Watson Farley & Williams early careers: how to get in

Applying online

Application form

Online form with grades, work experience and extracurriculars plus five motivation and skills questions. The firm says it checks for AI-generated answers.

“This asks for details of academic grades, work experience and extra-curricular activities. You will also answer five questions to demonstrate your career motivation and that you possess the skills to be a successful solicitor.”

Video interview

Recorded video interview

Four recorded questions shown on screen one at a time: 30 seconds to prepare, 90 to 120 seconds to answer, no re-recording. Platform not named.

• 4 questions
• 30 seconds to prepare
• up to 2 minutes per answer
• no retakes
• text on screen

“When the interview starts, the four questions will appear on the screen one at a time. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your answer before recording starts. You then have 90 to 120 seconds to record your answer. Once this time elapses you will not be able to re-record.”

Assessment centre

Assessment centre

Client-scenario assessment centre for up to eight candidates: a group exercise and a drafting and proofreading exercise, assessed by the Early Careers team.

“Everyone then takes part in a group exercise and a drafting and proof-reading exercise.”

In-person interview

Partner interview

Final in-person interview in London, up to an hour, with a partner and an Early Careers team member, on skills and motivation.

• about 60 minutes
• partner and Early Careers team member

“If you reach the final stage of our selection process, we’ll invite you to come to our London office for an interview with a partner and a member of our Early Careers team. This will last up to an hour and include questions to find out more about your skills and motivation to succeed at WFW.”

Applying online

Application form

Online form with grades, work experience and extracurriculars plus five motivation and skills questions. The firm says it checks for AI-generated answers.

“This asks for details of academic grades, work experience and extra-curricular activities. You will also answer five questions to demonstrate your career motivation and that you possess the skills to be a successful solicitor.”

Video interview

Recorded video interview

Four recorded questions shown on screen one at a time: 30 seconds to prepare, 90 to 120 seconds to answer, no re-recording. Platform not named.

• 4 questions
• 30 seconds to prepare
• up to 2 minutes per answer
• no retakes
• text on screen

“When the interview starts, the four questions will appear on the screen one at a time. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your answer before recording starts. You then have 90 to 120 seconds to record your answer. Once this time elapses you will not be able to re-record.”

Assessment centre

Assessment centre

Client-scenario assessment centre for up to eight candidates: a group exercise and a drafting and proofreading exercise, assessed by the Early Careers team.

“Everyone then takes part in a group exercise and a drafting and proof-reading exercise.”

Training contract interview towards the end of the scheme

Final interview

Scheme attendees are automatically considered and interviewed for a training contract near the end of the scheme.

“When we accept you for our vacation scheme, we automatically consider you for a training contract. You will be invited to a training contract interview towards the end of your vacation scheme.”