Sidley Austin
London·Chicago
Appellate litigation·Supreme Court·Disputes
Sidley was among the earliest firms to build a standalone Supreme Court and appellate practice, and remains one of the most trusted names for precedent-setting cases in federal and state courts.
Why this firm
One of the first dedicated Supreme Court practices
Since 1985, its Supreme Court and appellate group (30+ former clerks) has argued 124 cases before the Court, including 82 by partner Carter G. Phillips alone, more than any lawyer in private practice
Chambers ranks Sidley as the only firm in the world holding Band 1 for International Trade across every major jurisdiction (Global, USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific) for 10 consecutive years running
In 2026 became the first firm in London to build a compulsory AI seat into every trainee's training contract, doing genuine legal work rather than a classroom exercise
What this firm looks for
Drawn from Sidley Austin's own recruitment materials
Based on the firm's published recruitment materials, graduate recruitment commentary and stated values.
Own opinions, not "yes people"
Interviewers specifically look for candidates who have their own thoughts and aren't automatically swayed by the interviewer's views, explicitly avoiding people who just agree.
Non-legal work experience valued
A recruitment source says it's actually refreshing to see non-legal work experience, with candidates who held down a part-time job while doing well academically standing out.
Commercial-awareness answer weighted first
The initial application's commercial-awareness question is described by a recruiter as the first thing they look at when shortlisting, because it reveals genuine interests and personality rather than a rehearsed answer.
Past applications
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Why does a career in commercial law and specifically Sidley Austin interest you
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