DWF Training Contract Interview Questions

The DWF application and interview process is as follows:

• Online application form
• Interview and paper-based verbal reasoning SHL test
• Assessment centre

Online Application Form

The 2008 application form includes the questions:

• Which of the options studied did you enjoy the most and why? (Please refer to your most recent qualification).
• Please detail any extra-curricular activities and leisure interests, including any relevant responsibilities and achievements. What do these say about you?
• Please detail the reasons why you have chosen to pursue a career in Law.
• Please tell us why you want to work for DWF and what qualities you would bring to the firm.
• What has been your greatest personal achievement and why?
• Please give a recent example of a team in which you have been involved. What was your role and what challenges did you face?

Interview

The first stage of the DWF interview process is a 45-minute long partner interview, with one partner and one member of the firm's HR team. The interview features CV based questions and competency-based questions.

Common interview questions previous candidates have been asked include:

• Why did you choose the A-Levels you took?
• What first interested you in law/why law?
• Why DWF?
• What do you want to achieve from your TC?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What have you learned from your legal/non-legal job roles?
• What skills have you developed that you think you can use during your TC?
• How is the current economic climate affecting law firms?
• In light of the current economic climate, what could you do during your TC to help?
• Tell us about a time you rushed into making a decision and what would you do differently?
• What do you do outside of work?

The interview is immediately followed by a paper-based verbal reasoning test by SHL. You will be given 25 minutes to answer 52 questions. In this test, there will be about 13 passages, each followed by 4 questions.

Assessment Centre

The assessment centre lasts for half a day. DWF tend to hold two a day so the schedule may differ depending upon whether you have a morning or an afternoon slot.

The day starts with an introduction to DWF and description of what the assessment centre will entail. You are also given your schedule.

There are four tasks, but you may be given these in any order:

• Interview (with three partners)
• Presentation
• Group exercise
• Numeracy/Priority test (SHL Fast Track Test)
• Buffet lunch
• Office tour

Interview

This interview will be taken by three partners. It is expected to last around 45 minutes. Try not to be daunted by the fact there are three partners. Three partners are used because each service area of the firm is looking for something different from candidates.

The interview begins with some questions based on your application form, for example:

• Did you enjoy your degree and if so why?
• What was your favourite subject that you studied on your degree?
• What skills do you think you have that will make you a good lawyer?

The bulk of the interview is based on scenario questions. Each partner will use an example from the area in which they practice and quiz you on what you would do. For example, if a client had suffered an injury and came to you looking for compensation, what questions would you ask them? As you answer the question, further questions are raised.

The last question is usually something that is set to throw you. They commonly vary between what film/book/character/song best describes you? At the end of the interview, there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Presentation

For this section of the assessment centre, you will have to choose one of three potential questions. All questions are based on the current economic/legal climate so make sure you keep up to date with your current knowledge of commercial awareness issues. You will have 20 minutes to prepare your notes and a flip chart, should you choose to do so, and up to 10 minutes to make your presentation. After the presentation, you will be asked some questions based upon the information you gave, and questions that delve a little deeper into the topic. The whole task takes about 45 mins.

Group Exercise

For the group exercise, you will be placed with three other candidates and be given a verbal reasoning problem to discuss and hopefully resolve. There is no right or wrong answer, this exercise is an analysis of your interactions, communication and teamwork skills.

This is a standard exercise so the advice on group exercises will be useful. Be assertive and prepared to challenge others if you feel you should, but do not be confrontational. Make valid points but do no overspeak or interrupt others. Make sure you listen to what everyone says and be mindful of the time.

Numeracy/Priority Test

This is the SHL Fast Track Test. You will be given five sets of cards which contain differing information. The final cards in the set will have some information missing and you need to use the information on the other cards to work out what information is missing.

Although most of the information is numerical, this isn't a numerical test per se but more of a test of logic and logical reasoning. It will be useful for candidates to take practice logic tests before undertaking this section of the assessment centre.

Buffet Lunch

Some current trainees and members of HR will be present. Use the time to talk to them and ask any questions you may have.

Office Tour

The day finishes with a tour around the office conducted by current trainees.