Slaughter and May Application Guide 2027
Every programme, deadline, and requirement for applying to Slaughter and May. Plus a free CV checker to see if you pass screening.
Programmes
Slaughter and May programmes
Training Contract
Eligibility
Law and non-law graduates (with GDL/SQE)
Opens
December
Deadline
Varies by firm
Duration
2 years (4 seats)
Vacation Scheme
~70-80% conversionEligibility
Penultimate-year undergraduates and GDL/LPC students
Opens
October
Deadline
December-January
Duration
2 weeks
Open Days
Eligibility
First-year undergraduates
Opens
October
Deadline
November-December
Duration
1-2 days
Requirements
What Slaughter and May looks for
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.
Grade requirements
Highest standards in the MC. Typically AAA at A-Level and a strong First or 2:1. Academic excellence matters here.
Tips
How to apply to Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May is unique among MC firms. Show you understand their "best friends" model and why it appeals to you.
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.
Proofread everything. Slaughter and May receives thousands of applications — copy-paste errors from other firms are obvious and result in immediate rejection.
CV check
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CV standards
Slaughter and May CV requirements
One page maximum for undergraduates. Two pages acceptable for graduates with significant legal experience.
Education first — include degree classification (or predicted), A-level results, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Legal experience prominently featured — vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, pro bono, mooting, law society involvement.
Quantify achievements where possible — "managed a team of 15" or "contributed to a brief covering £2m in damages".
Tailor to Slaughter and May — reference practice areas that align with your interests and the firm's strengths.
Professional formatting — consistent fonts, clear section headers, no colours or graphics.
Success rates
Slaughter and May conversion rates
| Stage | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Application → Online assessment | Selective (estimated ~20-30%) |
| Online assessment → Video interview | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Video interview → Assessment centre | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Assessment centre → Offer | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Vacation scheme → Training contract | Typically 70-80% |
| Overall application → offer | Estimated ~5-6% |
FAQ
Slaughter and May application FAQs
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