Pathfinder Scheme Review

We were provided with lots of sessions that allowed us to gain more of an insight into Linklaters as a firm. Sessions like 'How a deal works' gave us a better understanding of processes within a commercial law firm. We were also given the chance to meet 1-2-1 with a trainee from a specific sector, and could ask them questions to get to know them, what they do at Linklaters and the culture of the firm.

I have developed my understanding of commercial law and the different sectors within commercial law. My ability to pick out news stories and analyse them for commercial awareness has increased due to lots of mention of how to do this throughout the sessions. I also think my people skills have increased after having met lots of new people, and my professionalism has also become better. My confidence and self-criticalness has also improved as these were two characteristics that I found that I reflected on the most during the scheme.

It was very helpful for my future applications to Linklaters in general but also the knowledge that I have learnt generally about commercial law and the processes that go on inside a law firm can be transferred to any role that I apply to in the future. I enjoyed learning about the different sectors within Linklaters and how these tend to interact with one another during everyday work. This is something that must also be true for other firms.

I found it hard to grasp what the culture was like at Linklaters before taking part in the Pathfinder scheme. Meeting with trainees as well as the recruitment team solidified my initial opinion that the culture and general atmosphere at Linklaters is one that I can see myself being surrounded by. Everyone was so happy and keen to help when I needed it and the people I interacted with seems very committed and dedicated to their roles within the firm.

I thoroughly enjoyed Pathfinder because it helped me become more confident in my ability to understand law and Linklaters as a firm. The other students in Pathfinder were really easy to get on with, and together we all learnt lots about the firm. It definitely met my expectations, and if I could apply again I definitely would! I think Pathfinder has set me up for a successful career at Linklaters, and I now have extra knowledge of what it would be like to work there.

Yes

Make sure to do your research of the firm and make every application as tailored as possible to the firm. When applying for Pathfinder, there is no application questions, so make sure that you answer the questions as honestly as possible - don't fake your answer to make it something that you think they want to hear. It is better to answer them based on how you would actually react in those situations. It's also important to do practice Watson Glazer tests beforehand.