Slaughter and May Interview Preparation
The Magic Circle firm that does things differently — no international offices, best hours, and a unique "best friends" network
~8,000+
Applications
~5-6%
Offer rate
£52,000 (TC)
Graduate salary
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Slaughter and May — HireVue Practice
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Application process
How to get into Slaughter and May — step by step
Online Application
Vac scheme: Oct-Dec.Slaughter and May is unique among MC firms. Show you understand their "best friends" model and why it appeals to you.
Written Exercise
Shortly after applicationA written assessment testing analytical and drafting skills. Unique to S&M — other MC firms don't always use this.
Interview
2-4 weeks after written exerciseTypically 2 interviews rather than a full AC. More conversational than other MC firms. Commercial awareness is critical.
Offer
1-2 weeks after interviewVac scheme conversion rate is very high (~85%). S&M invests heavily in vac scheme candidates.
Interview questions
Slaughter and May interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Why Slaughter and May?
- 2What do you know about the "best friends" network?
- 3Tell me about a commercial issue in the news.
- 4Why corporate law?
- 5Describe a time you showed analytical thinking.
- 6What makes S&M different from other MC firms?
What they value
What Slaughter and May looks for in candidates
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.
Compensation
Slaughter and May salary & benefits
Graduate
£52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year)
Intern
~£500/week (vac scheme)
Bonus
NQ salary ~£125,000
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Slaughter and May
Insider tips
How to stand out at Slaughter and May
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.
Compare
Slaughter and May vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughter and May | £52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year) | 50-60/week | Best work-life balance in the Magic Circ... | — |
| Clifford Chance | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | 31 international offices | Similar |
| Linklaters | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Strong finance practice | Similar |
| Freshfields | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Strong disputes | Similar |
| A&O Shearman | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Largest MC, global | Similar |
FAQ
Slaughter and May FAQs
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