Vacation scheme Review

I had an amazing time! I felt like I was able to get some really great insight into the firm and make friends on the scheme.

People were friendly and treated me well, everyone was open to questions etc.

My principal explained in a lot of detail the background to the deals he was working on and helped me think more how you could potentially approach different legal issues. What I also found really helpful was taht after every assignment, he would give me feedback on my performance and suggest ways in which I could improve. My trainee buddy was also really helpful and supported me throughout the process.

I don't think these skills will necessarily help me with my degree but definitely with a future job. My degree is quite black letter law and most of the things I learned here are more commercial than legal or concern very specific legal issues within the deals. However, I think the scheme helped give me some perspective about the approach you need to take as a solicitor.

We had a lot of events, both legal and outside the firm and we were provided with a schedule for every day. For example, on certain days we had practice overview sessions where someone from a department would come talk to us about the work they do and often involve us in interactive legal scenarios.

Everyone was super friendly and inclusive. I got to know a couple of peopl ein my department through my trainee buddy and my principal, and people engage in a very non-hierarchical, informal manner. I found that to be a pleasant work environment. I felt comfortable asking a lot of questions and sharing my own thought processes on the different issues.

As already mentioned, we had a bunch of sessions where people came to talk to us about their work or general tasks such as coming up with a client pitch presentation which we had to present to a fake client. Furthermore, my principal spent a good couple of hours over the past 2 weeks explaining things to me and making sure I understood what was going on. I was surprised how much time they really invested in us.

The period right before Christmas is supposedly one of the busier times at a law firm. I found this to be an advantage for the winter vac scheme because you get to see what the work is like when there is a LOT of work. Also, i felt that people gave me genuine answers when i asked them about their life here instead of trying to sugar coat everything. I feel like i really know what i'm in for.

I spent 2 weeks in an office with an Associate and had frequent interactions with people in my department. I didnt get to know that many people from other practice groups and the work cultures within a firm can differ quite a bit, but i do feel like i got the general vibe of the firm.

I've done interships in the past at other firms that put me off from pursuing work at that firm/in that subject area. However, I am quite confident now that i would enjoy a career in commercial law and more specifically at this firm. I think both the personal interacitons as well as experiencing the work first-hand have helped me make this decision.

I found that the scheme is paid really well considering it is more of an opportunity to learn rather than a 'job'. Also, i know some of the international vac schemers were provided free accommodation during the stay which is even better. The food at Linklaters is priced reasonably so i didnt have to spend too much money on food either.

We had two networking events where partners from other departments came and chatted to us about their work. I found that i had enough opportunities to chat to people outside of my practice group. I also asked my trainee buddy to introduce me to people from some practices i wanted to learn more about and that was quite helpful too.

The social opportunities were really great, but would have appreciated one or two more social events. We went to the theatre and had first row seats at a play that had just come out. I think it was a great opportunity to bond with the other vac schemers as well, since everyone is in a different department during the week.

I attended the Private Equity Christmas Party which was quite nice, and there are some other social activities in the practice group such as a drinks trolley on fridays where you can go have a chat with people after work. however, i will say people are quite busy so there is not taht much time to attend other events.

I had a great time and would really recommend this scheme to anyone looking to try our corporate/commercial law. I think the scheme was relaxed enough to allow me space to learn but there were also enough events etc. to give the scheme some structure. Also, if you're interested in Linklaters, you will have a chance to get to know the people here quite well.