Clyde & Co vacation scheme -  February 2024

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Video interview 

3. Assessment centre

4. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Vacation scheme assessment centre 

Where did the assessment centre take place?            

Virtually, via Top Score

What did the assessment centre involve?       

1. Group exercise: group discussion about a contractual clause (60 minutes, assessed by an associate and the graduate recruitment team) 

2. Commercial thinking exercise: written email to a fictional client (~20 minutes, including preparation time and writing time)

3. General interview: strengths-based and motivation questions (~40 minutes, assessed by one partner)

4. Case study with roleplay: briefing a partner on a client dispute and answering questions (~30 minutes of preparation time, 10 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion reflecting on the exercise, assessed by one partner) 

5. Trainee solicitor Q&A: unassessed Q&A (~30 minutes, with no assessors present)

Group exercise  

We were asked to imagine that we were a team of colleagues working in Clyde & Co’s Projects and Construction Team. In the fictional scenario, the firm was advising a global construction client on introducing a new climate-conscious clause in their supply chain contracts. We were given a brief, including background information about the client, an email chain with the client, various options for the climate-conscious clause, and guidance on what makes a clause strong or week.

Each group member was allocated a specific clause to represent. We then each had 12 minutes (individually) to analyse our allocated clause and decide whether it was strong based on the guidance we had been provided.

Next, we met with the wider group and had 15-20 minutes to collectively consider the options and reach a group recommendation on which one clause Clyde & Co should advise the client to include. We each had ~2 minutes to pitch our clause to the group. 

Following the meeting, we had 10 minutes to collectively present our decision to the Head of Projects and Construction, who was played by an assessor (a partner). Following this presentation, there was a brief Q&A where each group member was asked one question by the assessor. 

I was told I performed well in this, as I was calm, remained focused and defended my arguments well.  

Commercial thinking exercise

I was given background information about the firm and a fictional client. I had to summarise the information and make 5 recommendations to the client regarding how the firm could support the client. This was very time pressured – I only managed to make two recommendations.

Research and understand the firm's key practice areas and sectors in advance, as this knowledge was key. I would advise using bullet points and subheadings in your written piece.

General interview

Strengths-based questions

• Some people believe it’s impossible to identify small errors in your own work, especially if you’re familiar with the document. How would you check for errors in your own work?
• When have you successfully learned something new and how have you successfully put this into practice?
• Why do you think it’s important to adapt your communication style to an audience when explaining complex issues? 
• Imagine you are talking about a case with a colleague but she disagrees with several points. What would you do to ensure they are aware of your views and opinions?
• What factors help to ensure the commercial success of a law firm? 

Firm motivation questions

• Why do you want to work in law?
• Why Clyde & Co specifically?

To perform well you need to have a good understanding of the firm. Research recent challenges it has faced, its key sectors (e.g. aviation and insurance), its key deals etc. 

Case study with roleplay

I was asked to play the role of trainee, supporting a partner who was dealing with an urgent issue that has been raised by a client. The client was considering suing one of its suppliers, and has reached out to the partner for help.  

I was given a 15-page brief, containing information regarding the client’s issues and instructions from the partner about what they needed from me. I essentially had to summarise the issues and propose next steps. 

I had 15 minutes to prepare, before meeting with my assessor (who played the role of partner) for another ~15 minutes to discuss my findings. I then took part in a reflection session, where I was asked reflection questions relating to the roleplay. 

To perform well in this task you need to have a good understanding of the brief. What helped me was skim reading all of the information and then making notes, as this helped me to absorb it all.

What was the outcome?                                                  

The firm phoned me a few days after the assessment centre to tell me I had been successful. 

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

• Use multiple sources when researching the firm, including Chambers Student, The Legal 500, the firm’s website, LinkedIn etc.
• Research key deals and recent challenges.
• I also listened to Watson’s Daily which really helped me demonstrate my commercial awareness; it summarises current commercial events really well.

Clyde & Co vacation scheme - December 2022

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Video interview 

3. Assessment centre

4. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Vacation scheme assessment centre 

Where did the assessment centre take place?            

Virtually, via Top Score

What did the assessment centre involve?       

1. Group exercise: discussion around contractual clauses (10 minutes reading time, 20 minute group discussion, 10 minutes of questions from the assessors. Assessed by two senior associates)

2. Commercial thinking exercise: written email to a fictional client (~20 minutes, including preparation time and writing time)

3. General interview: strengths-based and motivation questions (~40 minutes, assessed by one partner)

4. Case study with roleplay: briefing a partner on a client dispute and answering questions (~30 minutes of preparation time, 10 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion reflecting on the exercise. Assessed by one partner) 

5. Trainee solicitor Q&A: unassessed Q&A (~30 minutes, with no other assessors present)

Group exercise  

For the group exercise, I was placed into a group of four and given material about a range of climate-friendly clauses that could be implemented into commercial contracts. I was allocated one of the clauses, and during the exercise, I had to convince other candidates that my clause should be included. I was given detailed background information which included the rationale for including my clause in the contract, including the pros and cons of doing so. I was also provided with the same information about the other group members’ clauses.

During the discussion, I had to respond other candidates' questions about my clause's weaknesses and disadvantages. I also had to evaluate and ask questions about other participants' clauses, and raise my disagreements respectfully. The group had to vote at the end on which clause to implement (although the assessors explained that the group’s decision would not affect whether or not we would be successful individually).

The assessors observing the exercise then asked us a question each to encourage us to reflect on the exercise (e.g. “is there anything you would have done differently?”, “did you agree with the group’s decision?”, and “what techniques did you use to persuade the rest of the group?”).

This group exercise assessed how I could influence and persuade others. Be prepared to back your opinions and respond to arguments put forward by others. Make sure you challenge others respectfully. Give clear and structured responses to the questions the assessors ask at the end of the exercise. 

Commercial thinking exercise

I was given information about a new client and had to prepare an email outlining how the firm could support the client. The information included details of the client’s business and specific issues that the client was facing. The written exercise was time-pressured, so I would recommend using bullet points and sub-headings. Note that I went beyond practice areas and sector expertise when pitching the firm.

Research and understand the firm's key practice areas and sectors in advance, as this knowledge was key.

General interview

I was asked questions about the key strengths the firm looks for, along with a few firm motivation questions. 

Strengths-based questions

• What would you do if someone disagreed with you? 
• How would you check a bundle of documents was correct? 
• How would you explain something to someone? 
• How would you persuade someone to come around to your point of view? 
• How would you deal with a difficult situation? 

Firm motivation questions

• Why are you applying to Clyde & Co? 
• What are you most looking forward to working on as a trainee solicitor at Clyde & Co?

Reflect on all your experiences and the skills you have developed that align with the strengths the firm seeks. The firm expects answers to go into sufficient detail, drawing on examples from your own experiences. Be prepared for career and firm motivation questions. Also research the seat choices, secondments, and trainee initiatives available during the training contract.

Case study with roleplay

At the start, I was given details of a fictional client dispute. This information was spread across a number of “emails” and included email correspondence between the parties to the dispute, as well as information regarding court proceedings. I had 30 minutes to piece together this information to understand the background and prepare (note that I could not use the internet to assist with the exercise).

I then had 10 minutes to verbally brief an assessor (a partner) regarding what was going on. In particular, I had to summarise the current circumstances around the dispute, and explain what the next steps should be. The partner then asked follow-up questions testing my understanding of the situation and the next steps. 

Ensure you read the briefing materials carefully and structure your notes in a way that enables you to quickly recall facts and points when questioned. Perhaps use diagrams to map out key relationships and timelines to map out key events. Also structure your presentation well and deliver it with confidence. 

What was the outcome?                                                  

The firm phoned me a few days after the assessment centre to tell me I had been unsuccessful. This was apparently based on my performance in the case study roleplay. 

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

• Attend events involving Clyde & Co to hep you understand the firm in detail. There were several sector-focused insight days run virtually before I applied. 
• Research strengths-based recruitment processes. Clyde & Co use the strengths-based process to understand what you would enjoy and will observe how energised you are by the different activities. 
• Complete the firm’s virtual programme on The Forage and learn about the firm’s practice area and sector strengths. 

The key strengths, as explained during an Open Day, that the firm assesses are: 

• Legal affinity (awareness of the firm and broader commercial environment).
• Detail. 
• Explainer.
• Persuasion.
• Resilience.
• Personal responsibility.

The strengths that the firm looks for during each exercise, as explained in a virtual open day, are: 

• Commercial thinking exercise: legal affinity and detail. 
• Role play: learning agility, resilience, personal responsibility.
• Group exercise: collaboration, explainer, persuasion, judgement.
• General interview: all strengths and firm motivation assessed.