You're Only One Written Exercise Away from Your Dream Law Career – Make It Count!

Nov 30, 2023

Written By Zara Arif

A well-researched and personalised written exercise is often the key to unlocking legal opportunities, so this article will walk you through the process of perfecting your written submissions.

Understanding the written exercise landscape

Candidates can expect to encounter a diverse range of written exercises such as legal memos, case analyses or problem-solving scenarios. The key to preparing effectively for these is familiarising yourself with each format, and tailoring your response accordingly.

Also remember that law firms also have a common set of expectations when it comes to these exercises. These include the ability to analyse legal issues, think critically and communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

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Decoding success: key elements in a winning written exercise

You may think that law firms want you to use complex and verbose language to show intellect and prestige. In fact, the opposite is true. You should aim to be clear and concise in your written communication at all times.

It is also important to demonstrate strong analysis skills. Essentially, this means being able to identify legal or commercial issues, apply relevant principles and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions at the end of the process.

Most candidates will be able to work through this process. Critical thinking is what sets apart those who excel at this type of task. This involves the ability to evaluate information, consider multiple perspectives and make evidence-based judgements.

Preparing strategically for written exercises

Preparing strategically involves researching a firm thoroughly. This means understanding the firm’s culture and values and integrating this knowledge seamlessly into written responses. You can do this through linking each value to a personal interest or experience. This shows motivation and genuine interest.

Some candidates fall at the first hurdle of understanding the exercise brief. To avoid this, it is important to identify the key words in the instructions and put them within the context given. It is also important to recognise the underlying argument, so you can respond accordingly.

In order to manage your time effectively during the written exercise, you can create a rough outline in which you allocate time for different sections, whilst staying mindful of deadlines. This kind of dynamic planning allows you to stay organised but also adaptable to any unforeseen changes or challenges.

Crafting a compelling narrative: the art of legal writing

It is important to structure responses logically and coherently. You can order information under subtitles or group together similar ideas to enhance readability and avoid repetition.

You must also strike a balance between utilising legal language effectively and making your piece accessible to non-law candidates. One way to do this is by explaining more complex terms/ideas and constantly asking yourself as you write if legal jargon is completely necessary and relevant.

Whilst technical knowledge is important, you must also aim to make your work engaging and memorable. A well-crafted narrative can capture the assessor's attention. You can do this by sign-posting your argument (linking your writing back to the brief).

Navigating common challenges in written exercises

Often, the exercise brief will be ambiguous or open-ended. It can be easy to panic when you are unsure of exactly what you have to do. However, the key is to stay calm and pick an appropriate direction in which to take your work. Try to ground the brief in its legal and/or commercial context to help you analyse and structure a response.

If you struggle with test anxiety, It can also be helpful to practise mindfulness techniques, deep breathing and visualisation.

Practical tips for success: insights from legal professionals

Law firms have shared they are looking for you to analyse information, think clearly and logically and exercise your judgement in the written exercise. Many firms also assess your ability to understand client needs in a commercial context.

Common mistakes that candidates make in written exercises include spelling and grammar mistakes, so make sure to proof-read everything before submitting.

It’s also important to engage with the brief and to integrate the firm’s specific values into your responses. This makes your application less generic and demonstrates that you would be a good fit in their culture and working style.

Interactive learning: mock exercises and peer feedback

Mock exercises are extremely valuable in preparation. Simulated scenarios can provide a real-world feel and help you to refine your approach. It’s also always helpful to seek feedback from others as it can contribute to your personal improvement. Diverse perspectives and constructive criticism can help you to improve in ways you may not have thought of before.

All of this constitutes a process of iterative learning, as you have the opportunity to grow over time. Each practice session should be seen as an opportunity for refinement.

Post-exercise etiquette: The follow-up phase

It is important to reinforce professionalism and gratitude throughout the application process. Make sure to send thank-you notes or emails after completing the written exercise to do this.

It’s also completely normal to feel post-exercise anxiety when waiting for feedback. You should try to keep a positive mindset and focus on ongoing self-improvement.

Conclusion: making every written exercise count

In conclusion, each written exercise has its own specific importance, and you should see each one as a chance for growth and improvement. Even though written exercises can seem daunting, you should approach each one with confidence, as you have the tools to make it count. Each exercise contributes to your overall long-term development as a legal professional.

You should see each attempt at a written task as an opportunity for growth and improvement, which leads you one step closer to your dream career. Try to see application cycles as an opportunity rather than an impossible challenge.

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