How to Pass the Slaughter and May Interviews 2026/27

1. Slaughter and May Interviews

What are the Slaughter and May interviews?

The Slaughter and May interviews are the final hurdle of the recruitment process. They typically involve a conversation and a few questions with two Slaughter and May partners, plus a separate HR interview.

What can I expect from the Slaughter and May interviews?

During the Slaughter and May interview process, you can expect to complete the following:

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Read on to find out about the stages of the Slaughter and May recruitment process.

2. Slaughter and May Recruitment Process

What is the Slaughter and May recruitment process?

By this stage of the Slaughter and May recruitment process, you will typically have completed:

1. Slaughter and May Online Application
2. Slaughter and May Written Exercise

Let’s find out what the Slaughter and May interviews are about, and what they measure, starting with the partner interview.

3. How to Pass the Slaughter and May Interviews

Top 12 Tips to Pass Your Slaughter and May Interviews

1. Research the firm beforehand: Familiarise yourself with Slaughter and May’s culture and recent work, and use this in your responses.
2. Read the article thoroughly: The partners will look to see if you understood the article thoroughly.
3. Practice beforehand: Rehearsing answers to typical questions helps reduce anxiety and ensures preparedness.
4. Practice speed reading: Techniques that help you absorb information rapidly will help you digest the article within a short time.
5. Take notes: Jot down important points as you read, making it easier to articulate your thoughts afterwards.
6. Align with Slaughter and May’s values: The firm looks to hire people who think in line with its culture and ethics.
7. Be clear and concise: Ensure the partners understand your point of view and can follow your thought process.
8. Demonstrate adaptability: Show your ability to adapt to new information or perspectives that arise during the discussion.
9. Know your CV thoroughly: Be prepared to discuss every aspect of it, including your education, experience and achievements.
10. Be honest and authentic: Answer questions truthfully, especially about the hiring process so far.
11. Listen carefully: Give focused, clear answers to the questions actually asked.
12. Demonstrate good body language: Your tone, responsiveness and body gestures are taken into consideration too.
13. Prepare thoughtful questions: Asking the recruiters good questions shows genuine interest and engagement.

Discover 5 important questions you could ask in this interview with our short video below:

Are you interested in more Slaughter and May interview practice ahead of time?

Below is a list of potential Slaughter and May interview questions, with example answers given to a few of these.

4. Free Example Slaughter and May Interview Questions and Answers

Some Slaughter and May interview questions you may likely be asked are:

1. Why law?
2. Why do you want to be a commercial lawyer?
3. Why do you want to work at Slaughter and May?
4. Explain the stance of the author and the main points of the article.
5. What other law firms have you applied to, and why?
6. What do you think will affect the firm most in the coming 10 years?
7. What is a recent deal you found interesting?

Read on as we give example answers to some of these Slaughter and May interview questions below.

Question 1: Why do you want to be a commercial lawyer?

Good Answer:

I am drawn to commercial law because firstly it allows me to apply legal principles to real-world business challenges, and I thrive in environments where I can analyse complex issues and provide strategic solutions.

Secondly, the dynamic nature of commercial law excites me, and I am impressed by Slaughter and May’s reputation for excellence and innovative legal solutions.

Finally, At Slaughter and May, I could collaborate with professionals across various industries, which aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.

Question 2: Why do you want to work at Slaughter and May?

Good Answer: 

I chose Slaughter and May because of its reputation for excellence and innovative approach to legal issues. I am particularly impressed by the firm’s emphasis on collaborative teamwork and long-term client relationships.

During my research, I was inspired by the landmark cases the firm has handled, which combined legal expertise with strategic thinking. Slaughter and May’s focus on professional development also aligns with my career goals.

For more tips on how to answer the “Why do you want to work at Slaughter and May” interview question, watch our short video below:

Question 3: What other law firms have you applied to, and why?

Good Answer: One of the firms I applied to is a strong corporate law practice with a renowned client base. I am drawn to their collaborative culture and commitment to professional development.

I also applied to another firm for its innovative approach to emerging legal trends. Ultimately, I want to join a firm where I can contribute my skills and continue to grow, and I believe Slaughter and May offers exactly that.

That’s a wrap on the Slaughter and May interview process! If successful, Slaughter and May will notify you. If unsuccessful, the firm can give you personal feedback to help with future interviews.

However, discover a captivating range of early career programmes that you can apply for at Slaughter and May.

5. Slaughter and May Interviews FAQs