Applied online, got a response within 24 hours for a video interview with HR. Standard interview questions...why this role, what's your research background, what do you know about Nardello, etc. Interviewer was very kind and gracious and answered all of my questions. Made it two second round, which was an in-office analytical exercise. I found the exercise to be extremely interesting (albeit easy) to complete. Exercise took around two hours to complete. I was disappointed however, as HR said that the exercise assignment wouldn't be combined with an interview - I ended up having an interview directly after with the office managing director. Again, standard interview questions and we mostly discussed the assignment. I got the sense she felt I was a bother/nuisance because I had a lot of questions about the role and the firm. I have a geopolitical background, and she kept emphasizing that "we aren't a geopolitical firm." I get that, but everything in this business is geopolitical in a way. The irony is that she herself had a geopolitical background. I got a generic, automated email a week later saying they weren't going to move forward with my application - I got the sense that was the case (I think they wanted someone with legal/litigation background), but it was kind of annoying that I didn't get a more personal response given I was onsite for basically half of a work day. I also got the sense there was a misalignment about overall needs between HR and the individual office.

Quick at responding to my application. Didn't get an interview, but very courteous in response, which I am thankful for. Application process was easy to fill in. Didn't require covering letter.