Hi, I just got the
Latham AC but have never done an AC before, does anyone have any tips on ACs or
Latham?
They would be much appreciated! Thank you so much
Congratulations!
Although I don't have any
Latham specific tips, Avni has previously broken down a comprehensive guide to AC's here
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....sment-centres-how-to-prepare.4534/#post-93642
Aside from that breakdown, it is important to think about what Grad Rec are assessing with each component of the AC e.g.
1. Interviews
These tend to assess your motivations/passion for the industry and more specifically the law firm. The reason this is important is because Lathams will be making an investment with each Trainee (around £150,000) so they want to see that you will stick around following qualification - hence its important to be firm specific as opposed to general. In addition to this, they want to see how you've developed your skills and how you'd operate in certain situations that you may face as a Trainee. Lastly, they'll be looking out for people who they can envisage a future working with, so bring your personality as well. Don't be afraid to laugh a little, crack a joke where you can, and generally try shaping the interview into a conversation.
2. Case Studies/Written Exercises
These are more skill based, and these will assess your ability to understand and analyse information. It does not have to be legal, so don't stress yourself out about understanding legal concepts, it just has to be speculative enough. So be strategic, but not optimistic, ensure any idea you have has something to back it up from the information in the case study. Once you've collated these, you'll be assessed on communicating these in a way that is understandable to the interviewer.
3. Group exercises
I have seen many candidates fall down on the group exercise portion of the AC, and I think it has to do with a small lapse in understanding how you're going to be assessed. Of course, bring your A game, but your marks are mostly going to be coming from your ability to work well in a team, getting along with those around you, involving others in the discussion who may be quiet, not remaining completely silent whilst one person does all the speaking, being comfortable sharing your opinion and open to changing this based off others. Don't get too focused on achieving the best individually, that you struggle to show case how you're a team player.
Good luck!