Slaughter and May HireVue Questions & Practice
4-5 questions, 30 seconds prep, 2-3 minutes per question. Typically no retakes. Check instructions at the start.. Practise with AI-scored feedback.
~8,000+
Applications
~5-6%
Offer rate
~40-60%
HireVue pass rate
Free for 3 days · No card charged until trial ends · Cancel anytime
Format
What the Slaughter and May HireVue looks like
4-5 questions
Questions
30 seconds
Prep time
2-3 minutes per question
Answer time
Allowed
Retakes
Sent after passing the online application stage.
Mix of behavioural and motivational questions with commercial awareness elements.
AI and human reviewers evaluate responses — focus on clarity, structure, and commercial awareness.
Completed on the HireVue platform via browser or mobile app.
You can pause between questions but cannot return to previous answers.
Free practice
Try a Slaughter and May HireVue question
Slaughter and May's video interview is unique in the Magic Circle. As the only firm that operates on a "best friends" network (no international offices — they partner with leading local firms worldwide), their questions test independent thinking and genuine intellectual curiosity. S&M recruits fewer trainees than other MC firms but with arguably the highest academic bar. Their video questions lean more toward testing how you think than what you know — expect open-ended commercial discussion questions rather than rehearsed competency answers.
Slaughter and May — HireVue Practice
Your question
""
That was 1 question. Slaughter and May uses 4-5 questions from a larger question bank. Practise the full set with AI-scored feedback inside Intervyo. Start free trial →
Question types
Slaughter and May HireVue question breakdown
Competency / Behavioural
~40%Questions about past experiences — teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving. "Tell me about a time you showed independent thinking."
Motivational
~30%"Why Slaughter and May?" and "Why commercial law?" questions. They want specific reasons tied to the firm's practice areas, deals, or culture.
Commercial awareness
~30%Questions testing knowledge of current affairs, the legal market, and Slaughter and May's recent deals or matters.
Real questions
Slaughter and May HireVue questions
Motivational
- 1Why Slaughter and May?
- 2What commercial development interests you?
- 3Why do you want to be a City solicitor?
- 4What do you know about Slaughter and May's approach to international work?
Behavioural
- 1Tell me about a time you showed independent thinking.
- 2Describe a time you worked on something complex.
Scoring
How Slaughter and May scores your HireVue
Slaughter and May evaluates video interview answers using a combination of AI-assisted analysis and human reviewers. Partners and recruitment teams make the final decision.
Independent thinking
S&M does things differently. They want people who think for themselves, not followers of convention.
Commercial awareness
Arguably tested more rigorously at S&M than any other firm. Have deep, informed views on business issues.
Intellectual ability
S&M has the highest academic standards of any MC firm. Genuine intellectual curiosity is essential.
Understanding of the model
Know why S&M doesn't have international offices and uses the "best friends" network instead.
Communication
Interviews are conversational. They want engaging people who can discuss ideas, not recite answers.
Genuine interest in law
S&M is for people who want to be excellent lawyers, not people who want a brand name.
Tips
Slaughter and May HireVue tips
Understand the "best friends" network — S&M partners with top local firms globally instead of having its own offices. Know why.
S&M is the intellectual choice. Show genuine curiosity about law and commercial issues.
Their interview style is conversational. Don't over-prepare scripted answers — be yourself.
S&M has the best hours in the MC. Acknowledge this but don't make it your only reason.
Reference a complex deal — S&M works on the most significant UK M&A transactions.
Reference a specific Slaughter and May deal or matter in your "Why Slaughter and May?" answer. Check their press releases or Chambers rankings for recent work.
Demonstrate attention to detail in your speech — avoid filler words and maintain clear, precise language throughout.
FAQ
Slaughter and May HireVue FAQs
Practise every Slaughter and May question with AI-scored feedback.
Free for 3 days. Firm-specific questions. Detailed competency breakdown after every answer.
Practise for Slaughter and May freeFree for 3 days · No card charged until trial ends · Cancel anytime
Related guides
Slaughter and May Interview Preparation
Slaughter and May Interview PreparationSlaughter and May Application Guide 2027
Slaughter and May Application Guide 2027Slaughter and May Assessment Centre Guide
Slaughter and May Assessment Centre GuideTraining Contract Applications Guide
Training Contract Applications Guide