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The sift process
Applications will be considered in detail by a selection panel on a team-by-team basis. Applications that do not meet the minimum academic criteria will be rejected.
If we receive a high volume of applications, an initial sift may be carried out on your answers on:
- Legal Research. If your application passes this initial sift, and a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, an additional sift of all the remaining criteria will be done on those applications which passed the initial sift.
Interviews
Each team’s selection panel will invite for interview those applicants whose applications appear to best meet the essential skills, taking into account the number of vacancies available in the team.
The interview will involve questions on:
- behaviours – communicating and influencing, and working together
- experiences – legal research and legal skills
- technical – motivational fit
- ability – working with complex information
As part of this, you will be asked questions about one or more relevant areas of law. You will be notified of the area(s) of law in your invitation to interview and sent any necessary material in advance.
We have prepared a short video guide to help you prepare for the behaviours-based questions. This year we are not using strengths in the application process, but otherwise this video guide can help you prepare for the behaviour questions and interview process.
Below are two short videos:
- a guide to help you prepare for behaviours-based questions
- interview tips, showing what our interviews are like, and demonstrating good and bad interview skills
Interviews are expected to be held end of April and beginning of May 2026 in person. If you have reasonable adjustments that requires you to have an online interview, please email recruitment@lawcommission.gov.uk.
Standard-rate travelling expenses (rail, tube or bus) from within the UK will be reimbursed so ensure you retain all receipts if you attend an interview in person.
You will also need to bring documented proof of ID, address, right to work and qualifications. Further details will be given in the interview invitation.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and is committed to giving interviews to applicants who have passed the minimum requirements, and are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 Level 1: Disability Confident Committed. The Law Commission ensure fair and equal opportunity for all attending an interview. The building is fully accessible.
Appointment process
If you are successful we will start your pre-employment checks. These will include security, identity and past-employment checks. These checks can take up to 12 weeks so it’s important to reply to any requests for information as soon as possible to ensure you can start the role on time.
If you have lived outside of the UK for more than 6 months you will need to provide a certificate of good conduct or an overseas police check translated into English from the countries resided in or visited.
See further information about criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
You must also meet the civil service requirements on nationality.
Once you have passed pre-employment checks, a formal offer of appointment will be made.
Reserves
If the number of successful applicants at interview exceeds the number of posts available, some will be treated as reserves and contacted if posts become available in the future.