Situational judgement tests (SJTs) have become a common feature of law firm applications, with firms such as Macfarlanes using them to assess how candidates think and respond to realistic workplace scenarios. They give recruiters insight into your judgement, decision-making, and alignment with the firm’s values before deciding whether to progress you further. While these tests can feel unfamiliar and at times ambiguous, effective preparation and a clear strategy can make all the difference.
How to Approach Situational Judgement Tests in Law Firm Applications
At some stage in the application process, most commercial law firms will ask you to complete a situational judgement test (SJT). These tests are designed to measure your judgement in professional scenarios, not your legal knowledge. The situations you face will often mirror the dilemmas trainees encounter in practice: balancing deadlines, handling client expectations, and working effectively in teams.
What is an SJT?
An SJT typically gives you a workplace scenario and asks you either to choose the “most effective” and “least effective” response or to rank several possible actions. For example:
Example 1: You are a trainee and a client calls asking for an urgent legal answer. You are unsure of the correct response but do not want to disappoint them. Do you: (a) give your best guess to reassure them, (b) tell the client you will check with your supervisor and return quickly with an accurate answer, (c) ignore the call until you’ve researched the issue yourself, or (d) pass the call straight to a partner without explanation?
Here, option (b) is strongest, because it balances professionalism, client service, and the reality of a trainee’s role.
Example 2: You are asked by your supervisor to lead part of a client meeting, even though you have never done so before and feel slightly out of your depth. Do you: (a) decline, explaining you do not feel confident enough yet, (b) accept and prepare thoroughly, seeing it as a valuable learning opportunity, (c) dominate the meeting to try to prove yourself, or (d) sit silently and contribute nothing beyond what you are asked?
Here, option (b) is strongest, because it shows enthusiasm to engage with clients, readiness to step up when trusted with responsibility, and a willingness to learn and develop professionally under supervision.
Why Firms Use SJTs
Law firms use SJTs to assess whether your instincts align with the values and behaviours they seek. For example, a firm that promotes entrepreneurialism might prefer candidates who show initiative and independence. By contrast, a firm with a strong focus on collaboration might rank team-oriented responses higher.
Another reason is to test ethical judgement. For instance, if you received a confidential email from the opposing party by mistake, the correct answer is to stop reading and notify your supervisor — not use it for your client’s advantage. This shows integrity and adherence to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct.
Practical Tips for Success
1. Research firm values and use them.
Before taking an SJT, look at the firm’s website and write down their values. If Ashurst emphasises “innovation and collaboration,” answers that show openness to teamwork and creative problem-solving will likely rank higher. If a US firm highlights “entrepreneurial spirit,” an answer where you take initiative may be stronger than one where you wait passively for direction.
2. Apply the SRA Code of Conduct.
If an option conflicts with professional obligations, it is always wrong. Suppose a scenario asks what you would do if a client suggested you delay disclosing a mistake to the court. Even if you want to please the client, the correct response is to act honestly and inform your supervisor. (Never conceal the truth)
3. Know your role as a trainee.
It is tempting to choose answers that show independence, but remember that trainees are the most junior members of the team. You are expected to take initiative in spotting issues but not to act beyond your remit. For example, if asked how you would respond to a client who demands a fee reduction, the correct action is to escalate this to your supervisor, not to negotiate fees yourself.
4. Over-communicate rather than under-communicate.
If you’re ever unsure, choose the option where you check in with a supervisor. For example, if you find a potential conflict of interest in a deal you’re working on, the right response is to escalate, not to assume it doesn’t matter. Firms would rather see you ask questions than take a risk that could damage their reputation.
5. Ask clarifying questions in interviews.
Sometimes SJTs are asked live. If you are given a scenario such as, “You are halfway to a client meeting and realise you have forgotten an important document,” you can clarify: “Does the document need to be physically signed, or is it just for reference?” This shows practical thinking and ensures your response is tailored.
6. State your assumptions.
If information is missing, say what you are assuming. For example: “If the task I am working on is not due today, I would prioritise the new urgent task. But if both are due today, I would speak to my supervisor to clarify priorities.” This demonstrates flexibility and structured thinking.
7. Show your reasoning clearly.
The process matters more than the final choice. Take the example of receiving harsh feedback. Rather than saying, “I’d accept it and improve,” a stronger answer is: “First I’d take a moment to process calmly. Then I’d thank my supervisor and ask for specific examples to understand what went wrong. Finally, I’d create a checklist to avoid repeating mistakes and let them know I had taken this step.” This shows emotional intelligence and practical action.
Turning Strategy into Practice
One practical way to succeed is to filter every possible answer through three questions:
- Does it reflect the firm’s values and culture?
- Is it appropriate for a trainee’s responsibilities?
- Does it uphold the SRA Code of Conduct?
If the answer to all three is “yes,” it is almost certainly the strongest option.
Final Thought
SJTs are not trick questions. Instead they are designed to reveal how you think and whether you would be a good cultural fit. By combining firm values with professional standards and sound judgement, you can approach these assessments with confidence. Rather than guessing, use them as a chance to show that your instincts align with the behaviours of a successful commercial lawyer.
Note: I think the vast majority of law firms are often looking for proactive and eager people. Therefore, ensure you select the option that implies you ‘enjoy’ or are ‘motivated’ by challenges, meeting new people, being given new work, learning new things.