RateMyPlacement
We were given two pieces of assessed project tasks by the Trainee Recruitment Team. This involved giving a client commercial advice and the second part of the project formed a part of the final TC interview. We were also given a typical trainee tasks which depended on the practice area we were sitting in and the deadline of this was set by our Principal. We were also encouraged to network with the wider firm.
Sat within a department at the firm and was given work by a principal. We also had three projects due throughout the duration of the scheme, two of which were assessed. Graduate recruitment also held numerous sessions, such as Practice Overview sessions which were very informative. We also had the opportunity to reach out to people at the firm for virtual coffee chats.
We were given two projects to work on over the course of two-weeks. Alongside this we also had several training sessions arranged for us to give us a taster of what it would be like to work at the firm.
I regularly attended interative sessions with people from different departments who spoke about their work and their history with the firm. I undertook my own assessments which involved researching and presenting information.
1. Webinars - on the firm's work (eg: practice area-specific) or initiatives (eg D&I) 2. Calls - daily calls with associate supervisor and trainee buddy, alongside self-initiated calls with other members of the firm 3. Work - we had 3 simulated trainee tasks 4. Socials - we had 1-2 socials a week to get to know other schemers and graduate recruitment 5. Client pitch exercise - we did a simulated client pitch to partners
There were talks everyday introducing us to different aspects of the firm. In addition, we had the chance to network by reaching out to lawyers at the firm. We were assigned tasks to complete and had allocated time to do so.
The scheme included a mix of group sessions (e.g. practice overviews, Q&As, talks from partners, etc.), a two-part project, a trainee simulation task, tasks set by my principal in my seat, and coffee chats I organised with employees to hear about a topic of interest to me. There were also socials in the evenings (incl. a virtual murder mystery!) and a client pitch exercise.
Throughout the scheme, I was able to gain a valuable insight into the operations and culture of the firm through various practice overviews and meeting with members of the firm - of varying levels of seniority. In addition to these organised events, I also undertook a wide variety of legal work which included drafting client emails, research tasks into financial agreements and other various trainee assignments.
We had scheduled sessions each day put on by the firm which varied from giving us an insight into the strategy of the firm, Practice area overviews and talks with Graduate Recruitment Partners, the Senior Partner and the Firmwide Managing Partner. We also were given tasks which were to be assessed as part of the Training Contract assessment. We were also allowed to reach out to anyone in the firm and have 'virtual coffee chats' where we could network and ask questions.
Very good in terms of work and pay. Enjoyable experience - had a really good principal and everyone I interacted with was willing to help and talk about their work. The work involved three simulation tasks which mirrored what trainees may be required to do. Challenging but definitely a good way to grow.
I attended timetabled sessions ranging from practice area overviews to a presentation by the Firmwide Managing Partner. I completed work for my Principal - such as researching letters of credit or drafting an agency fee letter. I set up virtual coffees with lawyers to build my network and gain insight into the firm.
I completed a virtual vacation scheme with Linklaters. I absolutely loved the experience. Linklaters was very supportive and gave a great insight into their firm and the work they are doing. Everyone made time to have a chat about their practice area and I am convinced that I was able to really understand what it will be like working as a trainee for Linklaters.
It was great to meet a group of new people, but the HR team at Linklaters were less than satisfactory. I spoke to many Trainee Solicitors and to my surprise they were on the whole very miserable in their jobs. I would think that they enjoy earning so much money, but the consensus was that it just isn't worth the extremely late nights, mental struggle and being screamed at by Managing Associates and Partners.
I thoroughly enjoyed Linklater's Virtual Links series as it was clear that it was well thought out and planned. There were various activities for participants with which to engage and I came out of Virtual Links with a greater knowledge of the firm.
Very good experience, I learned a lot and grew professionally.
Very much. You have an opportunity to experience a breadth of work and work with a breadth of people.
I had a great time on my Vacation Scheme. I felt that I got a great insight into what it is like to be a trainee at Linklaters and I had the opportunity to do lots if interesting work.
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 throughly enjoyed the Winter Vacation Scheme at Linklaters, during December 2019. Despite the restricted timeframe (2 weeks), I felt I still got a really good insight as to what the working culture at Linklaters is truely like. Everyone was very welcoming from the beginning, and the scheme was packed with workshops, activities, assignments, sessions and socials throughout.
I really enjoyed my time at Linklaters. I felt valued by the firm, and had the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of trainee-like tasks. I had the ability to fully understand and grasp just what working at Linklaters as a trainee is like. Furthermore, we participated in a range of fun socials.
