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Legal vacation scheme

Our two-week paid Legal Summer Vacation Scheme is the principal route towards securing a training contract with us. You’ll receive a highly competitive salary, join client meetings, conduct research and practise legal drafting while working and training directly alongside our expert lawyers. The two-week scheme for students runs in July and will help you decide whether a career with us is right for you.

You’ll rotate across two different practice groups, carry out research, draft legal documents and attend client meetings, obtaining feedback from your supervisors along the way. You’ll also complete a series of assessments during the programme – including a business assessment, written exercise and a case law activity. These assessments, along with your performance during the scheme will be used to help us make informed decisions on training contract offers.

Assessment and selection process

The first stage of the assessment and selection process is a series of online activities and assessments that measure your cognitive skills, behaviours, natural preferences and reasoning abilities. The test is hosted in the SHL platform.

One hour and 30 minutes inclusive of preparation time. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your technology, and logout afterwards. Timings may differ if you’ve requested any reasonable adjustments.

You’ll start with a short activity to help you get a feel for what it might be like to work at PwC – this activity is called ‘Bringing our values to life’. This is not an assessed stage. It is designed to help you reflect on whether PwC’s culture and ways of working feels like the kind of environment in which you would thrive, and to support you in deciding whether you would like to continue with the rest of our assessment process. 

You’ll go through a series of workplace scenarios. These scenarios are designed to help us understand how you would approach situations you may encounter at PwC. As you work through them, choose the option that feels most natural to you.

If you feel that PwC is right for you, you will then take a behavioural assessment, followed by a cognitive test. The behavioural test is not timed, but the cognitive assessment will be.

A behavioural profile test asks about your natural behavioural preferences in a work setting and is made up of two parts; the behavioural assessment and reskilling potential:

  1. The behavioural assessment is the first part of the test and is designed for us to get to know more about your working styles and preferences. Typically, this shouldn’t take any more than 20 minutes to complete.
  2. Reskilling Potential is the second part of the test. This test is all about how you learn grow and adapt to new experiences. It's a short section with just seven questions and should take around four minutes to complete.

A cognitive assessment is an ability test including numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning.  

Working at PwC involves problem solving, learning fast and evaluating a range of information. The cognitive ability assessment consists of several businesslike scenarios that will help us to understand your level of critical reasoning as well as your numerical ability.

Rather than presenting you with a set of response questions from which to choose, you’ll complete an activity-based test that allows you to drag, drop and interact with the questions.

For this assessment you’ll have 36 minutes to complete 24 questions. Once you start this assessment, you must complete it fully so ensure you have sufficient time allocated before getting started.

  • Do the practice questions provided in your online assessment link before starting.
  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
  • Check your internet connection in advance.
  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
  • SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
  • SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

You’ll be contacted within 48 hours of completing your online assessment with the outcome, if you’ve met the scores required, you’ll automatically be sent details of the next stage. We’ll provide you with feedback at this stage, regardless of the outcome, continuous learning is important to us, and we recommend reflecting on this feedback to assist your future performance.

The next stage of our assessment and selection process is an on-demand video interview which will be conducted virtually via the SHL platform. You will receive your login details and instructions in advance and will have one week to complete the video interview.

Approximately 45 minutes. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your tech, and logout afterwards. Timings may differ if you’ve requested any reasonable adjustments.

When you log in, you’ll complete a series of system checks to ensure that your equipment is working correctly. The questions will begin when your systems checks are complete - the images will show questions one through to four.

The series of questions are designed to explore your experience and how you approach your work. Instead of having an interviewer, your answers will be recorded and reviewed afterwards by a member of the recruitment team.

  • Think about recent experiences or challenges you have faced in your education, work, or extra-curricular activities that you can draw on as examples.
  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
  • Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.
  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
  • SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
  • SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

Our assessment centre is a comprehensive evaluation day designed to assess a range of skills relevant to the roles within PwC. Unlike a single interview, it involves a variety of exercises that simulate aspects of the work you would do here. It's an opportunity for us to see your potential in action and for you to experience a bit of what it's like to work at PwC. 

The primary purpose of the assessment centre is to gain a holistic understanding of your skills and suitability for a role with us. While your initial application and earlier assessment stages give us a good sense of your academic achievements, experiences and some skills, the assessment centre allows us to delve deeper and observe your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, communication style, and how you approach challenges in a practical setting. It's also an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your strengths beyond what has been captured during the first two assessment stages. This is as much an opportunity for you to find out if our firm aligns with your career aspirations as it is for us to assess your human and technical skills.

The assessment centre will be approximately 4.5 hours and is run by the PwC assessment team. During the day you will meet and work with up to five other candidates who have also applied for a range of programmes at PwC. The day will include a mix of individual and group-based activities designed to reflect real aspects of working at PwC.

These include:

  • A group exercise to explore how you work with others in a practical scenario.
  • An individual exercise to assess how you approach tasks independently.
  • An individual interview to learn more about you.

Learn about PwC

Thoroughly research our firm and familiarise yourself with our services, values, and what makes us unique. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

Think about how to approach each exercise

  • Group exercise: These assess your teamwork, communication, and ability to contribute constructively in a team setting. Think about how you can listen actively, share your ideas clearly, and support others.
  • Written exercise: Think about how you can structure your thoughts in writing, identify key issues, and present logical recommendations.
  • Individual interview: Be ready to discuss your experiences and how your skills align with the work you are interested in doing.

Logistics

  • Technology: The assessment centre will be run on the TopScore platform. This is a web-based platform, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend checking your Wi-Fi connection and using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience. TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience.
  • Note taking: Have a notepad and pen nearby to take any important notes during the assessment centre.
  • Dress code: At PwC, we dress for our day. This means that depending where you’re working, and what you’re working on, you’re empowered to choose what’s most appropriate.
  • Rest and refreshment: Get a good night's sleep before the day. Have water and any necessary snacks nearby to keep your energy levels up during breaks.

Be yourself and engage
While preparation is important, remember to let your personality shine through. Be open to learning, ask questions when appropriate, and engage positively with everyone you meet. We're looking for individuals who will thrive in our collaborative environment.

What is the purpose of the group exercise?
The group exercise is designed to provide you with a glimpse into how our teams at PwC collaborate on client challenges. It's an opportunity for us to see your teamwork in action, observing how you contribute, listen to others, and work towards a solution. We're keen to understand your natural approach to problem-solving in a group setting and how you build on ideas to achieve an outcome.

What skills will be assessed during the group exercise?
In this exercise, you will be assessed on your collaboration skills, verbal communication, influence and relationship building.

What will I be asked to do during the group exercise?
In the group exercise, you'll tackle a challenge similar to the real-world problems our PwC teams help clients solve every day.

How long is the group exercise?
The group exercise will last for one hour.

What is the purpose of the individual interview?
The purpose of the individual interview is to understand how you typically behave and approach your work, as well as give you the opportunity to reflect on how you and your team performed in the group exercise.

What skills will be assessed during the individual interview?
In this interview we’ll assess your self-awareness, growth mindset, and how you approach self-development and working with others. These are some of our core PwC Professional behaviours (Evolve, Champion, and Deliver) which you can learn more about here. We'll also be observing your verbal communication skills throughout our conversation.

How long is the individual interview?
The individual interview will last for one hour.

What is the purpose of the written exercise?
An important part of any role at PwC is problem solving, and often we need to communicate our problem solving for clients in writing. The written exercise provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate these skills, whilst responding to a challenge that is typical of the problems that we solve for our clients.

What skills will be assessed during the written exercise?
In this exercise you’ll be assessed on your ability to analyse and interpret information, think critically, provide recommendations, and communicate in writing.

What will I be asked to do during the written exercise?
You will be provided with a written brief containing a scenario, and clear questions to answer. You will be asked to review all the information provided and respond to the questions asked.

How long is the written exercise?
The written exercise will last one hour.

  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
  • Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.
  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
  • TopScore is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
  • TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

Before you move to the final stage of the assessment and selection process you will be matched to your business area and office based on your performance throughout the assessment stages, and the preferences you indicated to us at the start of the process. Job matching happens between January and May so you may not be matched immediately, but don’t worry we’ll be in regular contact with you once you’ve completed the assessment centre.

A member of the PwC UK Careers team will contact you with feedback from your business assessment and will let you know if you’ve been successful in your application.

Pre-employment screening

Part of our onboarding process includes checking your education history, so please make sure everything is correct on your application form. We’re known for accuracy, so carrying out checks like this protects our reputation. 

 What’s next? 

Our culture is all about our people and we want you to feel supported and part of PwC as soon as you decide to join us. You’ll be invited to our onboarding portal where you’ll have lots of things you need to do before your first day. You will be asked to complete your Right to Work checks on your first day. 

You can expect to hear from us regularly as we prepare you for your career with us.

You’ll also complete a series of assessments during the programme – including a business assessment, written exercise and a case law activity. These assessments, along with your performance during the scheme will be used to help us make informed decisions on training contract offers.

Law degree route:
If you’re studying for/have completed a Law degree, you will then complete a one-year SQE course ahead of joining our Training Contract.

Non-law degree route:
If you’re studying for/have completed a non-Law degree, you will then complete a one-year PGDL conversion course, followed by a one-year SQE LLM Masters ahead of joining our Training Contract.

 

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single, rigorous assessment for all aspiring solicitors. All those wishing to qualify as a solicitor will need to pass the SQE.

On our Legal Services Graduate programme, you'll study towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) LLM Masters. You may be familiar with the Legal Practice Course (LPC) which has been replaced with the SQE.

The SQE LLM Masters is made up of two parts and the Essentials for Practice. In SQE1 you will be tested on functioning legal knowledge which tests your application of law based on realistic client-based scenarios through multiple choice questions. In SQE2 you will be tested on the practical legal skills required for practice. Essentials for Practice will help in preparing individuals for their workplace role, both in the development of their practice knowledge and technical skill, but also their professional behaviours. You will gain the SQE LLM Masters qualification.

This will take one year to complete and requires you to study and complete the qualification before you join the firm on a two-year training contract to gain your Qualified Work Experience. You'll be supported by PwC through your studies and funding for the course and programme. You can find out more on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website.

Before joining PwC on a training contract, non-Law students need to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) (each one year in length). The PGDL is a law conversion course designed for individuals who hold a non-law undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister. It provides the foundational legal knowledge and skills necessary for legal training and, for aspiring barristers, satisfies the academic requirements to begin the vocational stage. It also provides a strong foundation for key aspects of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You can find out more on the BPP website.