Mishcon de Reya trials AI chatbot interviews to replace traditional graduate applications
Mishcon de Reya has announced that applicants for its 2026 graduate recruitment scheme will begin their application journey through an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot rather than the usual written form. The London-based firm confirmed that candidates will provide enough initial information to allow the system to generate a tailored introductory interview.
After the conversation begins, candidates can expand on their experiences, motivations and suitability for the firm. The chatbot produces a transcrip,t which will then be reviewed by human recruiters. The firm stressed that all screening decisions will continue to be made by staff and that successful candidates will still progress to in-person interviews.
The firm will trial the Bright Apply screening tool as an alternative to lengthy application forms. According to Mishcon de Reya, the untimed chatbot interview is intended to give all candidates an equal opportunity to demonstrate their potential while making the process more accessible and inclusive.
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Tom Wickstead, early careers manager, said the new approach places candidates at the centre of the process. He explained that the Bright Apply tool allows candidates to speak more freely about their achievements and ambitions without being constrained by strict character limits. He added that the additional context offered by the chatbot interview helps recruiters make better-informed decisions earlier in the selection process.
The system has been developed by Bright Network a graduate careers platform. The company said the technology was designed to support decision-making rather than replace the human element of recruitment. Early user feedback appears positive. Mishcon de Reya noted that almost three-quarters of students who tested the tool rated the experience four or five out of five in an anonymous survey. Additionally, ninety three percent of respondents said the chatbot produced personalised and relevant responses during their interview.
Kirsten Barnes, chief executive of Bright Network, said artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming recruitment. She emphasised that the aim is not to remove human involvement but to enhance it by enabling recruiters to focus on potential and talent rather than being overwhelmed by application volume. Barnes said the tool helps identify promising candidates more efficiently while still ensuring a personalised experience.
Mishcon de Reya said it will evaluate the results of the trial before deciding whether the chatbot will become a permanent feature of future recruitment cycles. The firm views the initiative as part of its ongoing work to modernise its processes and ensure fairness in how it identifies early career talent. The experiment reflects a wider shift in the legal sector as firms explore the use of artificial intelligence to streamline recruitment and improve candidate experience.