The Ultimate Guide to Cracking Your Video and Partner Interviews for Vacation Schemes & Training Contracts

In the highly competitive world of legal recruitment, securing a vacation scheme or training contract requires more than just strong academics. Law firms are looking for well-rounded candidates who can demonstrate commercial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and a clear motivation for pursuing law—all while maintaining a confident and professional demeanour.

The video interview and final partner interview are often the two most decisive stages in the process. These are the barriers that separate candidates who “look good on paper” from those who truly belong at the firm.

This guide will take you through both stages in depth, offering expert strategies, real-life examples from Magic Circle and US law firm interviews, and practical advice to help you excel and land that offer.

Part 1: Acing the Video Interview

Most major law firms now use automated video interviews as an initial screening tool. Firms such as Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, and Latham & Watkins rely on AI-driven platforms (e.g., HireVue, Sonru, and LaunchPad) to assess thousands of applicants before deciding who progresses to the next stage.

The process can feel unnatural—you’re speaking to a camera, not a real person. However, if you master this format, you can stand out before recruiters even meet you.

What Are Firms Looking For?

✔ Clear, structured responses – Using frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point) helps structure answers logically.

✔ Strong communication skills – Candidates must speak concisely yet engagingly, avoiding over-explaining or losing focus.

✔ Commercial awareness – Firms want applicants who understand the business of law and can discuss recent legal or financial developments.

✔ Confidence & enthusiasm – A monotone voice or lack of energy can be an instant red flag.

Example from a Magic Circle Firm:

A Clifford Chance applicant was asked:

"Tell us about a recent commercial deal that caught your interest."

Instead of discussing a generic news story, they researched a high-profile private equity acquisition the firm had advised on. They explained the strategic rationale behind the deal, how it impacted both parties, and why it was legally significant.

✅ Result? They progressed to the next round.

Top 4 Common Mistakes in Video Interviews

🚫 Rambling & Lack of Structure – Recruiters dislike unstructured, long-winded responses. Keep it focused and clear.

🚫 Not Practising – The first time you hear yourself answering a question should NOT be in the real interview. Record yourself in advance.

🚫 Poor Set-Up – A messy background, poor lighting, or bad camera positioning can distract from your answers. Ensure you look professional.

🚫 Lack of Firm-Specific Knowledge – If you can’t answer “Why this firm?” with a tailored response based on their practice areas and deals, you’re in trouble.

Pro Tips for Success

🔥 Use AI-powered practice tools like HireVue’s practice interview mode to refine your performance.

🔥 Review firm-specific deals & cases from sources like Financial Times, The Lawyer, and the firm’s website.

🔥 Rehearse with a timer – Most video interview answers should be 60–90 seconds max.

Part 2: Smashing the Final Partner Interview

Congratulations! If you’ve reached this stage, it means you’ve already impressed the firm. Now, it’s about proving you belong at the firm and can work with senior lawyers and clients.

Partner interviews are typically more conversational but also more challenging. Partners and senior associates want to assess your:

Top 4 Common Mistakes in Partner Interviews

🚫 Sounding Rehearsed – Partners can spot memorised answers instantly. Be prepared but natural.

🚫 Not Asking Thoughtful Questions – A firm wants engaged candidates. Avoid weak questions like “What’s your firm culture like?” Instead, ask about specific cases, strategic goals, or firm challenges.

🚫 Weak Commercial Awareness – If you can’t confidently discuss a major case or deal, you’ll struggle to stand out.

🚫 Lack of Confidence – Many candidates freeze when challenged. Instead, embrace difficult questions and think critically.

Example from a US Law Firm Interview:

A candidate at Kirkland & Ellis was asked:"How would you advise a distressed company looking to restructure given the current economic climate?"

Instead of giving a generic response, they referenced a recent Chapter 11 case Kirkland had worked on. They outlined the legal and strategic steps taken and explained how they would have approached the situation as a junior lawyer.

✅ Result? The partner was impressed by their commercial awareness, and they secured the offer.

5 Expert Strategies for Partner Interview Success

🔥 Know Your Application Inside Out – Be ready to expand on anything you mentioned in your cover letter or application.

🔥 Have a Strong 'Why This Firm' Answer – Mention their key practice areas, clients, and landmark cases.

🔥 Prepare for Commercial Questions – Read Financial Times, The Economist, and the firm’s blog for insights.

🔥 Treat It Like a Conversation – Build genuine rapport with the interviewer rather than just answering questions.

🔥 Stay Calm Under Pressure – If a partner pushes back on your answer, stay composed and explain your reasoning clearly.

Final Thoughts: Why Preparation is Key

Legal interviews—especially at top firms—are not just about what you say, but how you say it. The best candidates:

✅ Communicate clearly & persuasively

✅ Demonstrate firm-specific knowledge

✅ Showcase commercial awareness

✅ Handle pressure with confidence

If you can do this, you’ll significantly increase your chances of securing an offer at a top law firm.

Get the Ultimate Interview Prep Guide

We know legal interviews are tough. That’s why we’ve compiled over 100 real interview questions into one comprehensive booklet—covering everything from video interviews to partner-level curveballs. Our guarantee? You won’t face a single question that isn’t in this guide.

💰 For just £14.99, you get:

✅ Every possible question firms ask

✅ A step-by-step breakdown of perfect answers

✅ Money-back guarantee if you get asked something not in our booklet!

🔗 Grab your copy now!

Personalised 1-on-1 Coaching Package

For candidates who want intensive, tailored coaching, we offer a premium coaching package for £129.99. This includes:

✔ A full mock video interview with feedback

✔ A 60-minute partner interview simulation with tailored critiques

✔ Detailed analysis of your answers and commercial awareness

✔ Personalised strategies to boost your performance

✔ The Ultimate Interview Prep Guide (included for free!)

💡 Serious about securing that training contract? Book a session now and take control of your future.