Law Firm Application Questions 2025–26

[Jessica U]

Hi everyone,

I know many of you will soon start thinking about the next application cycle, so I thought it would be helpful to create a thread to collect the written application questions used by law firms in the 2025–26 recruitment cycle.

If you applied to any firms this cycle, it would be great if you could share the application questions you received. Over time, the aim is to build a resource that future applicants can use to start preparing their answers well in advance.

We’re really keen to include questions from all types of firms, so if you applied to any boutique, regional or high street firms, please feel free to share your questions as well.

If you’re able to contribute, please include:

• Firm name
• Programme (Vacation Scheme / Training Contract / Diversity Access Scheme)
• Recruitment cycle (ideally 2025–26, but feel free to share questions from the past two cycles)
• The application questions (as close to the original wording as possible)
• Word count limit (if applicable)

Even if you only remember one or two questions, that’s still really helpful!

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Vacation Scheme
2025-26

1. Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you (300 words)

2. Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer? (300 words)

3. What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (300 words)

 

[TCTC]

DLA Piper
Summer Internship (London)
2025-2026

Question 1)
Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)

Question 2)
Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)

 

[hanz123]

Trowers and Hamlins
Vacation Scheme
2025-2026

Describe a recent commercial news story that interested you and explain how it relates to us. (250 words)

 

[TCchaser]

Jones Day VS 2025-26:
What makes you a good candidate for a training contract at Jones Day? Your answer should be reflective of your skills and personal experience. (max 300 words)
Have you used any AI or ChatGPT in your answer? (max 99 words)

Paul, Weiss VS 2025-26:
Tell us why you want to join Paul, Weiss (max 250 words)
How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss? (max 250 words)

Debevoise VS 2025-26:
Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to Debevoise? (max 250 words)
Please indicate if there are any preferred practice areas that interest you. (max 250 words)
Please detail any extra-curricular activities and leisure interests, including any relevant responsibilities and achievements. (max 250 words)
Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (max 250 words)
Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (max 250 words)
Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? (max 300 words)
What do you hope to get out of a career at a Firm like ours? (max 250 words)

Goodwin VS 2025-26:
Why are you applying to Goodwin? (max 100 words)
What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (max 100 words)
Discuss a commercial issue that has particularly interested you. Why did it capture your attention, and what impact could it have on the legal sector? (max 300 words)
Describe a recent situation where you faced a challenge or problem. How did you overcome the challenge, and how did you display your resilience? (max 300 words)
Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (max 250 words)
Which other firms are you applying to and why? (max 200 words)
Please briefly summarise anything else that you would like to add which you think is relevant to your application. This can be positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities and achievements or academic awards or scholarships (max 200 words)