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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 218080" data-attributes="member: 42112">Hey!Whilst I am not sure on the specifics of the Dechert Written Exercise, you can usually expect something that tests your ability to analyse information, structure arguments, and communicate clearly - it's less about legal knowledge and more about how you process information under time pressure.To prepare, I'd suggest:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document. For example, you might be asked to write an email to a client, a letter, a memo, or a report. Have a look at what the structure of each of these should be, and have a go drafting a couple to get used to it in advance.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this <a href="https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/definitive-guide-to-law-firm-case-studies-monday-article-series.3232/" target="_blank">forum post</a> by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!</li> </ul>I'd focus on condensing large chunks of information into clear, concise summaries, and then presenting these within a straightforward structure that flows logically and leads to a well-reasoned conclusion. Best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!</blockquote>

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