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  4. qLegal student application guidelines

qLegal student application guidelines

Are you thinking of applying to qLegal? qLegal is a pro bono law clinic that mimics an innovative law firm and our application process is structured as such. Here is some guidance to help you put together your application.

Overview of the application form

There are several elements to the qLegal application process. You should submit:

1. A one-minute video recorded presentation telling us why you want to join qLegal:

For this exercise we want to hear your own voice rather than a script prepared by genAI; and you will stand out if you are honest in your answer but original in your approach so you don’t sound the same as everyone else!

We suggest that you familiarise yourself with what qLegal does by reviewing the qLegal website (which includes our Annual Reports).

Please note, we will not review any content beyond the 60 seconds mark.

2. A 250-word answer to a question relating to critical thinking. Do not use generative AI to produce your answer.

3. Your up–to-date CV (no more than two A4 pages, in PDF, please).

Please note that the final stage of the selection process will take place in person during the Assessment Day on Saturday 3 October 2026. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Why have we designed the application in this way?

qLegal is akin to an innovative law firm within CCLS. Law firms in the UK use a variety of means to test potential applicants to gauge their knowledge, skills and personal qualities and we are mirroring that process as far as we can. If you are successful in your application to qLegal, you will need to work well with others, communicate clearly, be comfortable using technology, and be able to manage your time. Of course, successful applicants will undergo a programme of training to help develop these skills, but this application process is an opportunity to show us your potential.

Please note, qLegal students range from those who have had little or no prior practical legal or other work experience before joining us to others who were already experienced lawyers. It will not count for or against you either way. We are looking for people who can show us they are as excited about qLegal as we are (and, top tip, that does not mean just telling us that you are excited).

Video Production Tips

  • Frame yourself well, in landscape mode.
  • Film in a quiet place to ensure excellent sound quality.
  • Check your background – make sure there’s nothing there that you wouldn’t want others to see!

How to submit your video answers in the qLegal Application Form

  1. Record the video on any device (laptop, phone, iPad). 
  2. Save/title the video under your full name (first and last).
  3. Upload the video as prompted on Microsoft forms. The upload may take a few minutes, so ensure you leave yourself enough time to complete this step. 

The maximum video size allowed for upload is 1GB. A one-minute video file is unlikely to exceed this limit. If you encounter any technical problems, please send an email to qlegal@qmul.ac.uk before 5pm GMT on Sunday, 27 September 2026, so that we can assist you in resolving the issue before the deadline.

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