Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme was an incredibly useful insight into Linklaters. The fact that it was 4 weeks - rather than 2 - meant that it was possible to glean far deeper insight into the firm, its people, and how it operates. It made it possible to gain further insight into what the culture of the firm is actually like.

The process was formal, of course (hence no higher star rating), but I felt highly valued during my time at the firm. Every individual I met was incredibly welcoming and helpful, providing tips and insights. Furthermore, I felt valued in that I was also able to help out on real work being done.

I received fantastic guidance on the scheme. The graduate recruitment team helped tremendously throughout the 4 week period. Moreover, trainees both in my departments and at socials provided plenty of support and tips. Lawyers who I did work for provided me with significant feedback on how to improve, which was helpful.

The skills and information I received will not help with my degree studies all that much; however, that is simply because academic law is very different to the type of work done by a firm like Linklaters. That said, I have developed a keener attention to detail which very much is transferable to academic law.

The vacation scheme was highly structured. I had talks on a number of times a week about different practice areas, as well as talks by the managing partner and the technology team. Socials were planned twice a week, and even during working hours we had a structured project for the scheme.

The general atmosphere was friendly but professional. Everyone I met (from fellow interns to graduate recruitment to lawyers of different seniority) was pleasant and insightful. the scheme did not feel particularly pressurised or competitive between the interns as there was space for everyone if they performed to the right standard.

The general atmosphere in the office was serious but very friendly, in the sense that the lawyers took their work seriously - but did not take themselves too seriously. There were mid-afternoon snacks that many people would congregate together to enjoy, and on Friday evenings there was a drinks trolley for people to have some alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks from about 5 pm.

The overall internship was incredibly well organised. We had a project over the 4 week period so there was always that to work on when our principals did not have work for us - that said, our principals made sure to include us and provide us with work. Additionally, we had talks and seminars on most days.

The firm invested heavily in my personal training and development. By having talks from different practice areas and groups within the firm multiple times a week, I was able to glean a deep insight into the work that the firm does, and the projects e.g. AI and Brexit that it is working on. The managing partner even came and gave a talk to us which was incredibly insightful.

Future employment prospects at Linklaters are very appealing. You would have the opportunity to work on the most interesting and market-leading work for the most significant of clients. Remuneration is very high even among careers in The City, and the people who you work with on a daily basis are fantastically intelligent and interesting. I am joining Linklaters in September 2020.

Yes, fellow vacation scheme students were very friendly and everyone got on well. There was no competitive atmosphere between us. We went out regularly after work together.

I cannot comment about the cost of living as I commuted from home. The cost of socialising, being central London, is, obviously, incredibly high.

In the specific area, I do not know. In central London generally, the Nightlife is fantastic and endless in terms of choice.

Yes. We had socials planned twice a week as a cohort of vacation scheme students. These ranged from going on the London Eye to cooking Asian cuisine to completing 'Escape Rooms'. Additionally, the firm had no issue with students joining in with the Firm's sports clubs and teams if we so wished.