What law firms are really testing—and how to prepare
When applying for training contracts at top law firms, it’s not just your academics or CV that get scrutinised. Many firms—especially those in the Magic Circle, Silver Circle, and large international firms—use the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as part of their recruitment process. This test helps assess whether candidates have the logical reasoning and critical analysis skills essential for life as a solicitor.
What is the Watson Glaser Test?
The Watson Glaser is a timed, online test designed to measure your critical thinking abilities—skills that are crucial for a legal career. It doesn’t test your legal knowledge but evaluates how well you can:
- Interpret evidence
- Identify assumptions
- Evaluate arguments
- Draw logical conclusions
- Spot inconsistencies
Lawyers need to be able to analyse complex documents, evaluate risks, and form reasoned opinions. The Watson Glaser simulates this type of thinking in a pressure-tested format.
Why Do Law Firms Use It?
Firms receive thousands of applications and need a fair, consistent way to assess candidates early in the process. The Watson Glaser helps them identify applicants who demonstrate the mental agility and judgment needed to thrive in legal practice.
Firms known to use the Watson Glaser include:
- Allen & Overy
- Clifford Chance
- DLA Piper
- Shoosmiths
- Linklaters
- Addleshaw Goddard
- Government Legal Profession (GLP)
Scoring highly on the test is often a prerequisite to progressing to the interview stage.
What to Expect in the Test
The test typically takes 30 to 40 minutes and consists of around 40 questions across five categories:
- Inference – Assessing whether a conclusion logically follows from a short passage.
- Recognition of Assumptions – Identifying hidden assumptions within a statement.
- Deduction – Determining whether a conclusion follows from the premises given.
- Interpretation – Judging whether conclusions are supported by the information.
- Evaluation of Arguments – Deciding whether an argument is strong or weak.
Each section requires focus, clarity of thought, and time management. While the questions are multiple choice, they’re deliberately nuanced and often designed to trip up the over-confident or rushed candidate.
How to Prepare Effectively
Preparation is key. While some firms argue the test can’t be “revised for,” practice absolutely helps improve familiarity and performance.
Here’s how to prepare smartly:
- Take official practice tests – Some providers offer Watson Glaser-style questions, including JobTestPrep and AssessmentDay.
- Understand the logic – Don’t just guess—learn the reasoning behind each answer.
- Read carefully – The test often includes deliberately confusing language or misleading phrasing.
- Stay calm under pressure – You won’t finish if you overthink, but rushing leads to mistakes.
The more you practise, the quicker you’ll get at spotting assumptions and logical flaws—skills that will also help you later in interviews and legal tasks.
What’s a Good Score?
There’s no universal pass mark, as firms often benchmark your score against others in your cohort. However, many firms require candidates to score in the top 20–30% to progress. That means even high-achieving students can be filtered out early if they haven’t prepared.
Final Tips Before the Test
- Use a desktop computer—not a mobile device.
- Take it in a quiet place with a stable internet connection.
- Read every instruction carefully.
- Don’t leave all questions unanswered—educated guesses are better than blanks.
- Keep track of time but don’t rush recklessly.
The Watson Glaser is tough, but with preparation, you can perform at your best. It’s not just about passing a test—it’s about showing that you have the core reasoning skills to thrive in a demanding legal environment.
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