The Game-Changing Presentation Tips No Law Firm Applicant Should Ignore

Nov 30, 2023

Written By Nandini Jadeja

Law firm assessment centres are all about seeing how well you can perform on certain tasks and skills that would be expected of a trainee solicitor. Presentations are one of these skill areas, and effective presentations can create a lasting impression and make all the difference during the application process. This article runs through game-changing presentation skills to help you excel in your presentations.

Understanding the dynamics of law firm presentations

It’s important to remember that creating and presenting a presentation actually assesses numerous key skills needed as a trainee, including organisation, research and written and verbal communication. Clear communication also showcases professionalism and the capacity for effective persuasion, which is vital as a lawyer.

By extension, it is important that you also communicate the values and ethos of the law firm you are presenting to. For example, you might want to think about particular strengths of the firm; are there any areas it has won awards for recently? You could look at AllAboutLaw’s guide to the firm, for example.

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Crafting compelling presentation content

The structure of the presentation is just as important as the content and is key to nailing the presentation. You should include a clear introduction, well organised body and a compelling conclusion for lasting effect.

While you do not want to overload your presentation with facts, it is important that you showcase your legal knowledge sufficiently. After all, it is an assessment centre, and legal knowledge is one of the skills the firm will be assessing. You can display knowledge in several ways, through commercial awareness or knowledge of the firm’s expertise or practice areas. You could also discuss particular cases/deals the firm has been involved with recently but ensure that anything you mention is relevant to the presentation’s subject matter.

Alongside displaying knowledge of the firm, it is also important to highlight your own relevant experiences to create a compelling, memorable storyline for your interviewers. A game-changing tip is to connect your personal experiences with the firm’s values and expectations, as this will show you have thought carefully about why you are a good fit for the firm.

Mastering delivery

Delivery is just as important as the content of your presentation, so it is vital that you get it right. Delivery includes things such as positive body language, vocal variety and maintaining eye-contact/smiling, but also articulation, pacing and tone which will engage the audience and convey confidence. Ensure you speak at a consistent pace and try not to speed up, as this can convey nervousness.

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication, and mastering it is key to success. You should ensure you stand straight with your shoulders back to convey confidence, and use gestures occasionally to emphasise key concepts or ideas that you want your audience to remember. Eye contact is crucial, especially if there are multiple individuals in the audience. Sweep your gaze across the audience to ensure that you are delivering to each and every member, rather than just focussing on one.

Handling Q&A sessions with poise begins with listening carefully when asked a question and not rushing straight into the answer. If you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to, provide some information around it and offer to get back to them with a proper response.

Utilising visual aids and technology

A presentation does not always need visual aids, but it is helpful to have them as you can refer to points made on the presentation, as well as any graphs/statistics or facts you want to highlight. Visual aids can also help with the flow of the delivery. If you choose to use visual aids, pay attention to how aspects such as font size, colour schemes and images will appear to the law firm. Less is more, so try not to overload your presentation with slide transitions and images.

While a visual aid can help remind you of your points, you want to make sure that you are not just reading off the presentation. The whole point of the task is that you are delivering the information. Being technologically proficient is one part of this; stick to a software or platform you are familiar with and have a backup in case you cannot access your presentation on the day. You might want to email your presentation to the firm in advance to ensure that you can access it on the day.

Practical tips for rehearsal and preparation

You should try and rehearse your presentation multiple times to check that it runs within the time provided and that it flows smoothly. You should know exactly what you need to say and when you need to change a slide. If you can, practise in assessment centre conditions by asking some friends/family to listen to your presentation and provide feedback, and try not to look at your slides as you talk. Part of the process is refining your presentation based on constructive feedback, as this way you are continuously improving.

Addressing nervousness and building confidence

It is normal to be nervous, but the key is to channel your fears into enthusiasm for your presentation topic. Practising deep breathing and talking to someone are both ways to manage anxiety ahead of the task, as is positive visualisation. Picture your presentation going perfectly, with you answering all the questions well. The more you practise, the more confident and self-assured you will be, especially if you have practised in assessment centre conditions.

By following the game changing tips outlined in the article (presentation dynamics, content, delivery, communication, visual aids, rehearsal and confidence building), you will be all set to deliver a stellar presentation at your next assessment centre. Mastering presentation skills not only enhances your chances of success at the application stage, but will put you in good stead for the rest of your legal career.

By following and applying the tips above, you can elevate your presentation and stand out in the competitive landscape of law firm applications. Good luck!

Selection & Assessment