discussions rather than traditional interviews. I appreciated the effort put into assessing both my skills and cultural fit with the firm. 

The assessment exercises were relevant and challenging, offering a glimpse into the kind of work I could expect in the role. I particularly enjoyed the negotiation exercise, having to balance the client’s interests with the need to find a compromised solution. 

How would you describe the firm’s culture?

The firm’s culture is friendly and inclusive. The atmosphere is welcoming, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. People treat each other with respect and kindness. Partners are approachable, which makes it easy to ask for guidance. Supervisors offer constructive feedback and help you navigate the firm’s practices and procedures. There is also an effort to keep everyone informed about the firm’s business goals, strategies and decisions. 

Tell us about a memorable matter you’ve worked on.

Project Patagonia is a memorable matter I was involved with during my seat in leveraged finance. We advised American Industrial Partners in connection with the syndicated infrastructure financing arrangements supporting its acquisition and combination of AquaShip and Intership to create a Nordic-headquartered global aqua service vessel operator. I assisted with various accession processes, which entailed coordinating with local counsel across multiple jurisdictions ranging from Norway to Chile. The work was quite technical given the complex nature of the assets we were granting security over, but I thoroughly enjoyed negotiating with lender side and managing all parties involved.  

What tips would you give a potential applicant?

Be enthusiastic. Don’t pretend to know everything, be curious, ask questions and make sure to research the firm thoroughly. Understand the firm’s strengths and its position in the market. Compare the firm’s values with your own to see if you’re a good fit. Have a basic understanding of the deal lifecycle and know the firm’s clients. Keep up to date with legal and market developments.