Insight participant Review

It was a fun experience which balanced time in two seats, offering a more detailed insight into specific practice areas, networking, seminar-based talks, practical skills sessions and group work, and fun outside of the office. I was able to get to know a range of people in the office, as well as other participants throughout the insight.

I was surprised to find that the work I was given was useful to supervisors! Research, drafts of emails or documents, or the production of spreadsheets to track documents were all used to an extent, and my supervisors were keen to show me how and when they used my contributions.

Everyone was very supportive throughout the insight. The nature of the experience is to stand on your own two get but to do so in a supportive environment. I found that everyone was willing to explain terminology, processes and tasks for me. People were incredibly generous with their time to help answer any questions I had.

An insight is a great way to develop practical skills for a working context. Time management, appropriate communication and efficiency are all among these skills which grow over a period of four weeks. Adjusting to many new aspects of life in the office helped me personally be more confident in asking questions and enthusiastically approach new tasks.

Linklaters have an established insight programme and have tailored it well to allow for time within teams, as an insight cohort, and meeting new staff at the firm through networking. An ongoing project was organised and disseminated, whilst daily seminars/talks/tasks were organised, alongside socials and other activities with staff from the firm.

Very positive. Staff were friendly and inclusive. Graduate recruitment were available and supportive and practice areas were welcoming. Everyone was giving of their time to talk about their work, my questions and the firm generally. Amongst insight participants there was no competitive edge; the firm made it clear we could all be offered a place which meant we enjoyed teamwork without the added pressure of competition between us.

Everyone was incredibly giving of their time, on itself a big investment! The firm invested in ensuring there were appropriate talks to support my knowledge of the firm, corporate law and practice areas, as well as develop skills. The firm invested to give me opportunities in practice areas, networking, and outside of the office in a social networking capacity.

After speaking with a range of people over four weeks and seeing first-hand the work they did, hours they spent at the office and team dynamics, I felt I had a very good idea of what a full time role in the company would look like among a range of seniorities.

Culture shine through as one of the predominant aspects of a firm which you can’t read on paper! Seeing the way workers treated me as a student, one another and other members of their teams was a great insight into firm culture. There was a definite coffee culture and willingness to share advice, answer questions or chat casually over coffee in a social and pressure-free environment, which I felt was central to ththe firm.

The content was useful to see what a lawyer in a firm does and seminars helped unpack this across different practice areas. I feel that probably if you’ve researched thoroughly, it’s highlight likely you would like a career in law and possibly are no longer at a stage of deciding. This was my experience, at least. Insight supported my decision but was not central to it.

I was paid on a weekly basis throughout the scheme. This covered my travel and accommodation as I am not from London. I was paid at £400 per week which was sufficient for the above costs. The firm went above and beyond as regards investment in individuals really, generally providing food two evenings each week as well as a wage and social events.

Networking was available on a social and professional level. Organised practice area networking sessions were organised throughout the week, as well as opportunities to speak to staff who attended socials. Time in seats provided networking opportunities with the relevant teams and events such as a partner dinner allowed for opportunities to meet senior members of the firm.

They were good, varied and well organised. They included flight club social darts, school of wok, drinks on the London eye, dinners and networking opportunities, and an escape room. They were good evenings to socialise with other insight participants and get to know staff from the firm to network in a more social atmosphere.

Only from personal conversations with staff. Not being from London many employees offered me ideas of what to do with my weekends which enabled us to discuss this topic in more detail. This was an interesting social and personal question but not hugely important for establishing an insight into working life.

Definitely! The scheme was well-organised, structured and beneficial. I was able to gain a true insight into corporate law and Linklaters, and enjoy my time there whilst developing skills along the way! For anyone looking into corporate law, this is a great opportunity to find out more and grow your network.