2026/27 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the Slaughter and May Written Exercise 2026/27

Here’s what you’ll uncover in this guide:

1. Slaughter and May Written Exercise

What is the Slaughter and May written exercise?

The Slaughter and May written exercise requires you to write a detailed report based on a fictional business that is likely going through a strategic review. This exercise takes 1 hour.

What does the Slaughter and May written exercise measure?

The Slaughter and May written exercise assesses your written communication, ability to persuade, judgement and problem analysis, innovative ideas and commercial knowledge.

Good to Know: The Slaughter and May written exercise is typically only used during the training contract application process. If you applied for other roles, you will likely not be required to complete this test.

Do you want to practice for this Slaughter and May assessment exercise?

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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?

Besides the written exercise, the Slaughter and May recruitment process also includes the following stages:

  1. Slaughter and May Online Application
  2. Slaughter and May Interviews

Discover all stages of the Slaughter and May recruitment process here!

Now, let’s look at our expert tips on how to pass the Slaughter and May written exercise.

3. How to Pass the Slaughter and May Written Exercise

7 Top Tips to Pass the Slaughter and May Written Exercise

  1. Read the brief carefully: Carefully read and understand the instructions provided by the Slaughter and May recruitment team, and be clear on what your report needs to achieve.
  2. Analyse the information thoroughly: Identify the key details and relevant information that can guide your report.
  3. Plan your structure: Plan a clear structure for your report before you start writing, to help ensure a logical flow.
  4. Reflect Slaughter and May’s values: Demonstrate an understanding of the firm’s culture and approach to work throughout your report.
  5. Consider the commercial angle: This exercise assesses your commercial knowledge and awareness, so think commercially throughout.
  6. Manage your time well: Read the brief carefully, but leave yourself enough time to write and review your report.
  7. Conclude clearly: a good conclusion may include pros, cons and quality recommendations for the fictional business.

Are you looking to practice for the Slaughter and May written exercise? Start your practice with our assessment centre exercises package today!

Slaughter and May written exercise practice
Slaughter and May written exercise mobile practice

Once you’ve completed the Slaughter and May written exercise, the next hurdle you’ll face is the Slaughter and May interviews.

4. Slaughter and May Written Exercise FAQs

1What is the Slaughter and May written exercise?

It’s an assessment that requires you to write a detailed report based on a fictional business likely going through a strategic review process, within 1 hour.

2How long does the Slaughter and May written exercise take?

The Slaughter and May written exercise takes 1 hour to complete.

3What does the Slaughter and May written exercise assess?

It assesses your written communication, ability to persuade, judgement and problem analysis, innovative ideas and commercial knowledge.

4Do I type or handwrite my Slaughter and May written exercise?

Based on candidate accounts, you’re typically provided with a laptop and expected to type your response rather than handwrite it.

5Which Slaughter and May applicants complete the written exercise?

It’s typically only used during the Slaughter and May training contract application process, so applicants for other roles will likely not be required to complete it.

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Click the links below to uncover more about the Slaughter and May recruitment process:

  1. Full Slaughter and May Recruitment Guide
  2. Slaughter and May Interviews
  3. Slaughter and May Early Careers

This article was last updated on 25 September 2026. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at publication, based on publicly available sources. For the latest details, please verify directly with Slaughter and May.

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