Vacation Scheme Review

I had a really great time at Linkllaters. I learnt a lot though I was only there for 3 weeks. When I arrived my aim was to find out more about the firm and commercial law more generally. I have definitely achieved this aim.

One of the best parts of my time here at the firm was that I really felt welcomed by everyone. I almost never felt lost or embarassed because there was always someone willing to help; from partners to secretaries. I also appreciated that the Managing Partner Simon Davis took time to talk to us. That and many other things made me feel really valued.

We were given an IT tutorial which was really useful. Both my principles were really good at giving instructions and feedback so I felt really supported there. Obviously that varies depending on the principle. I sometimes felt a little lost in the intranet system though as it is really complicated.

Regardless of what happens I have learnt a lot while I was at Linklaters. About research and taking instructions and communication and taking feedback and presenting myself and my work... this experience has been really valuable. I also appreciated the presentations about the departments as I feel much more knowledgeable about the areas of the firm.

Generally the scheme was well structured. However, due to the timings of presentations my time with my principle sometimes felt sporadic and piecemeal. Perhaps it would have been better if the presentations were closer together and in chunks more.

I had a really great time on the scheme. The social events planned were generally really fun and the team building taxi treasure hunt was great. I also felt like this firm would be quite fun to work at generally because everyone I've met seems to enjoy a good laugh despite the stress.

The time that my principles spent explaining things to me clearly demonstrated that the firm invested a lot in my development. They also arranged for partners to spend time with us which was really useful but obviously was quite a big investment. Even the managing partner came to talk to us. There were also lectures from each department explaining what they did and how they fit into the firm which really helped to develop my commercial awareness.

I was able to do a number of actual trainee tasks and none of the work felt fake. However, we clearly get a glamourised version of a full time role as we generally left around 6 and had a large number of events. I doubt that it actually prepares you for the really hard work.

I think that spending time in a firm is the only real way to experience the firm culture. We were able to spend time in two departments which meant that we were able to get a range of experiences and we were able to talk to a lot of people from other departments too. I definitely have a better insight than I would have had otherwise.

Before I came here I had some doubts about whether I wanted to go into commercial law but this has persuaded me that its something that I want to do and also that I'd like to do it here.

The pay was quite generous at £300/week but to be completely honest you seem to spend it around London quite quickly during the scheme if you're not careful.

There were a number of social events which were mainly vac schemers and trainees but there were a few over the three weeks which had partners and associates attending.

Generally they were really good. Some of the timings could have been better but that wasn't necessarily the fault of the Linklaters team because the events were mainly run by outside companies. Sometimes we were standing around for an hour because a particular thing hadn't arrived for instance. There was also a lot of nice food which makes a change from student living! These are really something to take advantage of because you will rarely get such an opportunity to talk to people quite frankly.

There were definitely some activities advertised but it was only really the sporting ones. I only found out that the firm had a choir because I saw them perform. Generally it was very good but there could have been a bit more bredth because there are plenty of activities aside from the sports and it would be really great to get involved with them because it allows you to socialise with a wider variety of people within the firm.

There have been high points and low points but I would do it all again without a doubt and would advise people thinking of a career in commercial law to apply for a vac scheme at Linklaters. Any vac scheme is a great opportunity but this one was some of the best fun I have ever had but I also learnt alot about myself and commercially.