{ "html_item": { "id": 11300719, "html_text": "

Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme - January 2025

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

3. Assessment centre 

3. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Vacation scheme assessment centre

Where did the assessment centre take place?            

Virtually, via Zoom

What did the assessment centre involve?      

1. Group activity: debate (20 minutes preparation, 20 minute group discussion in front of recruiters)

2. Written exercise: drafting an email to a client (30 minutes, no word limit)

Group activity 

Our group was divided into breakout rooms on Zoom and introduced to a thought-provoking discussion topic: whether to build on the green belt. One group was assigned to argue in favour, while the other opposed the idea. 

We were supervised by a recruiter and current trainee during the preparation phase. After 20 minutes of preparation, we reconvened for a lively and constructive debate, exploring both perspectives. Following a thoughtful exchange of ideas, we successfully reached a mutual agreement. Recruiters supervised the debate.

Note that we didn't use the internet to research the topic - there wasn't really time, and I don't think we were supposed to anyway.

I believe that quality matters more than quantity in this type of exercise. The most impressive candidates provided well-thought-out responses. I also recommend structuring your 20 minutes of preparation before diving in, as time passes quickly. Be sure to leave a few minutes at the end to refine the format of your argument for a more polished delivery.

Written exercise 

The written exercise required me to draft an email response to a client. 

I was introduced to the task through a brief email from an associate, outlining the context and requesting that I address several concerns raised by the client. I was also sent a lengthy email from the "client". 

The emails pertained to a piece of artwork that had been misleadingly sold as authentic when it was not. Expressing significant distress, the client also brought up additional personal issues, making it essential to craft a thoughtful and empathetic response. 

The client’s email was lengthy and dense, so I recommend quickly identifying the key points rather than spending too much time reading it in detail. This allows you to start drafting your response efficiently. To prepare, I had written a few professional emails in advance, which helped a lot on the day.

What was the outcome?                                                  

The firm said they would get back to us within a few weeks (after other ACs had happened) 



Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme – February 2024

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Assessment centre

Which aspect does this report cover?

Assessment centre 

Where did the assessment centre take place?             

Online

What did the assessment centre involve?      

There was no formal interview. Instead, I participated in a group exercise and a written exercise. 

1. Group exercise: we were assigned ‘for’ or ‘against’ a statement regarding the introduction of compulsory maths up until age 18 (~20 minutes in a group of 6, overseen by 1 assessor). The 2 groups then came together to present their arguments and negotiate to come to a final, unanimous decision (20 minutes with graduate recruiters, trainees and partners observing).  

2. Written exercise: employment-dispute written exercise (45 minutes)

Group exercise

We had to argue for the government proposal of introducing compulsory maths classes to school students up until age 18. 

We were placed into two groups of 6 and then taken into two separate rooms (each with a supervising partner). We had 20 minutes to discuss and put together our argument, which was ‘for’ the statement. We were then brought back to the main room for 20 minutes and each group presented their argument. Within the same 20 minutes, we then had to negotiate with each other to come to a final unanimous decision on the statement. The graduate recruitment team were present, alongside a current trainee and a partner. 

I recommend getting involved in the conversation, being supportive of others who contribute, asking those who have not spoken if they have anything to add, keeping track of the time to make sure the group stays on track for the deadline, and trying not to feel intimidated by loud and dominating speakers (they are likely not to get an offer!). 

I would also advise that you make sure you are speaking for a good reason and giving a valid contribution rather than just speaking for the sake of your voice being heard. I would also recommend considering how you can demonstrate diplomacy. I resolved a contrast in opinion between two of my teammates, which the assessors seemed to like. 

Written exercise

I was presented with a scenario which involved advising a fictional client in connection with a contentious employment matter. An employee had made a complaint to HR on the grounds of alleged discrimination and bullying because of their mental health. Both employees had been suspended and the client wanted our advice on how to manage the situation with as limited collateral damage as possible. I had to suggest which further documents and evidence would be needed from the suspended employee in connection with their case (e.g. their employment contract).

I recommend drawing the client’s attention to the key issues, and considering all of the potentially relevant stakeholders. You could also practice writing professional emails and letters before attending the assessment day.

What was the outcome?                                                  

The firm emailed me two days after the assessment centre to offer me a place on the vacation scheme. They had told us not to expect anything by the following week, so I wouldn’t worry if you do not hear as quickly as this. 



Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme - March 2022 

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Assessment centre

3.Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Assessment centre and vacation scheme 

Where did the assessment centre take place?            

Online

What did the assessment centre involve?      

There was no formal Interview. Instead, I participated in a group exercise and a written exercise.

1. Group exercise: discussion regarding the right to privacy (~30 minutes in a group of 6, overseen by 1 partner).

2. Written exercise: employment-related written exercise (45 minutes)

Group exercise

We had to discuss a reputation issue concerning a member of the royal family.

We were placed into two groups of 6 and then taken into two separate rooms (each with a supervising partner). We had to discuss whether a member of The Royal Family deserved the right to privacy in respect of certain information, even though they had made that information public. One group had to argue for the motion, the other against. Once we finished discussing the issue as a group, we were reunited with the other group and had to debate the topic in the presence of both partners.

I recommend getting involved in the conversation, being supportive of others who contribute, asking those who have not spoken if they have anything to add, keeping track of the time and making sure the group stays on track for the deadline, and trying not to feel intimidated by loud and dominating speakers (they are likely not to get an offer!).

Written exercise

I was presented with a scenario which involved advising a fictional client in connection with a contentious employment matter. A senior executive at the client had bullied an employee on the basis of his sexuality, and the client had subsequently suspended that employee. I had to suggest which further documents and evidence would be needed from the suspended employee in connection with their case (e.g. their employment contract).

I recommend drawing the client’s attention to the key issues, and considering all of the potentially relevant stakeholders. You could also practice writing professional emails and letters before attending the assessment day.

Vacation scheme

The vacation scheme lasted 2 weeks. It involved sitting in two different departments (I sat in Corporate and Rural Property).

This vacation scheme in particular had many social aspects, including: a lunch with trainees on the first day; a tour of the courts, followed by a lunch with partners and associates; a legal walk across London; lunch talks (whereby different departments came and spoke with us as we ate lunch); a Q&A with the Managing Partner; and a coffee with a partner (this was a mini interview!).

On the vacation scheme, we were partnered with an associate in each department, and also had a trainee buddy who took us around the firm and to our departments on the first day.

The associates gave us work as if we were trainees, but the work was not particularly challenging. There were a lot of days (especially the working from home days) where I had no work at all. I contacted various people within the department, including other associates, but was still not given much work.

There was also a presentation that we had to complete, which was assessed by the graduate recruitment team. This centred on Farrer & Co and its sustainability policy, and we were asked to come up with ideas to further the firm’s sustainability aims. We presented in groups of 6 to the grad recruitment team via a webcam (they were working from home).

The overall experience was very enjoyable. This vacation scheme was not challenging and there were lots of social events throughout the day.

What was the outcome?                                                  

The firm emailed me a week after the assessment centre to offer me a place on the vacation scheme.

" } }