Worst-case scenario

Dear Oracle

What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a scenario-based question at a training contract interview?

The Oracle replies

According to Hodge Jones & Allen partner Peter Todd, interviewers will view honesty in these situations far more favourably than an unconvincingly fudged answer. You should prepare thoroughly for any interview by learning about the firm’s practice areas and brushing up on your legal knowledge of them, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster if something about which you are less knowledgeable comes up. If you don’t know the answer to a scenario-based question, say so - there is no point in waffling or making wild guesses.

However, you should also outline what you would do to find a solution to the problem posed. Interviewers use scenario discussions to determine whether candidates can identify the key issues in real-life cases and apply the law correctly, so your ability to analyse the scenario as precisely as possible is crucial - remember, some scenarios may be designed so that there is no "right answer". Make sure to justify your approach to the scenario and remain clear, acknowledging any gaps in your knowledge and suggesting ways that you would remedy them.

For more advice on how to conduct a successful training contract interview, see our "interviews made easy" feature, our top 10 interview tips for training contract seekers and Anna Williams of Kaplan’s article on partner interviews.

We also asked Gemma Baker, head of the careers service at Kaplan Law School, for her advice. Gemma says: "An example of a scenario-based question is: 'you are a trainee in the X department and a client tells you Y/you overhear Z, what do you do?' These questions can sometimes be tricky and are designed to test independent thought and your ability to think on your feet.

"Firstly, take a few seconds to think logically about possible action you could take and how such action would affect (i) your integrity and (ii) your client. If you do not know the answer, your initial response should be to ask your supervisor or someone else in the department who is more senior than you. Should this option be eliminated by the interviewer, as it often is, choose the course of action which will not compromise your integrity - if you deliver your answer with confidence, justify it with reasoning and touch on the long-term benefits (eg, avoiding future litigation), you will impress.

"Note that interviewers will often guide candidates through this type of question, particularly if legal principles such as contract law are involved, so there is no need to feel nervous.

"Tip: the best way to prepare yourself for scenario-based questions is to familiarise yourself with the SRA’s Code of Conduct (http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/handbook/code/content.page), particularly the 10 Principles, which sets out how solicitors should behave."