Top tips for the 2025 Summer Placement Scheme application process

Many of you will be considering applying or will already be working on your application for the Summer Placement Scheme 2025 / Training Contract 2027, some of the Firm’s most competitive positions.

We shortlist hundreds of applications for the summer placement scheme, so to give you the best chance of success we’ve pulled together some top tips for the process at Hugh James.

Your application

All experience is good experience

Include different examples throughout your application, these can be legal and non-legal work experience. Think about what your experiences have taught you, what skills you’ve gained and how these could transfer to the role you are applying for.

Research is key

Our website and social channels are the best places to start, but don’t just leave it at that. Be sure to utilise multiple sources for your research before composing your answers. Your application will stand out if you take time to provide well-rounded, educated responses to the questions. This research will also give you a head start for your interview preparation if you are successful.

Don’t leave it to the last minute

The application form contains questions that require conscious thought and preparation. We would recommend that you start your application far in advance of the 23:59, 31 January deadline to ensure you have adequate time to provide a good answer and don’t run into any technical issues.

Proofread your application

Don’t fall foul of silly spelling, punctuation or grammar mistakes in your answers. Attention to detail is a key skill that we look for in our trainee solicitors, these mistakes can let you down massively. It can be a good idea to prepare your answers in a word document and use the spell check function, or even ask another person to read over your work.

Structure your answers well

A well-known and favoured method of structuring your application to provide good examples in a concise manner is the STAR technique.

• Situation – the situation you had to deal with.
• Task – the task you were given to do.
• Action – the action you took.
• Result – what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience.

Think outside the box and use examples from both professional and personal scenarios.

First stage interview

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an online interview. These usually take place from May onwards.

Consider common interview questions and prepare responses

The panel will want to know about the experience you can have, specifically linked to being a successful trainee Solicitor. Revisit your application and consider what skills and experience that you can bring to the role.

Questions will often be layered with a few different parts. Make sure you are hitting all the points that are being asked.

Show enthusiasm

Although you might be nervous, take a deep breath before you begin your interview. The panel wants you to perform well. Smiling and making eye contact are great ways to engage with your interviewers. Don’t be afraid to show your personality but remain professional.

Do more research and be up to date with current affairs

You’ll have some good knowledge and research stored up from submitting your application, however it’s important to ensure that you are up to date with the most recent firm news and what is going on in the world outside Hugh James.

Dress for the job you want

Interview attire is often key to making a good first impression, so select what you’re wearing carefully. Even though your interview will be online, it’s always better to over-dress than underdress, but make sure that you are comfortable.

 Test your tech and be on time

A last-minute technical glitch isn’t going to help anyone’s nerves. Make sure you test your device is set up to use Microsoft Teams, including the microphone and camera. We recommend logging on to the interview link a few minutes before your scheduled interview time. You’ll be able to wait in our virtual lobby, check you’re all set to go, have a sip of water, and wait to be admitted.