Training contract interview

When will the interview take place?
The interviews for law students/graduates take place in late August and September. For non-law students/graduates, they take place in late February and March.

What will the interview involve?
Once we have received your application, short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an assessment day.

The assessment day will include:

  • An interview with two partners, including a short discussion based on the facts of a typical client problem, which you will be given to read in advance.
  • A group exercise requiring you to discuss a commercial case study, working together to explore potential solutions.
  • A one-on-one interview with an associate, where you will talk about your achievements and your interest in the firm.


The whole process should take no more than four hours.

Interview tips and advice

  • Smile, shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact.
  • Think about why a question is being asked and answer accordingly. No matter how tricky the question seems, the interviewer is not trying to trip you up.
  • There is not always a right or wrong answer; how you answer is what is important.
  • Offer enthusiastic replies.
  • Be honest. Be yourself.
  • Make your answers brief but thorough.
  • Use silence to add emphasis to what you've already said or to gather your thoughts.
  • If you get lost in answering a question, don't panic. Ask if you can start again.
  • Stick to asking relevant, sensible questions. Now isn't necessarily the time to ask about salary or car parking.
  • If you've covered all your questions, try asking the interviewer something personal to them, e.g. "Why do you enjoy working here?"
  • Never ask how you've done. An interviewer may feel that it's inappropriate to discuss this at the time.
  • If it helps, have your questions written down (but not on your hand, or a scruffy piece of paper!).
  • Don't ask obvious questions - it'll show up your poor research.
  • Remember - the interview is a two-way process. You should be assessing the Firm as much as they are assessing you.
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++ UPDATES ++
  • FROM
    BAKER & MCKENZIE
  • Training Contract application deadline for Law applicants is 31st July
  • Baker & McKenzie LLP boasts 95% NQ retention rate for September 2010 qualifiers
  • The London office's 2010 International Summer Clerks will be travelling to New York, Chicago and Sydney
  • Baker & McKenzie announces 93% NQ retention for March 2010
  • Firm collaborates with Social Mobility Foundation to host two internship induction events
  • Baker & McKenzie arranges trainee secondments to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi
  • Baker & McKenzie to participate in diversity career events with MERLIN, Pure Potential, Target chances and Lawyer2b
  • Firm prepares to welcome the 40 summer vacation scheme students of 2010
  • Firm introduces group exercise into assessment day
  • Firm Nominated for BEST TRAINER - Large City Firm by LawCareers.net