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)

 

[Deleted member 32644]

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)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Sidley Austin
Spring and Summer VS 2026

Please list any academic scholarships or prizes.

Detail your extracurricular activities, interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement. (250 words)

Why does a career in commercial law and specifically at Sidley Austin interest you? (250 words)

Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it has interested you. (250 words)

In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer? (250 words)

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Spring VS 2026

What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey? (250 words)

Akin’s London office works across a range of practice areas. Which area(s) interest you most, and why? (250 words)

What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like Akin helping you achieve these goals? (250 words)

Please identify a commercial issue currently in the news and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that Akin represents and the type of work that the firm undertakes? (250 words)

Tell us about an achievement you are most proud of and why. What skills did you develop? (250 words)

Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)

Dechert
Spring and Summer VS 2026:

Please outline the skills you possess that make you suitable for a career as a commercial solicitor and explain why you believe this makes Dechert the right firm for you to develop your career? (300 words)

Please describe a challenging situation you have faced and how you approached it. What do you believe was critical to you being able to overcome that challenge? (300 words)

Please tell us about your non-academic activities and interests, highlighting any positions of responsibility held and achievements you are especially proud of. (300 words).

If applicable, please state any additional information which you think is relevant to your application or which you think has not been covered adequately in this form. (300 words)

Covington & Burling
Summer VS 2026:

What aspects of Covington’s work, culture or approach stood out to you in your research, and why do they appeal to you personally? How do you see these aligning with the kind of solicitor you hope to become? (350 words)

Select a practice group at Covington and discuss a recent commercial trend or development that you believe will impact this group. (300 words)

Describe an experience or activity which you have been involved in outside of your academic studies, and how this experience allowed you to develop? (You can use examples from any area of your life, including extra-curricular activities, paid or voluntary work) (300 words)

If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why? (300 words)

Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Summer VS 2026:

Why have you applied to Morgan Lewis? What do you think are the skills and attributes you possess that distinguish you from other applicants? (300 words)

Discuss a news story that interests you. What do you think are the implications for a law firm like Morgan Lewis? (300 words)

How do you ensure that you are a valued member of the team? Please provide an example of a time when you contributed to the team’s success. (300 words)

Providing an exceptional client service is at the core of everything we do. Please provide an example of a time you have delivered exceptional client service. (300 words)

Please provide details of your interests and extra-curricular activities - including any positions of responsibility you have held at school, university or otherwise - and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of. (300 words)

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Spring and Summer VS 2026:

What are your reasons for applying to Skadden? (350 words)

If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose? (250 words)

Please choose a recent (less than 12 months) development in UK/European news. How are such developments relevant for Skadden’s clients? (250 words)

Tell us about your interests and inspirations outside of education/work. (250 words)​

 

[WeGotThis!]

White & Case
Winter Vacation Scheme 2026

1. Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended eg. insight days, workshops, presentations etc. These do not need to be White & Case specific. (300 Words)

2. Discuss a deal that White & Case has advised on in the last two years. What do you think were the strategic considerations and complexities involved, and how the firm navigate them? (300 Words)

3. Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these. (300 Words)

Stevens & Boltons
VS and TC 2026 and 2028

1. Please give details of your main interests, activities and pastimes including any voluntary activities or travelling you have done. Please describe any positions of responsibility you have held at University or Law School (250 Words)

2. Why are you interested in Stevens & Bolton and it's work? (250 Words)

3. Please tell us about an achievement you are proud of where there were difficult or demanding circumstances (250 Words)

Burges Salmon
Winter Vacation Scheme 2026

1. Can you please share a specific instance during your research, a conversation or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you? (2500 characters)

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Clifford Chance
TC 2025/26 (for 2028/29 start)
In no more than 1440 characters (approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying for this role?

In no more than 1440 characters (approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

In no more than 1440 characters (approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility or an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.

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Hogan Lovells
Summer Vacation Scheme 2026
Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role. Max 250 words

Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector. Max 250 words

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Latham & Watkins
Summer Vacation Scheme 2026
Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer? (Max 300)

Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? (Max 300)

Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (Max 300)

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Kirkland & Ellis
Vacation Scheme 2026 / TC for 2028/29 start
Please tell us what is your proudest achievement and why. This can be from any aspect of your life. (400 words max) *

Please tell us about a recent commercial article or event that has attracted your attention. Please explain why it interested you, give your opinion on the opportunities and challenges that it might present to a law firm such as Kirkland & Ellis. (400 words max) *

Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? (400 words max) *

Why would you like to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis specifically? (300 words max) *

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Shoosmiths
Discover VS 2026/ TC
Please provide a brief explanation for why you have chosen to apply for a particular location (or locations) (Max 150)

Describe why you want to be a solicitor at Shoosmiths (Max 300)

Shoosmiths is a firm of individuals, with a culture that will actively allow you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. Focusing on one previous experience (in personal, work or study), what skills have you developed that will support your career as a solicitor? (Max 300)

Shoosmiths people are collaborative. What are the characteristics of a successful team? Share an example of an excellent team you have been a part of, what you achieved together and explain how this experience might benefit your future career (Max 300)

As a trainee, you’ll rotate teams and work with people at different levels, with different working styles and personalities. Which of your strengths will you draw upon to help you handle these changes? (Max 300)

How do you expect to use generative AI tools to enhance your effectiveness as a solicitor in the future? (Max 300)

 

[choicefox212]

Here are my 2025-26 ones. I think a couple were for vac schemes but most are DTC questions!

Forsters

Forsters offers legal advice across a wide variety of areas. Which two practice areas are you most keen to explore during your training contract, and why? (250 words)

Describe a time when you received feedback that challenged you. How did you respond, and what did you take away from the experience? (250 words)


Penningtons Manches Cooper

Cover letter as well as:

Tell us about a personal achievement outside of law that you’re proud of. What did it teach you? (Max. 250 words)

PMC has offices in several locations. How do you think our office locations support our work and client relationship and how could this be improved? Consider a new office opening or practice area expansion/addition. (Max. 250 words)


Withers

Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words)

Why are you applying to Withers? (60 words)

What do you think are the three key attributes that make a good trainee solicitor? Please give examples of how you have demonstrated these attributes (250 words)

What has been your most significant non-academic achievement to date? (60 words)

Please give details of your current interests and activities including the nature of your involvement (60 words)

If your life had a mascot, what would it look like and what would it cheer for? (60 words)


Stephenson Harwood

Tell us why you want to become a solicitor, and with reference to your experience so far, explain how your skills are suited to the role (350 words)

Using relevant examples, tell us what makes Stephenson Harwood the right firm for you? (350 words)

In up to 350 words, please outline a challenge that you think Stephenson Harwood will face over the next five years. You should draw on your current awareness and your commercial awareness to answer this question.


Macfarlanes

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? (300 words)


Charles Russell Speechlys

Please use the space below to describe the reasons you want to be a solicitor. Outline what first prompted your interest in the profession, your research on the profession and how this informed your decision, and particular areas of law that interest you. (350 words)

Please outline the reasons you have chosen to apply to Charles Russell Speechlys. We’re interested to understand: your research on the firm, how our work/clients has captured your interest, what excites you about working for an international firm, and the reason for choosing your preferred office location. (400 words)

Describe the achievement or accomplishment you are most proud of. Use the space below to explain the steps you took, how the process challenged you and the skills demonstrated. (300 words)

The Firm’s values are: Authentic, Collaborative, Committed and Forward Looking. Choose one and explain what makes it important to you and why. Also use the space below to showcase an example of where you’ve demonstrated this value, and how you intend to bring this to the firm. (300 words)


Osborne Clarke

What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your examples can be taken from any activities or experiences you have participated in and don’t have to be focussed solely on the legal sector. (500 words)

What work has Osborne Clarke done recently that is of particular interest to you? Why are you interested and inspired by this work? (300 words)


Fladgate

Fladgate describes itself as agile, collaborative, and enterprising. Which of these values resonates with you the most, and how have you demonstrated this in your own experiences? (500 words)

Fladgate advises a broad mix of clients across a wide range of practice areas and sectors. Tell us about the practice area that appeals most to you as an aspiring lawyer, and why. (500 words)

Tell us how lawyers can add value for their clients beyond providing technical, legal expertise. Why is this especially important in today’s market? (500 words)


Harbottle & Lewis

Why are you applying to Harbottle & Lewis? (300 words)

Our firm’s values are: honesty and integrity; inclusion and diversity; excellence; and entrepreneurialism. Please tell us (using an example) about when and how you have demonstrated alignment with one of these values. (300 words)

Please tell us about any interests you pursue outside work and/or study, including any achievements you believe are noteworthy. (300 words)


Boodle Hatfield

How and why did you decide on a career within the legal profession? (200 words)

Why have you applied to Boodle Hatfield LLP? (250 words)

What do you understand about the nature of a private wealth client base in a law firm, and what considerations might be important when working with these clients? (300 words)

As a result of your interests/leisure activities, what transferable skills have you developed and how might they help you as a Trainee? (200 words)

What is one thing you would like us to know about you when reviewing your application? For example, you may like to write about an achievement, or challenge to answer this question. What has been the overall impact on you as a result? (200 words)

If at all, how have you used AI to support or influence your career search, specifically areas of law or types of firms? (200 words)

If you have used AI in preparing your application, please tell us how you have used it and how it has enhanced this form. (250 words)


Russell-Cooke

Discuss a news article that interests you and why. (300 words)

Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility (or something you are proud of) and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)

Please tell us about something which did not turn out as you expected. (250 words)

If you couldn’t work in law, what do you think you would do and why? (300 words)


Baker McKenzie

Discuss something that you have pursued outside of your academic or professional life, why it is important to you and what impact it has had on your personal development (300 words)

Identify an industry sector of interest to you and discuss its current challenges or opportunities and how the Firm could help a client in the sector navigate these. (400 words)

Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these. (300 words)



Farrer & Co.

What motivates you to pursue a career in law and become a solicitor? (300 words)

In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications, and work experience equipped you for a legal career? (300 words)

Outside of formal education and work experience, what steps have you taken to prepare for a career in law and why have these experiences been useful? (300 words)

Why have you chosen to apply to Farrer & Co? (300 words)


Kingsley Napley

What have you learnt about Kingsley Napley that makes you genuinely excited to train with us? Please share specific examples that reflect your understanding of our work, client base and culture, and explain how these connect to your own aspirations. (250 words)

Becoming a solicitor requires dedication, resilience, and a long-term commitment to professional growth. What motivates you to pursue this path, and how have you demonstrated commitment in working towards this goal so far? (250 words)

Integrity is one of Kingsley Napley’s core values, underpinning trust, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Can you describe a situation in which you were faced with a difficult choice that tested your integrity. What was the context, what decision did you make, and what did you learn from the experience? (250 words)

How do you think large generational differences are shaping the workplace, and what challenges or opportunities might this create for you personally? (250 words)


Wedlake Bell

Please explain why you are applying to Wedlake Bell, and why you would be a good candidate for the firm (300 words)

Please give details of any extracurricular activities that you have participated in. Please include your responsibilities and level of involvement (200 words)

Tell us about an individual achievement you are proud of (200 words)

Tell us about something which did not turn out as expected and how you dealt with this (200 words)

Please tell us about a team that you have worked in and how you contributed to the team’s success (200 words)