About Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG was established as a multinational law firm in 2016 following the merger of Canada-based Gowlings and UK-based Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co.
Now, they have 19 offices across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Canada, covering key global sectors including energy, natural resources, technology, and financial services as well as a strong focus on real estate.
Gowling WLG is recognized as being a top employer for both experienced legal professionals and early careers. They offer excellent salary packages and a wide range of benefits for all staff, including things like life assurance, private medical insurance, and lots of other health and well-being benefits.
For those looking to get started with a career in the legal sector, three main pathways Gowling WLG offers.
- Vacation Scheme: This is a one or two-week program that serves as an introduction to the early careers program at Gowling WLG. During this time you will have exposure to other trainees and learn more about what you can do as a trainee, while also getting involved in client work and having the opportunity to impress hiring managers ready for inclusion in the trainee system.
- Apprenticeships: Gowling WLG offers apprenticeships in Business Services and Paralegal - and you will have the opportunity to earn while you learn which makes it an excellent opportunity for those leaving school who perhaps don't want to go to college or university.
- Trainee: Completing your training contract after your SQE at Gowling WLG means that you can get both formal and informal support from colleagues and mentors while you complete four six-month rotations through the business to become a qualified lawyer. Only 25 trainees are recruited every year, so the program is tough and there is a lot of competition for places.
If you are interested in one of these early career opportunities, or you are an experienced lawyer looking for a change, then you will need to go through the Gowling WLG application process. What this looks like in practice will depend on the role and the area of the business that you are applying for, but it will follow a similar pattern to the below (which is an Early Careers application path).
Gowling WLG Application Process
All opportunities at Gowling WLG are advertised internally on their Careers page, so that should be your first destination when you are starting your job search.
Gowling WLG Online Application
The application process starts with the application form and a CV. You will be required to complete an application form for every application, and you will need to provide details like your contact information, your education, and any experience you have.
There may be some other questions on the application form that are relevant to the role that you have applied for; these are usually related to the specific skills and competencies that the role requires (you can find these in the job description).
Gowling WLG Aptitude Test
Aptitude tests are often used as part of the recruitment process for those looking for a career in law because they are a simple way to fairly sort through a large number of applicants. Every candidate takes the same test so they have the same opportunity to demonstrate that they have the skills and competencies needed in the role - and those that reach the benchmark score by getting the questions right can be chosen to take further in the recruitment process.
The actual aptitude tests might include numerical reasoning for a role where you need numeracy skills, or verbal reasoning if you are going to be analyzing written information. Other tests include logical reasoning and error checking, the latter is usually for support roles.
Gowling WLG Behaviour-Based Assessment
The Gowling WLG Behaviour-Based Assessment is a gamified test that is used to see how you behave at work. Like some other global firms, Gowling WLG uses the Arctic Shores assessment, which is a series of mini-games.
As a candidate, you will complete these games on your preferred device - it is best on a smartphone but you can use a laptop or PC if necessary. The games are short and simple in terms of rules, so they resemble the 'brain training' games you might have already played at home.
While you are playing the games, there are lots of data points being collected about things like your risk-taking behavior, your teamwork and communication, and how you prefer to work. These are used by the recruitment team to assess your suitability for the role according to how you are when you are at work.
Gowling WLG Virtual Interview
The Virtual Interview takes place on a video platform, and you will be required to record your answers to set questions.
There are only a handful of questions, and they are designed to assess how you deal with problems and situations in the workplace. The interviewers will use this as an opportunity to not only get to know you and the way you work better but to also see how you deal with pressure and how well you can present yourself and your ideas even when it is difficult.
You will be given a question, and then some time to prepare your answer before you record it.
This type of interview is not live; you will be able to complete it whenever it suits you best, but you have to do it in one sitting.
Make sure that you have sorted out any technical issues beforehand - check to make sure that your audio and visual equipment is working properly and that you are connected to the internet. You will also want to make sure that you look well-presented so you make a good impression, and that the background of the video doesn't have anything in it that could be too distracting.
Gowling WLG Assessment Center
The last stage in the application process is the Assessment Center, which is an immersive experience where you will get to meet and interact with other applicants, as well as previous trainees and mentors from the Gowling WLG team.
During the assessment center, you will be asked to complete several different exercises and activities. Some of these you will do on your own, while others will need you to work as part of a team. The point of these is to put you into situations that are similar to the ones you could face when actually in the role, dealing with client questions, offering advice, and providing workable solutions to client problems.
All of the exercises that you will undertake will relate specifically to the role that you are applying for, and the recruitment team wants to see that you have what it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer after completing your training.
During these activities, you will be under constant assessment from the recruitment team, who will be looking for important soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. This is a great opportunity for you to see what it would be like to be an associate with Gowling WLG, and it is also an opportunity for the recruiters to understand what you are like as a person, too.
