Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed my time on the Vacation Scheme - it was clear from the start that it was designed to give us the best possible chance of securing a training contract. My fellow students and everyone at the firm were incredibly friendly and welcoming and the insight I gained into the firm's work was invaluable.

I felt very valued during my time at Linklaters. The effort put into presentations, networking and socials really made it clear that the firm had thought closely about our development throughout the scheme. My principals and trainee buddies wanted to ensure that my experience was authentic to that of a trainee's, so I was often given quite challenging work, although my effort was always appreciated.

I received a sufficient level of guidance on the scheme - I was able to talk through feedback on my assessment centre prior to arriving, and each student was allocated to a member of graduate recruitment, with whom they could catch up with throughout the scheme. In the days before the final training contract interviews, we were also able to have one-to-one sessions with graduate recruitment to discuss feedback. That said, I would have appreciated a little bit more feedback with regards to the project we had to undertake as well as any formal feedback from our principals/trainee buddies.

As a result of the scheme, I was able to gain key base knowledge in different practice areas of the firm, which has proved invaluable for my commercial awareness and understanding of the business world. This has proved to be particularly useful in my university company law module. Additionally, I feel that I have improved my confidence in networking and approaching unfamiliar tasks, which is a useful skill for my future career.

The scheme was incredibly well structured. We were given a timetable at the start of the scheme, with all key dates and events listed. We also had around two social events a week, which were always very well thought through and great fun. I feel that the firm got the balance just right between social events and work.

The atmosphere was great during the scheme. This was partly due to the fact that it was made clear from the start that there was enough training contract places available for everyone on the scheme, so we were not competing against each other. As a result, everyone was able to relax and get to know each other really well - there was certainly not a sense that 'Big Brother' was watching us.

The firm seemed very focused on investing in our development. We had practice area presentations almost every other day, and took part in mediation and partner pitch exercises. Additionally, we were also able to sit in on 'prayers' (practice area updates) and attend training sessions within our seats.

As a four week long placement, vacation scheme students are really able to integrate into the firm and see it beyond just an 'insight' perspective. We were able to get an honest experience of work in the firm, not only from the work we were given, but also through talking to other fee earners at the firm and witnessing first-hand the work they were involved in.

The vacation scheme was invaluable in understanding what makes Linklaters tick, and it became very evident (through presentations and networking) throughout the scheme that the firm was increasing its focus on teamwork and diversity. The seats I was in were very friendly and non-hierarchical, which play a key role in deciding to join the firm in the future.

The vacation scheme was fundamental to me deciding to accept a training contract with the firm. After being at the firm for four weeks, it became clear that the firm ticked all the boxes for me.

I was paid £400 per week for my time on the scheme, which was sufficient for me to live in London for its duration.

The firm organised various networking and social events throughout the scheme, for which we were able to meet employees from all different levels of the firm - we were even treated to a talk and Q&A session with the firm's Managing Partner.

The networking/social events were fantastic and very well organised. It enabled the vacation scheme students to get to know each other really well (which is important if they're going to be future colleagues!) and let their hair down. The firm organised events such as private pods on the London Eye, cooking classes, escape rooms, darts, and meals out.

Through networking and presentations, I was able to find out about the different associations within the firm, from diversity initiatives to sports teams - needless to say, there are a lot!

I would not hesitate to recommend this scheme to a friend.