How to Crush Your Final Interview for Vacation Schemes & Training Contract Direct Applications
0
89
0
Final-stage interviews are the last hurdle between you and a coveted training contract. Whether you’ve secured a vacation scheme with Clifford Chance or are applying directly to Macfarlanes, this guide breaks down exactly what top firms look for and how you can stand out.
At The Legal Careers Club, our team of former solicitors and legal mentors bring over 20 years of combined experience and more than 20 training contract offers between us. We’ve helped hundreds of aspiring solicitors land offers at Magic Circle, Silver Circle, US, and elite boutique firms—this article distils what we’ve learnt along the way.
What Happens at the Final Interview Stage?
Final interviews differ depending on the firm and route:
Vacation scheme interviews tend to be lighter in tone and may focus more on culture fit, values, and potential. These are common at firms like Freshfields, Herbert Smith Freehills, and Linklaters.
Direct training contract interviews are typically more intense. Expect one or more rounds with partners, associates, and graduate recruitment. Firms like Macfarlanes, Travers Smith, and Mishcon de Reya commonly assess candidates directly without a vac scheme route.
You might encounter:
A one-on-one or panel interview with a partner
A case study or commercial scenario
Values-based questions (e.g., at Clifford Chance or Simmons & Simmons)
A written task or client memo (e.g., at Slaughter and May)
The Interview Structure: What to Prepare For
While formats vary, most final interviews test for the following:
Motivation for commercial law and the firm
Commercial awareness and reasoning
Legal and ethical judgment
Client communication
Firm-specific cultural fit
Firms like Allen & Overy, White & Case, and Latham & Watkins often incorporate real-time commercial case questions, while firms such as Hogan Lovells or Addleshaw Goddard might include situational or behavioural assessments alongside technical discussion.
Firm Examples: What They Actually Do
Clifford Chance: Final-stage interviews include a commercial case study followed by a partner interview. You’re assessed on client-centric reasoning and clarity of thought.
Macfarlanes: Often includes two interviews—one technical and one behavioural. Expect questions like “How would you explain a private equity deal to a client unfamiliar with finance?”
Slaughter and May: Known for their rigorous written case study followed by a partner interview. No competency questions—just real discussion about your views.
Mishcon de Reya: Emphasis on values and ethical decision-making. Many candidates face scenario-based questions involving client risk.
A&O Shearman: Final interview might involve a commercial news discussion, particularly about cross-border regulatory issues or emerging technology like AI.
The Questions You Should Expect
Here are the core themes you will likely be tested on, with examples we've prepared students for:
Why this firm? Go beyond rankings. Talk about specific matters they’ve worked on. For example, “I was fascinated by your work on the Rolls-Royce green bond issuance and how you led on ESG structuring.”
Tell us about a commercial issue in the news.Pick a recent deal, regulation, or dispute. Use a structured answer: explain the issue, its implications for clients, and offer your view. Firms like Linklaters or Ashurst appreciate clear, commercially astute thinking.
Describe a time you demonstrated resilience.Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but focus on how you’d apply this resilience in a legal work environment.
Explain a legal concept to a non-lawyer.Common in interviews with CMS, Taylor Wessing, or Dentons. Pick something simple, like the difference between equity and debt, and explain it in layman's terms.
Scenario question: your client is being investigated for breach of contract. What do you do?Firms like Travers Smith or Skadden assess practical reasoning. Discuss confidentiality, investigation strategy, and reputational risk.
What Makes a Strong Answer?
Top candidates demonstrate three things:
Clear reasoning: Each answer should have a beginning, middle, and end. Avoid waffle.
Firm relevance: Tailor your answers using the firm’s core practice areas, sectors, and culture.
Commercial insight: Firms want someone who can think like a future associate, not a university student.
For example, if asked about the impact of AI regulation, don’t just mention ChatGPT—explain how evolving law might affect data privacy and client risk, especially in sectors like banking or life sciences.
Body Language, Impression, and Delivery
Firms want someone they can imagine putting in front of a client. You don’t need to be the loudest speaker in the room, but you do need to project:
Confidence, not arrogance
Warmth and professionalism
Concise but thoughtful responses
Awareness of the commercial landscape
Maintain eye contact. Smile, but stay focused. Speak at a steady pace, and be genuinely curious—this isn’t an interrogation, it’s a two-way conversation.
What to Avoid
Many strong candidates get rejected for reasons unrelated to knowledge:
Generic responses: Every firm says they value teamwork and innovation. What do you value?
Over-rehearsed answers: Avoid robotic scripts. Know your material but be conversational.
Weak commercial awareness: If you can’t talk confidently about one recent commercial issue, you’re not ready yet.
Lack of structure: Particularly in case studies, disorganised thinking is a red flag.
How The Legal Careers Club Can Help You Succeed
We don’t just offer interview prep—we mentor. With our team of qualified solicitors, training contract holders, and legal educators, we provide:
Realistic mock interviews simulating Macfarlanes, Freshfields, White & Case, and other firms
Commercial awareness coaching tailored to your sector and firm
1:1 strategy sessions for direct training contract applications
CV and application reviews that align with current legal recruitment trends
Whether you're weeks away from your final interview or just starting to apply, we tailor everything to your stage and target firm.
Final Thoughts
Firms aren’t just hiring candidates—they’re hiring future colleagues. Your job in the final interview is to show not only that you want the job, but that you understand what it requires, that you’re ready for it, and that you’ll thrive in that specific environment.
Preparation matters. If you want expert support that’s practical, current, and firm-specific, The Legal Careers Club is here to help.
