A Repeatable Formula for Structuring Case Study Responses
When facing a case study, whether written or oral, having a clear structure that makes sense is an absolute must. In fact, one could go as far as saying that having an outstanding structure to encase even mediocre content can still very well push you into the successful candidate pile and land you that training contract of your dreams!
In this article, we are giving away our tried-and-true structure formula. Of course, you will need to adjust this to fit the unique circumstances of every case study, but using this formula as your starting point will ensure that you do not “freeze up” staring at a blank sheet of paper during your AC, and will ensure that you are able to reliably and repeatably produce high-quality structures even under time-pressure.
Section 1: Executive Summary
Purpose: Including an executive summary at the top shows that you value the reader’s time. Your reader will often by your supervising partner or a lay client. A good executive summary will provide the reader with a 10-second synopsis of your piece so that, if they are rushing to their next meeting and don’t have time to read your piece in full, they can still get a broad understanding of the gist of your piece. In other words, it sets the stage for the rest of your report or presentation by summarising the main points.
How to Write a Good Executive Summary:
First Sentence: Begin by recapping what you understand the gist of the deal or task to be. This shows your comprehension of the case study’s context.
Summarise Key Points: Briefly outline the main considerations, issues, and proposed solutions. Keep it succinct - aim for no more than a few sentences. This is NOT the place to go into the “meat” of your arguments or reasoning!
Clarity and Precision: Use clear language and avoid jargon. The goal is to ensure that someone unfamiliar with the details can grasp the essence of your analysis.
Section 2: Key Considerations
Purpose: This section highlights the positive aspects or opportunities identified in the case study. In an M&A scenario, this could be the green flags - i.e. factors behind why this M&A might be a good idea.
Structure:
Sub-Heading 1: Clearly define the first consideration, explaining its significance and potential impact.
Additional Sub-Headings (2, 3 etc): Continue this pattern for any additional considerations.
If necessary, consider using sub-sub-headings, though don’t go too crazy with this as you might lose your reader if you’re 4+ layers deep!
Section 3: Key Risks & Proposed Solutions
Purpose: Here, you:
Identify the challenges or risks associated with the proposed transaction. In an M&A scenario, this could be red flags you have identified after reading the documents.
Identify the “so what?” for the client - don’t just state the facts, state the potential adverse consequences of the said fact.
Immediately follow up with your proposed solutions to overcome the challenge or risk identified, ensuring that these solutions are commercially viable and sensitive to the client’s specific needs and objectives. This shows that you will make a solution-oriented solicitor.
Structure:
Sub-Heading 1: Outline the first key issue, pointing to the facts and data associated with the challenge/risk, analysing why it poses a problem, predicting its potential consequences and providing your proposed solution.
Additional Sub-Headings (2, 3 etc): Continue this pattern for any additional risks/solutions.
Section 4: Next Steps
Purpose: Throughout your piece, you should naturally have suggested action points (e.g. the client needs to provide more information about X, you (the lawyer) needs to look into Y and come back with Z. A separate “next steps” section serves as a handy to-do list for both you and your client, with all action points recapped all in one place.
Structure:
Client’s List: Under this sub-heading, list all action points that require the client’s input or decision, such as providing more information or making strategic choices.
Lawyer’s List: Here, outline the actions that the legal team needs to take, such as conducting further research or preparing specific documents.
Top Tips for Success
Use Clear Heading Hierarchies: Ensure your document or presentation is well-organised with distinct headings and sub-headings. This aids readability and helps the assessor follow your logic.
Consider Legal Style Paragraphing: Use numbered paragraphs (1 > 1.1 > 1.1.1 for headings, sub-headings and sub-headings) to clearly delineate different sections and points, mirroring the style of professional legal documents.
Adapt as Needed: While this formula provides a starting point, be prepared to adapt it based on the specific requirements of the case study. Flexibility is key to addressing unique scenarios effectively.
