Cornerstone Research Case Interview: How to Prepare and Succeed

Preparing for a Cornerstone Research case interview can feel challenging, especially if you are new to the firm’s data-heavy, litigation-focused style. These interviews test your ability to think logically, analyze quantitative data, and apply strong business acumen under time pressure.

In this article, we will explore what makes the Cornerstone Research case interview unique, the skills it assesses, and the strategies you can use to prepare and perform at your best.

What is a Cornerstone Research case interview and how does it work?

A Cornerstone Research case interview is a 30 to 60-minute problem-solving exercise that simulates the firm’s real client work in litigation and economic consulting. It involves analyzing qualitative and quantitative information, developing a structured approach, and delivering a clear recommendation.

These interviews are designed to mirror the type of projects Cornerstone Research handles, often involving financial disputes, market analysis, or regulatory investigations. You may work through:

• Damages estimation in legal disputes
• Market structure and competitive analysis
• Valuation of intellectual property
• Economic impact assessments

While industry knowledge can be helpful, these cases are built so that candidates without specialized expertise can still succeed. The key is applying logical reasoning, structured thinking, and clear communication.

Example: You might be given data on a market suspected of price-fixing and asked to assess whether evidence supports the claim and estimate potential damages.

The interviewer will often guide you through the case in stages, asking both analytical and conceptual questions to test multiple skills. This makes preparation critical, not just for the business content but for the problem-solving process.

What skills does the Cornerstone Research case interview assess?

The Cornerstone Research case interview assesses structured thinking, analytical problem-solving, business acumen, communication skills, and cultural fit. These skills reflect the qualities needed to succeed in the firm’s litigation and economic consulting projects.

1. Structured thinking
 You need to organize complex problems into clear, logical components. This shows that you can break down issues in a way that is mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE).

2. Analytical problem-solving
 The firm values your ability to interpret data, perform accurate calculations, and identify meaningful insights from quantitative information.

3. Business acumen
 Even in a litigation consulting context, recommendations must make sense from a commercial perspective. This includes understanding profitability drivers, market dynamics, and financial implications.

4. Communication skills
 You should be able to explain your approach and findings clearly, both verbally and on paper. Concise, structured communication helps interviewers follow your thought process.

5. Cultural fit and teamwork
 Cornerstone Research teams work closely together on data-heavy projects. Demonstrating that you are collaborative, coachable, and professional is essential.

Example: In a damages estimation case, you may need to structure your analysis logically, apply accurate quantitative methods, explain your reasoning clearly, and recommend a commercially sound conclusion, all while engaging collaboratively with the interviewer.

How is the Cornerstone Research interview process structured?

The Cornerstone Research interview process typically includes two main rounds, each combining case interviews with behavioral or fit questions. These stages are designed to evaluate both your problem-solving abilities and your alignment with the firm’s culture.

First round

• Usually includes one or two case interviews and a behavioral interview.
• Focuses on assessing your ability to structure problems, analyze data, and communicate clearly.
• Behavioral questions often explore leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.

Final round

• Involves more in-depth case interviews with senior consultants or principals.
• May include additional fit interviews to evaluate motivation and cultural fit.
• Often tests your ability to handle complex quantitative and qualitative elements under time pressure.

Common features across rounds

• Cases are often interviewer-led, meaning the interviewer guides you through each section.
• Questions may involve both litigation scenarios and general economic or market analysis.
• Time is tight, so structured thinking and concise communication are critical.

Example: In the first round, you might analyze market data to identify potential antitrust issues, then answer follow-up questions about your reasoning and approach. In the final round, you could face a broader case involving both financial modeling and qualitative risk assessment.

How should you structure and approach a Cornerstone Research case interview?

You should approach a Cornerstone Research case interview by first confirming the objective, then creating a MECE framework, analyzing each area systematically, and concluding with a clear, evidence-based recommendation. This structure ensures you stay focused and cover all critical aspects of the problem.

Step 1: Understand the case objective

• Listen carefully to the prompt and take detailed notes.
• Restate the objective to confirm you are solving the right problem.

Step 2: Develop a MECE framework

• Break the problem into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive components.
• Organize these into logical categories that guide your analysis.

Step 3: Prioritize areas for analysis

• Decide which parts of your framework to explore first based on impact and available data.
• For interviewer-led cases, be prepared to follow the interviewer’s direction.

Step 4: Work through quantitative analysis

• Lay out your approach before starting calculations.
• Explain your reasoning and perform calculations accurately.

Step 5: Address qualitative questions

• Brainstorm ideas within a clear structure.
• Connect qualitative insights back to the case objective.

Step 6: Deliver a concise recommendation

• Summarize your conclusion, key supporting points, and any suggested next steps.
• Be ready to defend your reasoning if challenged.

Example: In a case estimating damages from a patent dispute, you might build a framework covering lost profits, licensing fees, and market impact, then analyze each area with both numerical and qualitative evidence.

How do you solve quantitative questions in a Cornerstone Research case interview?

You solve quantitative questions in a Cornerstone Research case interview by outlining a clear approach before calculating, performing accurate math, and interpreting the results in the context of the case objective. This demonstrates both analytical skill and structured thinking.

Start with a structured plan

• Restate the quantitative question to confirm understanding.
• Outline your calculation steps and get approval from the interviewer before proceeding.

Perform accurate calculations

• Work methodically, showing each step of your math.
• Use round numbers for speed if appropriate, and clearly state any assumptions.

Communicate as you calculate

• Talk through your process so the interviewer can follow your logic.
• This allows them to provide guidance if you go off track.

Interpret the results

• Connect your calculation back to the case objective.
• Explain the implications for your recommendation or next steps.

Example: If asked to estimate lost revenue from a product recall, you might start with total units sold, apply the affected percentage, multiply by the product price, and then adjust for potential replacement sales - explaining each step aloud.

How do you answer qualitative questions effectively?

You answer qualitative questions effectively by organizing your ideas into a clear structure, prioritizing the most relevant points, and linking every insight back to the case objective. This shows strong business acumen and communication skills.

Structure your ideas

• Use simple categories to group related points, such as short-term vs long-term actions.
• Keep your list concise so it’s easy for the interviewer to follow.

Prioritize relevance

• Focus on ideas that directly address the business issue.
• Avoid generic suggestions that do not fit the context.

Support with reasoning

• Explain why each idea matters and how it impacts the overall problem.
• Use data or logical arguments when possible.

Tie back to the objective

• End by linking your qualitative insights to the recommendation you are building.

Example: In a case about improving a retail chain’s profitability, you might categorize ideas into cost reduction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency, then briefly explain the potential impact of each.

What types of case questions are common at Cornerstone Research?

Common case questions at Cornerstone Research often involve litigation, regulatory, and economic consulting scenarios that require both quantitative and qualitative analysis. These cases frequently use real-world disputes or investigations as their foundation.

Frequent case themes

• Damages estimation in legal disputes
• Market structure and competition analysis
• Intellectual property valuation
• Securities fraud investigations
• Antitrust and price-fixing assessments
• Environmental or regulatory impact analysis

Industries covered

• Technology and telecommunications
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
• Financial services
• Energy and manufacturing
• Retail and consumer goods

Case format style

• Often interviewer-led with guided prompts
• Data-heavy exhibits such as charts, tables, or financial statements
• Combination of math-based and conceptual questions

Example: A case might ask you to evaluate the financial impact of a patent infringement claim by calculating lost profits and then assessing the market implications for the client’s product portfolio.

What are some example Cornerstone Research case interview prompts?

Example Cornerstone Research case interview prompts often draw from real litigation, regulatory, or economic disputes and test your ability to apply structured thinking to complex business problems. They blend data analysis with qualitative reasoning.

Sample prompts

• A technology firm is accused of monopolistic practices in online advertising. How would you assess market structure and barriers to entry?
• A pharmaceutical company faces a patent infringement lawsuit. How would you estimate damages considering lost profits and licensing fees?
• A retailer is being investigated for price-fixing. What evidence would you seek to support or refute the claim?
• A manufacturing company is alleged to have caused environmental contamination. How would you evaluate cleanup costs and reputational impact?
• A financial services firm is suspected of securities fraud. How would you perform a forensic review of its financial statements?

Why these matter

• They reflect the data-driven, investigative nature of Cornerstone Research’s work.
• Practicing with similar scenarios builds both analytical skill and business judgment.

Example: In a securities fraud case, you might review historical trading data, compare it with public disclosures, and quantify any discrepancies to determine possible damages.

How should you prepare for the Cornerstone Research case interview?

You should prepare for the Cornerstone Research case interview by practicing structured problem-solving, refining your quantitative and qualitative skills, and familiarizing yourself with litigation-focused case scenarios. Preparation should start weeks in advance to build both skill and confidence.

Set a preparation timeline

• Begin at least 4 to 6 weeks before your interview date.
• Allocate regular time for case practice, review, and feedback.

Practice with a variety of cases

• Include both market analysis and litigation-style cases.
• Focus on interpreting complex exhibits such as financial statements or regulatory data.

Build core skills

• Strengthen mental math and quick estimation for quantitative questions.
• Practice structuring qualitative answers logically and tying them to a business objective.

Simulate interview conditions

• Work with a partner to replicate real case interview dynamics.
• Time your responses to ensure clarity under pressure.

Track and address feedback

• Keep a record of recurring mistakes.
• Focus on one improvement area at a time to make steady progress.

Example: If you consistently miss linking your recommendations back to the case objective, make it a habit to state the “so what” after every major finding in practice sessions.

What are the top tips for succeeding in a Cornerstone Research case interview?

To succeed in a Cornerstone Research case interview, focus on confirming the objective early, explaining your reasoning as you go, and linking each insight to your final recommendation. Maintain accuracy under time pressure and show adaptability when new data is introduced.

Example: In a damages calculation case, adapting your framework to incorporate an unexpected cost factor-while still delivering a clear conclusion-shows both analytical agility and professionalism.

Verify the objective first

• Restate the problem to ensure you are solving the right question.

Structure before solving

• Outline your approach before starting any calculations or brainstorming.

Explain your thought process

• Talk through each step so the interviewer can follow your reasoning.

Tie every point to the case

• Always link your findings back to the business problem and recommendation.

Stay calm under pressure

• If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and move forward confidently.

Example: In a damages calculation case, confirming the objective up front, breaking the problem into revenue and cost components, and explaining how each figure affects the damages total will demonstrate both clarity and rigor.

What mistakes should you avoid in a Cornerstone Research case interview?

Avoid common pitfalls like misinterpreting the objective, overlooking key data points in exhibits, and providing answers without explaining their business impact. Rushing through calculations or ignoring context can lead to flawed conclusions even with a solid framework.

Example: Missing a footnote in financial data could cause an incorrect market share calculation, undermining your entire recommendation.

Not clarifying the objective

• Jumping into analysis without confirming the main question can lead you off track.

Skipping structure

• Tackling questions without a framework often results in scattered and incomplete answers.

Overlooking exhibit details

• Missing key information in charts, tables, or financial statements can cause inaccurate conclusions.

Weak linkage to recommendations

• Giving answers without explaining their impact on the final decision leaves the interviewer guessing.

Rushing through calculations

• Speed without accuracy signals poor attention to detail.

Example: If you calculate market share incorrectly because you overlooked a footnote in the provided data, your final recommendation may be flawed, even if the structure of your analysis is sound.

How does Cornerstone Research’s case interview differ from other consulting firms?

Cornerstone Research’s case interview differs from other consulting firms by emphasizing litigation and economic consulting scenarios that require detailed data analysis, financial modeling, and regulatory context. This focus sets it apart from the market-entry or profitability cases common at strategy firms.

Key differences

• Cases often involve legal disputes, damages estimation, or market investigations rather than purely strategic business questions.
• Data exhibits are more complex, frequently including court documents, financial statements, or regulatory reports.
• Quantitative analysis plays a heavier role, with expectations for precise calculations and clear interpretation.
• Industry coverage leans toward sectors like financial services, healthcare, energy, and technology with legal or regulatory complexity.

Impact on preparation

• Candidates must be comfortable interpreting specialized datasets and applying business acumen in a legal-economic context.
• Preparation should balance traditional case interview skills with practice in data-heavy, evidence-based scenarios.

Example: While a strategy firm might ask how to grow a company’s market share, Cornerstone Research could present a case on assessing damages in a class-action lawsuit, requiring both economic reasoning and detailed calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you pass a case study interview?
A: To pass a case study interview, structure your approach using frameworks like MECE, clearly explain your reasoning, and show strong business acumen. For a Cornerstone Research case interview, balance quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to demonstrate both accuracy and strategic thinking.

Q: What questions to ask in a case study interview?
A: In a case study interview, ask clarifying questions about the client’s goals, available data, and constraints. At Cornerstone Research, insightful questions about assumptions, methodology, or key drivers of damages estimation can show structured thinking and strong case interview preparation.

Q: How to take notes during a case interview?
A: To take notes during a case interview, organize your page with clear headings for data, assumptions, and insights. In a Cornerstone Research case interview, concise, well-structured notes help you track quantitative analysis and maintain a logical flow in your recommendations.

Q: How to stand out in a case study interview?
A: To stand out in a case study interview, communicate clearly, think aloud, and connect analysis to actionable recommendations. In a Cornerstone Research interview, demonstrating mastery of both litigation consulting concepts and financial modeling can set you apart from other candidates.

Q: What are the disadvantages of a case interview?
A: The disadvantages of a case interview include time pressure, limited information, and the need for on-the-spot structured thinking. In a Cornerstone Research case interview, the technical depth of quantitative analysis can be challenging if you’re unprepared.