- Feb 17, 2018
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Macfarlanes 2021 Training Contract Assessment Centre (anonymous)
1. In-tray exercise
The intray was something very hard to prepare for and specific commercial knowledge isn't actually required. The task requires you to read over information (3 different sets) in the preparation time and then go into an interview with a partner/two who you will discuss your findings with. I would recommend that you ensure that you leave enough time to look at all three, because you will be asked about all three pieces of information and follow the questions that they give you for guidance in the preparation time. Be prepared to stick up for yourself and only give into the partner if you really believe their opinion is right because they are there to challenge you and want to test your resilience.
2. Interview
Very relaxed interview with a partner and was more conversational than an interview. Asked normal questions like 'why macfarlanes', 'why commercial law' and competencies. This is probably the only thing you can really prepare for.
3. Group Exercise
There was a group of 3 (including myself). I can't remember the specific task however I think we had to come up with a business idea for a client and then come to conclusions on how we would set this up e.g. how we would finance the deal. I don't think they are really testing how technical you are here but instead want to test your general commercial acumen. They give you guidance on what to discuss. Later on in the day we had to present our findings however this was more interactive and the partners/senior associates would ask questions throughout rather than waiting until the end.
4. Written Exercise
This was very short on time. We had a pack of information to read over (a complaint from a client) and had to write an email responding to the client and offering compensation, as well as a memo to the partner stating what action you think should be taken. It was imperative to leave enough time to write both responses, as well as to properly analyse all the information you are given.
1. In-tray exercise
The intray was something very hard to prepare for and specific commercial knowledge isn't actually required. The task requires you to read over information (3 different sets) in the preparation time and then go into an interview with a partner/two who you will discuss your findings with. I would recommend that you ensure that you leave enough time to look at all three, because you will be asked about all three pieces of information and follow the questions that they give you for guidance in the preparation time. Be prepared to stick up for yourself and only give into the partner if you really believe their opinion is right because they are there to challenge you and want to test your resilience.
2. Interview
Very relaxed interview with a partner and was more conversational than an interview. Asked normal questions like 'why macfarlanes', 'why commercial law' and competencies. This is probably the only thing you can really prepare for.
3. Group Exercise
There was a group of 3 (including myself). I can't remember the specific task however I think we had to come up with a business idea for a client and then come to conclusions on how we would set this up e.g. how we would finance the deal. I don't think they are really testing how technical you are here but instead want to test your general commercial acumen. They give you guidance on what to discuss. Later on in the day we had to present our findings however this was more interactive and the partners/senior associates would ask questions throughout rather than waiting until the end.
4. Written Exercise
This was very short on time. We had a pack of information to read over (a complaint from a client) and had to write an email responding to the client and offering compensation, as well as a memo to the partner stating what action you think should be taken. It was imperative to leave enough time to write both responses, as well as to properly analyse all the information you are given.
