I agree with this poster.

Nonetheless, from my understanding, most aren't hiring unless its retention, replacement or new teams.

They are always hiring. You just need to pay attention to the Lawsoc careers page. They were hiring even when Clarence Lun was at Foxwood (or whatever it's called). Business must be booming.

1. Do recruitment firms mostly help international firms in the hiring process? I understand most local firms recruit directly but I might be wrong.

2. How do people start knowing about which teams are hiring besides hearing from their own networks?

3. How far in advance do partners start to recruit?

Thank you.

1. Do recruitment firms mostly help international firms in the hiring process? I understand most local firms recruit directly but I might be wrong.

Most international firms hire directly and via recruitment firms. I will say, though, that most of the time when they hire - they already have target people in mind, or otherwise a small (very small) target group of people. You will usually know if you fall within the target group - whether by way of a direct call or through your network.

2. How do people start knowing about which teams are hiring besides hearing from their own networks?

no other way. make friends. fast.

3. How far in advance do partners start to recruit?

they hire when they need the headcount (not in advance), unless its a new team in which case they will most likely just poach the entire established team as opposed to a single person. unless you damn zai.

LLM prospects
 

Hi all, how is the llm from QMUL regarded by law firms in SG? For both local and international firms. Or even any llm from the list of recognized Uk universities in general (apart from Oxbridge obviously). From what I’ve heard so far, most people do an llm for its connections rather than the content taught?

I’m wondering if pursuing a Uk llm will offer any added advantages (eg. alumni networks etc) when it comes to securing a TC in the mid-tier firms/Big4?

*i’m using QMUL as an example because I note that SMU has a dual track LLM programme with that University as well and was curious if that was because QMUL is highly regarded in SG?

The issue of LLMs has been discussed previously.

The consensus is that if it's not a BCL from oxford, it has absolutely no value if you intend to pursue a career in private practice. It is unlikely that it will give you any advantage in terms of your pursuit for a TC in Big4. You're better off using your connections.

I gave up on this forum already but I’ll answer the LLM query...

In order of priority (meaning whether you should do an LLM or not):
1. Oxbridge + Harvard (plus Yale/Stanford) : by all means go. Whether you choose academia or practice, your future is very much secured for life.
2. London unis : ask yourself what is the point? If in practice, you don’t need it. If you want to be a B-rated academic, fine. It might help you.
3. SG unis: no point. Unless you are interested in very specific area to improve specialist knowledge eg maritime and shipping law. Then I agree as undergrad doesn’t expose you to those.
4. Australia unis : very little value to an academic career in SG. Not much value in practice.
5. US (other than Harvard, Yale or Stanford): no point for practice. Useful for academia. But still inferior to an LLM(BCL) from Oxbridge or Harvard.

Agree LLM is utterly useless

An LLM in Columbia or NYU is useful insofar as it gives you a US Visa and time to sit the NY Bar and interview with US firms - and is probably the best way to begin working in a US firm if you did an LLB.

Hi, may I ask which corporate practice area has the most research-focused work involved? As opposed to repetitive transaction work?