Blackadders Training Contract (2027) - August 2025
What was the full recruitment process?
1. Application
2. Assessment centre
3. Final interview
Which aspect does this report cover?
Training contract assessment centre and final stage interview.
Where did the assessment centre take place?
Discovery Point, Dundee
What did the assessment centre involve?
1. Group task: replicate a Lego construction (45 minutes group work, 15 minute discussion, with partners and HR)
2. Written task: take notes during a pretend client meeting and write a summary email (~15 minute introduction, 5 minute role-play with two partners, 25 minutes to write the email)
3. Presentation: presentation on any topic (3 minute presentation, to 2 partners, 1 member of HR, and 10-15 candidates)
Group task
Everyone was split into groups of ~6. We were all shown a Lego tree with a unique shape. This tree was then placed in a different room, and we had to nominate 1 person who could do 3 visits to the lego tree and tell us how to build it. Each team was provided with the exact amount of lego pieces and were given 40 mins to complete the task.
After the task, we had to discuss:
We then had to nominate 2 speakers (one for each question) that would present our discussion points to the whole group of candidates.
The group task was the most difficult. It was clear that we were being assessed on how we handled a difficult/stressful task as a group. The best advice is to communicate clearly and calmly, not to cut anyone off or to act panicked. No group completed the task 100% perfectly.
Written task
Two partners played out a role-play scenario centred on a client meeting. During the meeting we were expected to take notes on the important information (client name, email, previous employer name, general facts, billing etc).
To summarise:
It was my task to write an email summarising the meeting to the client, ensuring I had the correct name, email, and facts. We were given around 25mins to complete the email. Most candidates had to physically write the email, however candidates with disability provisions were allowed to use a laptop.
Overall, the role-play was lighthearted with some jokes written in, which helped calm my nerves. The role-play was only around 5 mins long.
The written exercise was the easiest. During the roleplay, write down all names mentioned, the legal issues and solutions, dates, and the estimated price. When drafting the e-mail, be friendly towards the client (e.g say “Good afternoon, I hope you are well”), use headings and sub-headings to display information clearly (e.g have a heading for facts), and use bullet points if possible.
Presentation
When invited to the assessment centre, candidates were informed that they had to prepare a 3 min presentation on any topic of their choosing. We were given the option to create/use slides, which almost everyone did. Here are some examples from the day:
The presentation was performed to about 10-15 candidates and a panel of 2 partners and 1 HR employee.
The presentation was straightforward. When preparing, consider how presentable your slides are, use bullet points and not full paragraphs, and choose a topic you are knowledgeable about. During the presentation, have brief moments of eye contact with the audience, talk at a slightly slower place than you would usually, and the most important tip is to walk around a little and use hand gestures, as this stops you from over-relying on notes.
What was the outcome?
The firm emailed me a couple days after and invited me to the final stage interview
Final stage interview
This took place in the firm's main office in Dundee, and lasted around 30 minutes.
I was interviewed by the joint managing partners. I had to do another presentation (same brief as the assessment centre), I was told I could do the same topic as the one during the assessment centre; but I did a new topic.
I was only asked a handful of questions, for example:
The best advice for an interview is to think before you speak, take a breath before answering. The firm has a focus on growth and technology, so be prepared to answer questions on those topics
What was the outcome?
Two days after the interview, I received a phone call from one of the managing partners to tell me that I had been successful and they would like to offer me a training contract.
" } }