Rose Body: What to expect at the Training Contract Assessment Centre

Choosing where to begin your legal career is one of the most important decisions you'll make. In this series, our trainee solicitors share their experiences of life at Porter Dodson, offering practical advice, insights into the training contract journey and an honest perspective on developing a career in law. Whether you're considering applying for a training contract, exploring paralegal opportunities or preparing for the SQE route to qualification, these first-hand stories provide valuable guidance from those who have recently been in your position.

How I secured my Training Contract: Lessons from the Assessment Centre

Securing a training contract had been a long-term goal of mine, so being invited to attend the assessment centre was both exciting and nerve-racking.

As an internal candidate, I already had an understanding of the firm's culture and values, but I knew I still needed to demonstrate why I was ready to take the next step in my career. The assessment centre included a group presentation, an in-tray exercise, a partner interview and a networking lunch, so I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as possible for every stage of the process.

The Group Presentation

When preparing for the group presentation, I quickly realised that success wasn't just about delivering good ideas. The assessors would also be looking at how candidates worked together as a team.

I reminded myself that being a good team player isn't about being the loudest person in the room. On the day, I tried to create space for everyone to share their views and made a conscious effort to build on other people's ideas. Taking this approach helped me stay calm and enjoy the exercise rather than viewing it purely as a test.

The In-Tray Exercise

The in-tray exercise was designed to test how candidates deal with competing priorities and make decisions under pressure. I knew there was unlikely to be one perfect answer, so my aim was to demonstrate a logical approach.

During the exercise, I concentrated on staying organised, managing my time effectively and clearly explaining my reasoning. Although working under time pressure can feel challenging, I found that preparing beforehand helped me approach the task with confidence.

The Partner Interview

The partner interview was the part I was most nervous about because I knew it would be my chance to explain not only why I wanted a training contract, but why I wanted to continue my career at Porter Dodson specifically.

In preparation, I spent time reflecting on my experiences, the challenges I had overcome and the skills I had developed throughout my career so far. Once I started viewing the interview as a conversation rather than an interview, I found my nerves much easier to manage.

The Networking Lunch

The networking lunch gave candidates the chance to meet partners, trainees and newly qualified solicitors in a more informal environment.

Before the day, I thought about questions I could ask about their career paths and experiences at the firm. Having those conversation starters in mind helped me feel more relaxed and allowed me to enjoy the opportunity to learn from others. It also reinforced why I wanted to pursue my training contract at Porter Dodson.

Learning from Rejection

One of the most valuable lessons in my training contract journey came before this assessment centre.

Like many aspiring solicitors, I had previously attended an assessment centre and been unsuccessful. At the time, I was naturally disappointed. However, after the initial setback, I decided to focus on what I could learn from the experience rather than dwelling on the outcome.

Over time, I gained more experience, developed my skills and grew in confidence. When the opportunity arose to apply again, I approached the process with a lot more confidence and a broader range of experiences to draw upon.

Looking back, my biggest piece of advice would be to prepare thoroughly, reflect on your experiences and trust the skills that have brought you this far. You can't predict every question or every exercise, but you can give yourself the best chance of success by being prepared and authentic.

Most importantly, be yourself. The assessment centre is not only an opportunity for the firm to get to know you, but also an opportunity for you to show what makes you unique.

Rose Body, Paralegal and Future Trainee Solicitor

Meet our trainees and learn more about our training contract programme on our Trainees page here.

Applications for our Solicitor Training contract 2027/28 are open now until 6th January 2027 - click here to apply