Cleary Gottlieb Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 80 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
11 roles · 80 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Cleary Gottlieb.
Cleary Gottlieb
Litigation Practice Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Phone screen Technical screen
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
It was pretty straightforward. There were about 5 or 6 rounds. First, an HR screening interview. Then, a written test. If you passed that, you'd meet the hiring manager, and after that, the director of the litigation department. Just make sure you're confident when you answer and know your resume really well.
Confirmed questions0 questions
No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.
Cleary Gottlieb
Support Staff
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Take home Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Coding Other
The interview process was extremely lengthy, spanning several months. It involved three distinct stages that could have been significantly shorter, especially since the feedback provided focused on my past career, which is unchangeable. It felt like they didn't know what they were looking for, even after leading me so far into the process. While the interviewers were pleasant, I felt there was a lack of respect for the time and effort candidates invest in multiple interview rounds and completing a test. I experienced long delays, over a month, for feedback that was dismissive and irrelevant. The position has been open for an extended period, indicating internal indecision.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Could you describe your relevant experience?
Cleary Gottlieb
Trainee Solicitor
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Group Panel Technical screen
Interview formats
Group Behavioral Technical
The recruitment process involved an Assessment Centre on Day Three, which included three interviews: a Competition Workshop, a Competency Interview, and a Technical Interview. The day went well overall, and the graduate recruitment team was really nice and helpful. There was a small issue with the technical interview materials, but they mentioned it would be considered during the assessment.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you explain your interest in Cleary?
- What motivates your pursuit of a career in law?
- Could you discuss a recent news article that has captured your attention?
Cleary Gottlieb
Summer Vacation Scheme
Intern Difficult Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Group
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case Group
The interview process involved a CV-based competency interview that was quite relaxed and conversational. Following that, there was a technical interview where we were given 20 minutes to prepare a case study. The final stage was a group negotiation exercise where pairs of candidates were pitted against another group, with two partners/associates from the firm facilitating.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What are your motivations for pursuing a career in law?
- What attracts you to our company specifically?
Cleary Gottlieb Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Cleary Gottlieb interview reports.
“Can you explain what a bond is in simple terms, as if to a toddler?”
Read reports →“If you could have lunch with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?”
Read reports →“What's a quote you really like and what's the reason behind it?”
Read reports →“Why did you choose to settle in New York?”
Read reports →“What's your origin story, and where does your family hail from?”
Read report →“Why do you want to be a paralegal?”
Read report →“What does success as a lawyer look like to you?”
Read report →“What are your reasons for attending xxx Law School?”
Read report →“As soon as I walked in, one interviewer asked, "Do you have any questions?" This meant I needed to prepare about half an hour's worth of questions. Make sure you do your research!”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 80 Cleary Gottlieb interview reports.