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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Anon08" data-source="post: 70833">Hey, thanks for your question!First, congratulations on the AC - this year's competition has been stiff, with applications up anywhere between 40-80%, so well done!Second, regarding advice for ACs/specifically Bird & Bird (please note that my experience/assessments may differ from what you will have - especially given the virtual format!). When I did my AC, for a VS, in February 2020, I had the following assessments:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Competency/Motivational Interview </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Group Exercise </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Written Exercise</li> </ol>The competency/motivational interview (which I'll just refer to as 'the interview') was really straightforward. I had about 30 minutes in front of two partners, and I was asked the very typical career/firm motivational questions, some pretty standard competency questions (the whole 'tell me about a time' stuff), and, if I remember correctly, one or two competency-situational judgement questions (how would you react/what would you do if you had to do something that contravened your [insert competency here]?). For an idea of questions that could be asked (not just in this AC, but in others too), see: <a href="https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/175-training-contract-interview-questions-2/" target="_blank">https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/175-training-contract-interview-questions-2/</a>.The group exercise was quite simple too. This was entirely non-legal. We were each given a document, which outlined your specific brief (each person had specific objectives) and everyone else's (so you knew what others wanted to achieve as well). We then had approximately 45-minutes to discuss the situation at hand, negotiate and persuade each other to achieve certain things. Naturally, each person wanted to achieve their objectives - however, the real test was to know when to compromise and to ensure the overall success, or placation (for want of a better word!), of your teammates.The written exercise was also non-legal. We had about 45-60 minutes to read a bundle of documents, regarding a business that was having certain innovation/expansion ideas, and produce a consultancy-style report (essentially give an analysis of the proposals in the brief, and think of some solutions/workarounds). Nothing too complex, but make sure you keep an eye on the time.My advice, unfortunately or otherwise, is pretty standard here:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">For the competency/motivational interview - know your answers inside out and make sure they incorporate specific detail. Bird & Bird is a smaller, more unique firm, and therefore will want to see strong motivation and a candidate who matches their ethos. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">For the group exercise - use the following framework (I have written about this elsewhere on the forum): make three major contributions (in the first third (of your time), in the second third, and in the final third). Naturally, you can contribute outside of that time - but ensuring you make substantive contributions in those slots means that you establish your contribution to the group whilst guaranteeing you do not overpower the conversation. At the beginning of the exercise, offer to be the time-keeper and give your group regular time checks (don't miss them, otherwise this counts against you!). Finally, when you speak, make sure to thank the person who spoke before you (use their name) and then when you finish talking, rope another teammate in who the conversation is relevant to or someone who hasn't spoken in a while (again, do so using their name). </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">For the written exercise - a simple yet strong structure is essential to segment your points and to stay on track. Make sure you read the whole brief at an appropriate pace (yes, it is a lot, but it is doable), and answer any specific questions that are contained within. Always write clearly, rather than trying to be verbose to show off. Keep an eye on the time - it will run away from you if you do not set yourself mini-deadlines (e.g., finish section x by y). Employ your technical knowledge but not to the detriment of your common sense/critical thinking.</li> </ol>Do look through this thread/my posts on the forum as there is probably some information that might be relevant to your position - however, if you still have any follow-up questions, feel free to post them!</blockquote>

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