Maximising Your Performance in Group Exercises During Law Firm Assessment Centres

Jun 11, 2023

Written By Zara Arif

Several firms use group exercises as part of their assessment centres for vacation schemes and training contracts. These can be quite intimidating and difficult to navigate, as you are being assessed in a high-pressure situation with people you have just met. This article aims to demystify what firms are looking for in a group exercise, and how to maximise your performance in order to get an offer.

What is a group exercise?

Group exercises are one of the many things you can expect to take part in as part of the interview process. Arguably, it is one of the most important ways in which a firm can gauge if you are the right fit for them, because as a trainee solicitor you will be working in teams every day.

Normally, you will be provided with a task, perhaps a presentation or a draft email/document. You will be put into a small group with other candidates, and be given some time to prepare the task together.

In the given preparation time, you normally have someone observing and taking notes on what each member of the group is doing and how everyone interacts.

Which firms use group exercises at their assessment centres?

There are a variety of firms which use group exercises as part of their selection process during assessment centres. However, they tend to be most popular as part of the recruitment process for large commercial firms. Many people apply to these firms, so the group exercise is a way for them to shortlist applicants.

There are many other firms who also use this type of exercise as part of their interview process, however, so it is important to check each firm’s website before applying.

Tips to maximise your performance

The most important thing to remember to maximise your performance is to be your authentic self. Don’t try to act or play a role that you think will get you an internship or training contract offer. Graduate recruitment sees hundreds of students every year and they are able to see through people who are quite literally putting on a performance in these types of exercises.

Having said this, one of the best things you can do to maximise your performance is to carry out some in depth research into the values of the firm. Lots of firms have a framework or mindset that they are looking for. It is a good idea to have this in mind and think about which of these qualities you already have and how you could maximise them in a group task. For example, if you are a creative thinker, be sure to listen carefully and propose innovative but reasonable solutions to the group.

Another way to maximise your performance is to be measured and a good listener. You might think that in order to impress you have to stand out and speak the most. However, this defeats the object of a group exercise.

They want to see that you can effectively work within a group. This might mean taking on a leadership role, but good leaders are not overbearing. They are people who might ask the quieter members of the group for their input or take the time to give everyone a chance to speak or give their opinion.

Therefore, the key to maximising your performance in this type of exercise is to not overthink or over complicate what is being asked of you. You simply have to apply what you genuinely think will help the group to fulfil the task to the highest level. You have to demonstrate the unique role you can play in a group situation. This is the most effective way to stand out and ensure a good performance, rather than being the loudest or most opinionated person in the room.

Selection & Assessment