Pathfinder Scheme Review

The Pathfinder Scheme was a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the type of work that Linklaters does and the environment in which the firm does it. This is a level of insight that no amount of reading about the firm could provide.

The two days I spent at Linklaters were well-structured so that I was never left at a loose end. During my time shadowing trainees in the M&A and Corporate Litigation departments, it was clear that the trainees I was spending time with had both spent time considering things that I would find both interesting and useful.

During the two days, there were presentations from the graduate recruitment department and a partner, both of which provided information about how Linklaters operates and what they are looking for in prospective employees. Furthermore,

Although the information I received (such as experience of what trainee life in a Magic Circle firm is like) will be of little use to my degree, it would undoubtedly be immeasurably useful when it comes to entering the legal profession.

As aforementioned, the Pathfinder Scheme was impeccably structured, managing to combine a busy schedule with short breaks.

The atmosphere was both professional and extremely welcoming. Often in previous work experience placements at busy firms I have felt as though I was an inconvenience to those tasked with supervising me, but at Linklaters everyone made an effort to make clear that they were pleased for me to be there.

The Pathfinder Scheme was primarily intended to provide an experience of what working for a Magic Circle law firm was like, but on the morning of the second day I took part in a 'Personal Branding Workshop'. This session focused on body language at interviews and, although the advice given was generally common sense, it would be easily forgotten if you were nervous.

The opportunity I was given to shadow trainees in two different departments was extremely helpful in this regard. It certainly did far more than scratch the surface, and I even assisted a trainee with some of his work.

Merely spending time at the firm was sufficient in and of itself to gain a far greater understanding of Linklaters' culture than I would have otherwise had, but the presentation by a partner was particularly enlightening.

The Pathfinder Scheme served to enforce my intentions to seek employment in a Magic Circle law firm.

On the first day, we were given the opportunity to network with a number of trainees, who were extremely helpful both in their willingness to provide advice and in the quality of advice that was given.

One of the documents we were given contained examples of activities (such as sport) that employees could involve themselves in.

There were, in my opinion, very few (if any) weaknesses in the Pathfinder Scheme. It certainly served to solidify my intentions to pursue a career at this firm (or one similar).