Mastering the Case Study Exercise: Your Guide to Success in Law Firm Assessments

The Case Study Exercise is one of the most challenging yet crucial parts of law firm assessment centres. Whether you're applying for a vacation scheme or a training contract at Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Slaughter and May, or top US firms like Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis, mastering this task is essential. But what exactly are recruiters looking for, and how can you structure your response effectively to stand out from the competition? This guide will break down how to approach legal and commercial case studies, analyse key issues, and deliver recommendations with confidence.

Understanding the Case Study Exercise

Law firms use case studies to assess how candidates think, structure arguments, and make commercial and legal decisions under pressure. You will typically be given a scenario involving a corporate client and asked to analyse information, identify risks, and propose solutions. For example, firms like Herbert Smith Freehills and Baker McKenzie may test your ability to advise a company on a potential acquisition, while Linklaters or Hogan Lovells might present a case study on ESG compliance risks for a multinational business.

What Are Recruiters Looking For?

• Legal and commercial awareness – Can you understand the wider business impact of legal advice?

• Logical structuring – Are your arguments clear, concise, and well-reasoned?

• Risk analysis and problem-solving – Can you identify key risks and recommend practical solutions?

• Communication and presentation – Can you explain your reasoning effectively to clients or senior lawyers?

  
  

How to Approach a Case Study Exercise Like a Future Trainee at a Magic Circle Firm

Step 1: Read and Analyse the Case Thoroughly

Take the first 5–10 minutes to carefully read the scenario. If you're applying to Clifford Chance, White & Case, or Allen & Overy, they may include documents like financial reports, contracts, client emails, or regulatory guidelines. Identify key issues and ask yourself:

• What is the client’s goal? (e.g., acquiring a competitor, defending a lawsuit, expanding into a new market)

• What are the legal risks? (e.g., contract breaches, regulatory challenges, employment law issues)

• What are the commercial risks? (e.g., reputational damage, financial instability, competitive pressures)

Step 2: Structure Your Response Clearly

Top firms like Freshfields and Ashurst value clear, structured thinking. Use the IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) for legal case studies and PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point) for commercial analysis.

• Introduction – Summarise the client’s situation and what they want to achieve.

• Key Issues – Identify the most important legal and commercial risks.

• Analysis – Discuss possible courses of action and their implications.

• Recommendation – Provide a concise, well-justified solution that balances legal, financial, and reputational considerations.

  
  

Step 3: Apply Commercial Awareness and Real-World Examples

Firms like Macfarlanes, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Skadden want to see market awareness. Reference relevant trends:

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) – “Given the recent regulatory scrutiny in UK and EU competition law, our client should conduct extensive due diligence before proceeding with this acquisition.”

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risks – “With firms like Pinsent Masons and Simmons & Simmons leading on ESG compliance, our client must implement robust sustainability policies to avoid reputational damage.”

• Technology & AI Regulations – “Following the UK’s AI White Paper, firms like DLA Piper are advising clients on navigating regulatory uncertainty in AI-driven contract automation.”

  
  

Step 4: Present Your Response Effectively

At assessment centres at firms like Travers Smith, Eversheds Sutherland, or Mayer Brown, you may be asked to present your findings to a panel. When doing so:

• Speak confidently and professionally, maintaining eye contact.

• Use bullet points or key headings to structure your argument.

• Anticipate counterarguments—if a partner at Weil Gotshal & Manges challenges your recommendation, be ready to defend your position.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Providing generic answers – Instead of saying, “The client should consider the risks,” be specific: “The client must assess GDPR compliance risks, as Mishcon de Reya recently advised a similar fintech startup facing regulatory scrutiny.”

 🚫 Ignoring commercial context – Legal knowledge is essential, but firms like Clyde & Co and Dentons want commercially savvy lawyers who can think beyond black-letter law. 

🚫 Lack of structure – If your answer jumps between ideas, it shows poor analytical skills, which could be a dealbreaker at Gibson Dunn or Paul Hastings.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Training Contract with a Winning Case Study Strategy

The case study exercise is one of the best ways to showcase your commercial acumen, structured thinking, and ability to handle real-world legal challenges. If you master this, you’ll stand out in assessment centres at Magic Circle, Silver Circle, US, and top UK law firms.

For comprehensive case study preparation, check out our Ultimate Commercial Law Course, designed to break down complex case studies into a digestible, easy-to-follow format. Or, if you prefer a personalised approach, book a session with one of our experienced tutors—all Magic Circle and US law firm trainees and NQs—who have helped 100+ students secure their dream TCs.

💡 Want to be fully prepared? Get in touch today and take your case study skills to the next level!