Law assessment centres | law assessment days

Here is a list of some of the types of tests, interviews and group activities that you might encounter:

• A face to face interview, which is often comprised of two interviewers to include a law professional (qualified lawyer, member of a graduate recruitment team or a partner) and member of the HR team, or a competency-based interview (usually a one-to-one interview with a partner lasting approximately an hour during which candidates are asked specific questions to assess particular competencies such as communication, team working, planning and organising, problem solving, goal-setting and commercial awareness. (For details on the types of interview questions you may be asked and the possible responses you could provide, please check 'the interview: questions and answers' sheet.)
• A legal-based written knowledge exercise (often timed) to test your legal knowledge and understanding.
• One or more role play exercises which could include a mock telephone call with a solicitor/client and/or a mock hearing. The objective here is to prove that you can retain and use information, negotiate and communicate successfully.
• A report writing activity to test your written communication skills.
• One or more psychometric tests designed to measure attributes like intelligence, aptitude and personality, for example, to evaluate your capability to complete a set task or how you react to different situations. Tests could include: critical thinking exercises such as the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (problem solving, logical thinking and decision making etc..), non-verbal reasoning (testing spatial ability), verbal reasoning (testing your capability to analyse, interpret and show your understanding of written information.) etc... It is not possible to memorise answers for these types of tests but you can improve your test performance in most of these areas by practicing in advance. NB/ The exception to this rule are personality tests which are designed to determine whether your personality profile fits with the company's requirements by assessing your reactions and attitudes towards a range of different circumstances. It is best to answer these questions honestly; if you do not fit the company profile it is likely that neither you or the employer will be happy with your performance once in the job role itself. Practice tests are normally available via your university careers service and there are many free online resources available.
• Group exercises which could involve problem solving, debating or holding a mock meeting etc.... These are designed for assessors to be able to observe the role you take within a group in addition to how much you contribute; how you interact with and involve others, and if you have the ability to clearly express relevant opinions.
• In-tray exercises - these are designed to assess your ability to prioritise in a fast paced, pressurised environment while also testing your decision making skills.
• Presentations (on the day or pre-prepared) to test your communication skills, and your ability to produce relevant and engaging content.

 The importance of being prepared

Research in advance. Legal employers who incorporate assessment centre activities into their recruitment processes will normally provide comprehensive support information which outlines their style of assessment. If your prospective employer invites you to an assessment centre event but has not provided any information with regards to what to prepare for contact them for additional information. Once you have obtained information relevant to the assessment procedures used by your employer of choice follow their advice and guidelines closely to adequately prepare for your assessment centre experience; prepare for any activities that they ask you to organise in advance by practicing the skills you will need to be successful and then follow your usual interview preparation routine - if you are unsure about what this should contain, please read our other articles called 'The interview: questions and answers' and 'Preparing for an interview'   

Know yourself - review your application documents thoroughly in advance of the assessment day.

Develop a positive mental attitude. You have done well to get this far - legal opportunities are exceedingly competitive and prospective employers do not waste their time on candidates that haven't demonstrated potential in the initial stages of application so be confident in your abilities.

On the day...

Maintain your positive mental attitude and perform well. While at the assessment centre you need to focus, maintain a steady stream of energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, and involve yourself in activities. Engaging with the assessment centre process will enable you to demonstrate your strengths - remember you will be assessed over a number of different activities designed to test one or more different capabilities. It is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions, get to know the firm and make an assessment as to whether they are the right employer for you.

Remember that throughout the day you will be being observed usually by a combination of assessors who could be partners or members of the graduate recruitment team. You need to be on top form from the minute you step onto their premises. Employers often give you the opportunity to network with current law trainees over lunch. Use this opportunity to ask them questions that will help to improve your knowledge of the firm such as:

• Why did you choose to train with XXthe name of the firmXX?
• What does your typical day involve? How much responsibility do have?
• How supportive have XXthe name of the firmXX been in helping you manage       the transition between student life and a new work routine?
• How is XXthe name of the firmXX coping in the current economic climate?
• What are the best and the worse aspects of training with them?

Ask the questions but at no point forget that during this process you are continually under scrutiny - even in seemingly informal situations.

Lucy Wilson-Whitford

Coventry University Careers Service

04 - 01 - 10