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.

This article aims to give you tried-and-true, step-by-step guidance on preparing for case studies in assessment centres at international commercial law firms when you apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. This practical guide brings you through the process from months in advance to the day of the assessment centre.

In the high-stakes environment of assessment centres, case studies are a common tool used by law firms to evaluate candidates. One of the challenges you might face during these exercises is the presence of red herrings. Understanding what red herrings are, how to identify them, and the importance of explaining your reasoning in discarding irrelevant information can significantly enhance your performance.