I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at EMG Solicitors (Durham, England) in Jun 2024
Interview
Stage 1: Online application with cover letter
Stage 2: Assessment Centre (AC) - this includes creating a motivational video beforehand followed by a full day's attendance at AC.
AC included group tasks, written task and interview. Written task poorly organised (no space to write on the task sheet). Limited interaction with solicitors in attendance (who seemed to engage only with certain applicants).
Crucially, received no feedback post-AC which was very disappointing considering the effort and preparation undertaken. Overall, not a great impression of the firm.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q: Name one example of a good leader (and one example of a bad leader).
Hello there,
Thank you for your feedback – we are sorry that you were disappointed with our Trainee Solicitor recruitment process.
In the written task, the box is kept small on purpose in order to prevent candidates from getting too focused on writing the reason for their choice. During our assessment centres all our colleagues including senior members of leadership take the time to speak with all candidates and we will work harder next year to ensure that all candidates feel equally engaged with. Feedback is always offered to all candidates and this can be verbal or through an email. If you would like to discuss the feedback from the assessment centre we would encourage you to contact us directly on graduates@emgsolicitors.com and we would be delighted to assist.
Kind regards,
EMG Solicitors
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at EMG Solicitors (Penrith, England) in May 2023
Interview
The interview went quite well, the questions were as you’d expect, the people were personable and the office was nice. Unfortunately though, the job was advertised as up to £45,000 but their feedback was that they couldn’t meet my salary demands (which was less than the guide they’d provided) and the role was advertised as hybrid but they wanted me in the office fulltime but could give me the odd day or afternoon at home if I needed it for a specific purpose. I think it would be worth clarifying the terms of the role before interviewing with the company as I took leave to do so when they couldn’t really give me what was offered at application stage. Still, I think if you would be happy in-office with a lesser wage then it seems like a good enough firm. I just hope they find someone with the experience and passion of running a department for the wage they’re offering.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a time you’ve been given a task with a lot of responsibilities and requiring you to produce a lot of information (paraphrasing).