Pathfinder Scheme Review

Pathfinder was a fantastic experience which enabled me to learn a lot more about Linklaters.

Members of the graduate recruitment team, lawyers, and everyone else I came across made me feel extremely welcome. During my two afternoon 'seats' I was also given real tasks, rather than just shadowing the trainees/associates.

During Pathfinder we were given a lot of advice about a future with Linklaters, and practical advice about the Vacation Scheme interviews, which I thought was invaluable.

Pathfinder was extremely beneficial and will definitely help me in the future. The information I was given about interviews and future applications have been very helpful to me and my networking skills were developed. We were also given a powerful presentation about our personal brand and how we are perceived, which I will remember for a long time.

Pathfinder had a very clear structure, even from before the scheme had started. The email correspondence with the graduate recruitment team before Pathfinder was very efficient and when we arrived for our first day we were given a detailed timetable of the two days, amongst other useful documents. Everything ran very accurately according to the timetable.

The general atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone I came across was friendly and happy to answer any questions I had. Not only did we get to spend time in two different practice areas and listen to a number of presentations, we also had lots of opportunities for networking and a really fun social event in the evening of the first day which involved cocktail making, cup caking decorating and pasta making!

I felt as though Linklaters had definitely invested in us. The different talks we were given were definitely aimed at helping us to develop.

We had the chance to speak to a lot of people who worked at Linklaters as this is probably the most accurate way to try and understand what it would be like to work at the firm. All the trainees I spoke to were extremely enthusiastic and honest; they were happy to answer any questions.

Being able to spend two days inside the firm was very beneficial in understanding the company culture. Spending time in two practice areas made me more aware of Linklaters' inclusive culture and the importance of teamwork, and then having more informal networking opportunities allowed me to further experience the firm's culture.

Pathfinder confirmed my desire to pursue a career in commercial law and also at Linklaters as a firm.

Adequate travel expenses were reimbursed and accommodation was provided for those who needed it.

Pathfinder was full of networking opportunities.

The main social event was a cookery course with the chefs from Linklaters. This was extremely fun and informal and involved cocktail making, cupcake decorating and pasta making and enabled further networking with trainees, members of the graduate recruitment team and other students on the scheme.

I found out about the pro bono opportunities available at Linklaters.

I would encourage any first year hoping to pursue a career in commercial law and a career at Linklaters to apply.