Future Trainee Solicitor Review

I enjoyed the vacation scheme a lot - the graduate recruitment organised a good amount of socials, and ensured that the vacation scheme students were always occupied. There were also many opportunities for interactive learning in a classroom setting, which was particularly engaging. The tasks assigned were also interesting and taught me very much.

I felt valued in during my time at Linklaters. This was most evident in the amount of time that my principal spent with me in order to teach me. At all times, the lawyers around were willing to engage with me, and made sure to check up on how I was doing.

I received adequate guidance. My primary reference point was my principal, who I sat in the same office with, and therefore was very accessible. Furthermore, my trainee buddy was very supportive and offered guidance on both the tasks that I was assigned, as well as general tips on how to impress on the vacation scheme, in order to convert it into a Training Contract.

The skills I developed will definitely help me beyond my degree studies, and well into working life. For a start, there were many introductory sessions into the Linklaters practice groups, which already helped me to understand more about how law firms function. Furthermore, the sessions were very informative and went a long way to teach me about fundamental areas of corporate law.

The insight was well structured. There were opportunities for learning in a classroom setting, as well as engaging in real-life work that was assigned to me by the lawyers in the Tax department. Besides this, there was also ample time to get to know other people in the firm through socials, and helped me to cement my decision that I wanted to join Linklaters.

The general atmosphere was very pleasant. Although there were times in the Tax department where people were noticeably busy and did not want to be disturbed (as with all law firms), the atmosphere was always welcoming and people were often willing to have a chat - whether it be about work or just about how the vacation scheme was going.

I believe that the firm invested an ample amount in me. Besides the introductory sessions to the different Linklaters practice groups as a part of the structured vacation scheme, I was also invited to join the trainee's teaching sessions, which exposed me to a higher level of teaching. Furthermore, the lawyers around me were always willing to teach me if I did not understand a legal concept.

To some extent, it is difficult to learn how it is like to work in a firm while undergoing a 2-week vacation scheme, due to its length. While I experienced tasks that a trainee would be expected to undertake, I could not see a deal to its completion and therefore will not understand the full trainee experience. Nevertheless, it was still useful.

The insight helped me to see the company's culture - in particular it's non-hierarchical culture. This was observed through the day-to-day interactions between the lawyers, which revealed that lawyers on all levels could get along well with each other. This was particularly encouraging, and helped me to realise that I want to work in a firm with an open culture like Linklaters.

The content helped me to decide my future career path to the extent that it cemented my decision to join Linklaters.

I was paid a reasonable amount of money for my time, which was enough to cover my rent for the 2 weeks.

Yes, there were many opportunities to get to know lawyers in different practice areas through the introductory sessions. Furthermore, there was a dedicated breakfast session for the different departments to have a chat with the vacation scheme students. Also, there were dinners organised where vacation scheme students could meet Partners of the firm and chat with them in a social and relaxed setting.

The networking and social event opportunities were sufficient, as explained above.

No, this was not a particular focus of the 2-week vacation scheme, although this was touched on briefly in the introductory session.

Yes, I would recommend the Linklaters vacation scheme to a friend.