Tackling Case Studies at Law Firm Assessment Centres as a Non-Law Student
If you're a non-law student preparing for assessment centres at international commercial law firms, you might feel apprehensive about competing against law students. However, it's important to remember that law firms design case studies to assess commercial acumen rather than legal knowledge. This article shows you how you can approach these case studies with confidence and demonstrate your potential as a future solicitor.
1. Embrace Your Commercial Acumen
Focus on Business Insight:
Law firms are looking for candidates who can think commercially. This means understanding the business implications of a scenario, identifying key issues, and proposing practical solutions - most of it is really rather common sense, coupled with the technical knowledge that you’ll be able to learn from the resources (under both the Free Resources and Catalogue tabs) here on Case Study Success. If you have a background in business or finance, you may even have an upper hand, but if not, you will still be able to provide a unique perspective that law firms value.
Analytical Skills:
Use your analytical skills to break down complex information into manageable parts. Whether it’s interpreting financial statements or evaluating market trends, your ability to analyse data and draw insightful conclusions is crucial. Analytical skills are a mainstay of most degree subjects, from History, English, PPE to STEM. Make sure you use the opportunity to show off this transferrable skill.
2. Understand the Legal Context
Basic Legal Concepts:
While the focus is on commercial acumen, you are applying to be a lawyer at the end of the day. This means you should be comfortable with basic legal concepts and able to read and interpret simple legal documents. Familiarise yourself with common legal terms and structures, such as contracts and agreements, to build your confidence. Case Study Success materials are designed to help you do just that.
Document Interpretation:
You will often need to interpret various documents, such as press releases, financial statements, and reports. Approach these documents as a lawyer would, identifying relevant information and considering basic legal implications for the case at hand.
3. Develop a Structured Approach
Whether one is a law or non-law student has little to do with one’s ability to be structured and organised in communicating their thoughts. Given that this is one of the top skills law firms are looking for, do not worry about being at a disadvantage as a non-law student.
Organise Your Thoughts:
A structured approach is key to tackling case studies effectively. Start by summarising the main issues, then identify relevant information and prioritise tasks. Present your analysis logically, ensuring that your recommendations are clear and well-supported.
Communicate Clearly:
Whether your deliverable is a written report or an oral presentation, clear communication is essential. Use concise language and avoid jargon, ensuring that your points are accessible and persuasive to your audience.
4. Leverage Your Unique Perspective
Diverse Backgrounds:
Non-law students bring diverse experiences and perspectives that can be advantageous in case studies - there’s a reason why as many as 50% of future trainees are from non-law disciplines! Use your background to offer fresh insights and innovative solutions that might not be immediately apparent to others.
Cross-Disciplinary Skills:
Draw on skills from your discipline, such as financial analysis, strategic thinking, or project management, to enhance your case study performance. Demonstrating how these skills apply in a legal context can set you apart.
5. Practice and Preparation
Mock Case Studies:
Whether you are law student or not, practice is key to building confidence. Engage in mock case studies to simulate the assessment centre environment and refine your approach. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement.
Research and Learn:
Familiarise yourself with the types of scenarios you might encounter and the industries in which the law firms operate. Understanding the broader business context can help you make informed and relevant recommendations.
Final Thoughts
As a non-law student, you’ll be forgiven for overestimating how prepared a law student might be for a case study at top commercial law firms. In actuality, reading Law at university is an overwhelmingly academic experience, and law students actually do have to work just as hard as non-law students in gaining the level of commercial knowledge and acumen law firms are looking for in case studies. In fact, as a non-law student, you bring valuable unique perspectives to case studies, which a law student might miss. Our resources are geared towards both law and non-law students and are beginner-friendly, whichever degree discipline you’re in.
