How to apply

We are looking for talented individuals who are aligned with our values of being Authentic, Collaborative, Committed and Forward Looking, helping us to unlock and grow value for our clients.  

The below information sets out our application process and see more details at what we look for at each stage on our ‘What do we look for?’ page.

Stage 1 – Application Form

You’ll submit an application form through our Rare Candid portal. Please complete your application form in English. 

We look for candidates to achieve a minimum of a 2.1 (or equivalent) in their degree, but we also look at the full application form and any mitigating circumstances alongside this. Please give details of your English, Cantonese and Mandarin language skills in the appropriate part of the form. along with any other languages you speak.  

As part of your application form, you’ll explore your motivations for a legal career and why you are applying to us as a firm. We are also keen for you to showcase how you align with our values of being Authentic, Collaborative, Committed and Forward Looking. You can see more about our values here.  

If you have mitigating circumstances or require any potential adjustments during the process, we encourage you to add details of these so we can take this into account or if you’d rather speak to someone about your specific circumstances, we’d be happy for you to get in touch with us. 

Stage 2 – Video Interview

If you are successful, you’ll be invited to complete a video interview largely in English and with a final question in Chinese where you’ll see the question appear on your screen and be given time to prepare before recording your answer. We have practice interviews you can do through the Shortlister website here so you know what to expect and be ready.  

During the video interview, we want to see more of your individual personality and why you’re keen to join us. We also look for other key attributes, such as being client centric, committed to driving high standards, a commercial mindset and being collaborative.  

Stage 3 – Chinese Written Task

The next stage is to complete a written task which will involve writing in both Chinese and English. These elements will help us understand your reading and writing skills and also demonstrate your analysis, commerciality and attention to detail. Our written task is designed to get you thinking about client and commercial issues alongside demonstrating strong written and analysis skills. As it’s a written exercise, you’ll want to think about ensuring you factor in time to plan, write and then review your work. Attention to detail is important, and while we are all human, try to leave enough time to check your spelling and grammar.

Stage 4 - Placement Scheme with Assessment Activities

Our final stage is attending our Placement Scheme which will include various assessment activities within your scheme.  

Our assessment activities include a face-to-face interview and exercises designed to assess our identified performance criteria. People come to us from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of perspectives that combine to give our lawyers their distinctive perspective on the law – our assessments are designed for you to showcase your best self and also for you to get to know us in return.

For more details on each exercise, see our ‘What do we look for?’ page.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are able to make adjustments for those who require it so encourage you to get in touch with our Early Talent team if you think this might apply. It’s important to us that you have the right arrangements to perform at your best, so if you aren’t sure it’s always best to ask and we are happy to help.

For help on how to succeed at each of our recruitment stages, read our ‘What do we look for?’ page.

If you have any queries that you would like to raise with our Early Talent team, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.

Please remember that you will need to have completed the PCLL before starting of your Training Contract.

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Apply

Applications for our 2026 cohort opens on 1 September 2025 and will close on a rolling basis.

Applications for our 2026 Placement Scheme (in conjunction with a 2028 Training Contract) opens on 1 September 2025 and close at midday (UK time) on 2 January 2026.

Please follow the link below to apply.

Apply