Vacation Scheme Review

I enjoyed the vacation scheme very much - insights across practice areas were in-depth and well communicated. Work provided was challenging but supervisors took care to ensure all details were understood. Linklaters people were personable and obviously of exceptionally high-calibre. Socials were varied and networking events meant that we were introduced to a range of Linklaters representatives.

I got on with everyone I met, and was included in calls/team meetings/work conducted by my supervisor. Overall, the environment was inclusive and welcoming, and even senior people took an interest in my background and choice to do the vac scheme. Teamwork is a prerequisite at Linklaters - this stood out to me.

Continuous guidance - a trainee buddy repeatedly checked in, and my supervisor reviewed my work on an ongoing basis, teaching me as well as confirming when I was on the right track. I was given extra reading by Associates where a question had arisen - there is a focus on continuous improvement.

I was already two years into my career when I did this vacation scheme, and found myself learning so much and improving my commercial awareness significantly in spite of that prior experience. My legal knowledge has, of course, notably improved and this is testament to the fact that vac scheme participants are given genuine responsbility over the schemes, on top of fictional 'projects'.

Sessions were well-planned, and not too frequent. This meant that we could do desk work/project work as well. Networking events and socials also meant that vac scheme participants became well-acquainted. Networking events provided some of the best opportunities to explore many different practice areas since we could glean personal insights.

The general atmosphere was, as I have said, welcoming and open. Linklaters representatives worked hard, worked together and were open to teaching vac schemers in spite of the placement's short duration. This is clearly a culture of excellence, where employees are committed to acquiring expertise over months and years. I would highly recommend the scheme.

The company invested a huge amount, providing training, organising sessions and also engaging in on-the-desk teaching. The projects also afford opportunities to self-teach and learn by doing. The firm invested in building our network by organising many sessions for us - I met many people with varied backgrounds. These networking sessions were a highlight.

I received a very genuine insight, partly because of the on-the-desk work I was given and partly because the team included me in meetings/calls/asked me to do work relating to their transaction. Sessions on practice areas also provided a really good insight. The projects around M&A also gave great insights into Corporate Trainee work.

It helped hugely. As stated above, networking sessions meant that I met many people from different practice areas, but still saw a common denominator: friendliness, generosity, team spirit, a significant work ethic and a commitment to exceptional client service. I was probably most impressed by the division of labour on transactions.

It showed me that I wanted to do law, mostly because of the on-the-desk work which I did. The content felt representative of day-to-day research work. I really enjoyed grappling with these agreements, summarising them and zoning in on the key issues. Projects were topical and applicable to a supervisor's actual work.

Pay was more than adequate, and breakfast/lunch/dinner was provided on a regular basis. There had clearly been huge investment into the socials (including a theatre trip), as well as the networking events. I would highly recommend the scheme once again given the organisation of events which represented the legal profession at its best.

Many opportunities. We joined a cross-practice networking breakfast, a dinner with partners from various practice areas, and a drinks on our first day. We also networked frequently with trainee buddies, and were invited to Christmas events by our respective teams. I will stay in touch with those I met during the two weeks.

As above: Many opportunities. We joined a cross-practice networking breakfast, a dinner with partners from various practice areas, and a drinks on our first day. We also networked frequently with trainee buddies, and were invited to Christmas events by our respective teams. I will stay in touch with those I met during the two weeks.

I did. My supervisor frequently attended the gym, and we heard about a Linklaters Carol Service. We also learned about Pro Bono work, which sounded extremely interesting, including a pre-Training Contract role open to offer holders. This enables students to gain further insight into the Linklaters culture. I would love to take that opportunity given the chance.

I would highly recommend the insight. It was probably the best internship I have ever attended. The people were friendly, and willing teachers. They really wanted to give us a good sense of what it was like to work in the legal field, and Linklaters more specifically. This will be time well spent.