[Official] Ropes & Gray Vacation Scheme Thread 2025/26

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

Applications to the Ropes & Gray Vacation Scheme are now open!

You can use this thread to chat about your applications to the firm. The deadline to apply is the 31st January 2026. Please note that applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply here.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Jaysen

Please note that this thread is kindly sponsored by Ropes & Gray.

 

[tom-sawyer]

Hi guys, aware the firm only has the one question: "Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business (500)". Does anyone have any advice on how to go about structuring the answer? Also, when referring to characteristics, is that including both hard and soft skills?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

• Hi guys, aware the firm only has the one question: "Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business (500)". Does anyone have any advice on how to go about structuring the answer? Also, when referring to characteristics, is that including both hard and soft skills?

Hello!

I’d treat the question almost like a mini-essay - a simple structure that could work well is:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

I’d start by briefly describing what you think defines an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyers - something that ties into their culture, their global platform, or their client-focused approach. This frames your three characteristics as part of a coherent picture rather than three random traits

2. Three characteristics (separate mini paragraphs)

For each one:

• State the characteristic clearly (it can be a soft skill or hard skill, and a mix of the two is likely to work really well)
• Explain why it matters at R&G (link it to the introduction and something real about the firm - e.g. their cross-border work, private equity strength, innovation, pro bono, etc.)
• Show how it drives the business (for example, how it helps deepen client relationships, improves efficiency, and supports growth in the key sectors)

This turns each characteristic into something commercial and tangible, not just descriptive

3. Short conclusion (1-2 sentences)

I’d end your answer by pulling the three traits together and reinforcing how they reflect the firm’s long-term strategy and how they will contribute to the future success of the firm. A sentence or two should be enough to achieve this!

As for your question - I can imagine that characteristics would include both hard and soft skills. The key is choosing ones that feel tailored to Ropes & Gray, not just generic ”good lawyer” traits.

Good luck - it seems like a tough question, but it’s a really good opportunity to show insight!

 

[tom-sawyer]

Hello!

I’d treat the question almost like a mini-essay - a simple structure that could work well is:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

I’d start by briefly describing what you think defines an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyers - something that ties into their culture, their global platform, or their client-focused approach. This frames your three characteristics as part of a coherent picture rather than three random traits

2. Three characteristics (separate mini paragraphs)

For each one:

• State the characteristic clearly (it can be a soft skill or hard skill, and a mix of the two is likely to work really well)
• Explain why it matters at R&G (link it to the introduction and something real about the firm - e.g. their cross-border work, private equity strength, innovation, pro bono, etc.)
• Show how it drives the business (for example, how it helps deepen client relationships, improves efficiency, and supports growth in the key sectors)

This turns each characteristic into something commercial and tangible, not just descriptive

3. Short conclusion (1-2 sentences)

I’d end your answer by pulling the three traits together and reinforcing how they reflect the firm’s long-term strategy and how they will contribute to the future success of the firm. A sentence or two should be enough to achieve this!

As for your question - I can imagine that characteristics would include both hard and soft skills. The key is choosing ones that feel tailored to Ropes & Gray, not just generic ”good lawyer” traits.

Good luck - it seems like a tough question, but it’s a really good opportunity to show insight!

Thanks a million @Abbie Whitlock !

 

[bh.sa]

Hello!

I’d treat the question almost like a mini-essay - a simple structure that could work well is:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

I’d start by briefly describing what you think defines an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyers - something that ties into their culture, their global platform, or their client-focused approach. This frames your three characteristics as part of a coherent picture rather than three random traits

2. Three characteristics (separate mini paragraphs)

For each one:

• State the characteristic clearly (it can be a soft skill or hard skill, and a mix of the two is likely to work really well)
• Explain why it matters at R&G (link it to the introduction and something real about the firm - e.g. their cross-border work, private equity strength, innovation, pro bono, etc.)
• Show how it drives the business (for example, how it helps deepen client relationships, improves efficiency, and supports growth in the key sectors)

This turns each characteristic into something commercial and tangible, not just descriptive

3. Short conclusion (1-2 sentences)

I’d end your answer by pulling the three traits together and reinforcing how they reflect the firm’s long-term strategy and how they will contribute to the future success of the firm. A sentence or two should be enough to achieve this!

As for your question - I can imagine that characteristics would include both hard and soft skills. The key is choosing ones that feel tailored to Ropes & Gray, not just generic ”good lawyer” traits.

Good luck - it seems like a tough question, but it’s a really good opportunity to show insight!

Hi Abbie,

Thanks for this, it was really helpful! Do you think we should mention how we have developed those skills through extracurriculars, or just focus on the firm?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie,

Thanks for this, it was really helpful! Do you think we should mention how we have developed those skills through extracurriculars, or just focus on the firm?

Hi!

No problem, glad to hear it! I would focus on the firm - the question is testing your understanding of the role of a solicitor and what traits are important to carry that out, rather than whether you have displayed those traits before

 

[Lawlawland]

This thread is super helpful, thanks Abbie (and others for asking the right questions)✨!