I have been invited to a Harbottle and Lewis assessment centre.
I was wondering if anyone had done an assessment centre at Harbottle before and would be able to give me some advice? If not, some general advice about any of these activities would be great as well.
Thanks!
Huge congrats on the AC!
I recommend you check if the firm has shared any specific details about what the assessment center will involve. If they have, feel free to share that with me, as it’ll help me provide more tailored advice on how to approach each component.
That said, I’m pretty certain there will be a competency-based interview, so it’s essential to know your CV inside and out. This means being able to confidently talk about all your experiences, skills, and achievements. If you’re fully familiar with your CV, any question that comes your way will be much easier to handle because you’ll be able to quickly pull out the relevant examples and skills. This way, no matter how tricky or unexpected the question, you’ll always be prepared to give a structured and thoughtful answer. The key is to stay calm and make sure you can demonstrate how your experiences align with the competencies the firm is looking for.
Another big aspect to focus on is commercial awareness. It’s crucial not just to be aware of the specific deals the firm is working on, but also to understand broader macroeconomic trends and how they can influence the firm’s clients and their work resultantly. For instance, things like changes in interest rates, inflation, or political events can all impact the legal and business landscape. If you can show you’re thinking about these bigger trends, you’ll be able to weave that knowledge into different parts of the AC. Whether it’s in case studies, group exercises, or even the interview itself, demonstrating that you’re up-to-date with both the firm’s activities and the wider industry shows that you’re genuinely engaged and aware of the context in which the firm operates. This can help you stand out as someone who’s not just knowledgeable, but also proactive and forward-thinking.
Overall, just remember to stay calm, be yourself, and make sure you’re bringing in examples that highlight your skills and awareness of the industry. Confidence, preparation, and a good understanding of both your CV and the market will make you shine during the AC.
Best wishes!
