Vacation Scheme Student Review

I very much enjoyed the vacation scheme. I was able to get a great insight into working life at a global law firm, whilst becoming more familiar with the tasks of a trainee solicitor. I met some great people, who both worked at the firm already and who were my colleagues on the vacation scheme.

I received a lot of guidance and support during the vacation scheme. My supervisors were always very happy to answer any questions that I had about the tasks that they had set for me to complete, even when I was unsure as to the validity of the question! In fact, they encouraged me to ask as many questions as possible.

The insight was very well structured. We received an information that detailed our entire schedule for the three week vacation scheme. Department presentations, networking and social events were well-spaced out to allow for variety and to give us vacation scheme students enough time in the office to complete our tasks.

The general atmosphere was excellent! Linklaters’ Graduate Recruitment created an informal environment in which I felt able to be myself. As a result, I was able to enjoy the social aspect of the vacation scheme much more if that had not been the case. I also felt at ease around my supervisors, who were similarly keen to create an informal and friendly atmosphere in the office.

There were presentations from many departments that allowed me to develop my understanding of the different areas in which a global law firm can operate. A two-week project gave me an opportunity to research into a specific area of law, for which the firm then hired three former lawyers to check.

I completed many tasks that a trainee lawyer would complete at a global law firm. For example, I researched into specific areas of law to allow my supervisor to answer a client’s questions. I also wrote an initial draft of a board document for my supervisor. Finally, I attended many conferences and took notes.

I was able to get a great insight into the culture of Linklaters. My experience of the culture was that it was a strong emphasis on excellence and consistent performance in all things professional alongside creating a friendly and informal atmosphere in the office. The culture encouraged people to show their personality.

I was paid and reimbursed for travel expenses. Had I not lived at home, this would have allowed me to live in London and travel to work without having to worry about it. Paid vacation schemes are important to allow access to the profession to those who do not live in London and cannot afford to do so for three weeks without such pay.

The networking and social events were excellent. They were varied and fun, whilst allowing me to meet people from across the firm. They included from dinners, drinks, sushi-making and even surprise events. Further, the aforementioned informal atmosphere created by the Graduate Recruitment made me feel comfortable with the idea of actually enjoying these events!

I would highly recommend a vacation scheme at Linklaters to my friends. It was great insightful into my future career at a great Magic Circle firm. The work was interesting and challenging, the people were both at the forefront of their respective fields yet extremely friendly and I really enjoyed my time there.