Here is my AC experience at BCLP in case it helps anyone.
We started with a drafting exercise which was simple - we had to read different materials and write a letter to a colleague explaining key points. If I remember well it was about different airlines and their offerings and we had to summarise their strengths and weaknesses - e.g. airline x had a recent press scandal, would this affect the profitability/profile of the company? (we used a laptop for this).
Next, we did a role play exercise - I met with an associate and I had to summarise the findings that I drafted earlier in the drafting exercise. He pretended he was under time pressure so I had to be clear and concise. He also asked me questions about the materials I read so make sure you read them carefully.
Then we had a negotiation group exercise which tested my commercial acumen. We had to agree head of terms between a mobile manufacturer and a supplier. No specific legal knowledge is needed for this. Have a look online for practice tests so you know what to expect.
Finally, the interview was very straight forward and basic. Discussed work experience, mix of competencies and why BCLP, role of trainee etc. It felt more like a chat than an interview - the partner was super chilled.
After the AC, they provided great feedback. My understanding is that they score all four sessions and if you pass them you get through. I passed all of them apart from the group exercise - I got marked down for missing a couple of points in the discussion and for being quiet in the beginning. During the feedback call, they told me what they are looking for in each of the exercises. You can see this below:
Drafting exercise:
- intellectual rigour
- commercial awareness
- clarity
Role play exercise:
- People skills and interacting with others
- Articulate using arguments and be coherent
- Create a positive and professional impression
Negotiation exercise:
- Client relationship
- Collaboration
- People skills
- Get your points across and collaborate
Interview:
- good understanding of role of trainee - and tasks would entail
- have a good logical thought process