Vacation Scheme Review

- Interactive sessions providing overviews of major practice areas + firm strategy - Sitting in one practice area, completing tasks assigned by principal + observing their work - Weekly externally assessed written tasks - Client pitch exercise - Social + networking events - Christmas bus tour, partner dinner, Christmas party - Coffee chats with lawyers from across the firm

- Developed deeper understanding of commercial law - broad view of different practice areas, and specific knowledge within my seat + on M&A via weekly written tasks - Expanded commercial awareness through discussion of firm strategy, understanding its market position (and that of its clients) - Gained genuine insight into the role of a trainee solicitor - Specific skills - legal research, attention to detail, written communication, public speaking, networking

I greatly enjoyed learning about Linklaters and the role of the trainee solicitor. The scheme provided a solid overview of the work Linklaters does and how trainees fit into that work. Speaking to solicitors across the firm at different levels of seniority provided insight into personal development within Linklaters over the course of one's career.

The company culture and atmosphere exceeded my expectations! I had genuinely very positive experiences with Linklaters employees - including both the graduate recruitment team and lawyers in my seat. People are generally very approachable and happy to discuss their career journey, day-to-day work, and offer advice. I appreciated the candour and openness of these conversations. People work hard here, but I have gained the impression that they do enjoy their time here.

I very much enjoyed the scheme. It was a very action-packed two weeks, but I feel like I gained so much from this both personally and professionally. I had so many opportunities to learn and build my network. I would recommend anyone interested in pursuing a career in commercial law to apply for this scheme. From speaking to friends who did schemes at other firms, I recognise that Linklaters' scheme is quite special.

Yes

Do your research! Ensure that you know what the firm does, understand its market position and have a compelling reason why you want to be here and why you want to practice commercial law. Do not apply for the sake of it. Approach the process with humility and confidence. Carry yourself professionally but in a way that is true to yourself - people see right through someone trying to fake it. Be genuinely curious about what the firm does. Also - be sure that you understand the M&A process before the assessment centre!!