Application guidance

We have a variety of routes for you to apply to so that you can choose the route that is the best fit for you. We have our direct Training Contract route as well our two Vacation Schemes – Achieve is specifically designed for under-represented groups in the UK workforce and Aspire is open to all.

Before you start your application, make sure you look at all the options available to you as you can only make one application to one programme per intake year.

Not sure which route to choose? Read more about the benefits of a Vacation Scheme.

Our application form is an opportunity for you to shine and show us what sets you apart from your peers. As well as understanding your legal experience and business understanding we also want to find out more about YOU!

Alongside basic biographical information, we’ll ask you to provide details of your academic achievements, any work experience, volunteering experience or interests you have and, finally, ask you three qualitative questions.

Find out more about what makes a good application by listening to Episode 2 of The Trainee Lowdown podcast.

We are proud to use contextual recruitment within our selection process. This means we look at your academic achievements in the context within which they were achieved helping us to review your application holistically.

We recognise it’s tempting to utilise AI tools to create your answers. However, our application questions are designed to show who you are and what makes you unique so make sure your personality shows through!

Within a week after submitting your application, you’ll receive an email from our recruitment system with a link to an online assessment and video interview. Make sure to check your junk folder for the assessment link – just in case it gets sent there!

Once received, you’ll have two weeks from the date of receipt to complete the online assessment and video interview.

Read our guidance on taking your online assessment here.

Plus, you can practice your technique by taking a practice assessment here.

Our online assessment and video interview are designed to assess your potential. We’ll ask you a series of questions to get a sense of your situational judgement, problem-solving skills, and behavioural traits.

This will be followed by a short video interview. In this interview you’ll be asked four questions. You’ll have one minute to think about your answer to each question followed by one minute to record your answer.

You do not have to complete all the elements in one sitting – you can log in, complete some, save your progress and then come back to pick up where you left off. You aren’t judged on how long it takes you to complete this, but you do need to complete it within the two-week window.

You’ll receive an email when you hit ‘submit’ to notify you that the online test and video have been successfully completed. If you don’t get an email, then go back in and double check you clicked the ‘submit’ button!

If you are successful in your application form, online test, and video interview you will be invited to take part in our Assessment Day. This will take place in-person in our Bristol office. If you have applied via a Vacation Scheme, this will happen on your final day with us. There are three key elements to the assessment:

• Case-study. You’ll be asked to prepare a response to a hypothetical task. It will be based on the type of work you are likely to carry out as a trainee. There is no need to prepare in advance or have specific legal knowledge.

• Interview. You will have an hour-long interview with a Partner and a member of our HR team. During this, you will discuss the case-study you’ve worked on as well as your motivations for training with us. Be sure to use a variety of examples from your work life, hobbies, interests, or studies. 

• Group exercise. Alongside your fellow candidates you’ll undertake a short exercise designed to test your collaboration and teamworking skills.

Get top tips on how to excel at your Assessment Day by listening to Episode 3 of The Trainee Lowdown podcast.

Your assessors won’t see a copy of your application in advance of the Assessment Day – this is to help remove unconscious bias from our selection processes.

Throughout the day we encourage you to be yourself, let your personality shine through, and show us all the great qualities you have to offer!

If you are successful in the process and we make you an offer you will receive a contract which includes with further details of the position. You’ll then have two weeks to let us know if you would like to accept – which we hope you do!