Vacation Placement Review

The insight was useful and I felt that I got a genuine perspective of the firm. Sitting with two different principals gave you a good overview of departments. The work given was fairly interesting, but there was some time where there wasn't much to do. It did feel like I was getting a genuine picture of what life was like, even if we weren't staying until late.

I felt very valued during my time at Linklaters, people really went out of their way to make sure you were happy and were keen that you didn't stay later than 5:30. I was essentially forced out of the office and told to go home. We were treated as if we were actual employees and given good training.

We received quite a lot of general guidance on the key issues in different practice areas, but there was a slight dearth with respect to guidance around the project. The brief was for quite a high level analysis for a client, but in reality it seemed like what was wanted was a much more detailed legal anaylsis. I feel this would be quite difficult to achieve, and was somewhat unrealistic, especially for non-law students and those with little experience of practicing law and have not studied the LPC.

The skills were quite technical and suited to a narrow legal practice. They are unlikely to be of much use when studying for a law degree or otherwise. Networking and other communication skills may be of some relatively limited benefit, and can be developed otherwise. However, this is not really a criticism of the firm, the skills are obviously not that transferable.

Overall, the structure was good and there was a great number of social events and in-office sessions planned. This would be a 10 bar one particular criticism - the scheduling of rooms, which can only be described as farcical. The locations of the rooms where various sessions would be held were released via email only 20 mins before the session. Given that we only had access to email at our desks, and could often be away from them before a session, they often started late or without people.

The general atmosphere was great, the trainees were fun, my principals were fun, and the other VAC schemes were great to be around. I made a number of friends who I will keep in touch with. It really was a great place to work and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there

There was substantial investment in personal training, and proper sessions were delivered, in the same way as if we were employees. High level people hosted these sessions and took the time to speak with us. We were treated as if we were employed there as full time, permanent employees who needed to be trained.

As explained in previous answers, to quite a substantial extent.

The 'company culture' was mentioned a lot, but after four weeks I am no closer to understanding what it is. Despite asking a number of people, it felt like generic buzzwords such as 'teamwork', 'hard-working', etc. were all that were used. Shiny promotional material is nice, but I struggled to see what set the firm apart from its Magic Circle competitors.

I was probably already decided on what I wanted to do, but it certainly helped me affirm it, and understand the nature of the business, the work and the type of people that worked there. It wasn't a perfect analogue, since we far too often had long lunches, early finishes, and little work, but it was clear what it would be like to work there.

The pay was adequate, but if not living in London it could be somewhat low.

There were ample opportunities for networking and asking questions. I had coffee with trainees, graduate recruitment, partners, associates, etc. Even by nature of being there for 4 weeks, there were plenty of opportunities. I can think of zero criticism when it comes to networking. If anything there was a bit too much.

The social events were good and there were many of them, but it did feel that pennies were being pinched at times. For example, the drinks selection was always limited to house wine and beers, we were asked to order from the cheaper parts of the menu at Pizza Express, and when we went to a famous steak restaurant and a pub renowned for their game, on both occasions we were given a set menu of chicken. Obviously there is a budget, but it was almost as if it was stretched to breaking point. Fewer and more memorable events would have been better.

To some extent. We had the chance to join some clients for a game of cricket, which was very interesting and a worthwhile experience. However, there was no real insight into clubs or societies at the firm - it seemed that there was little time for much beyond the occasional gym session. Obviously there are long hours, and not that much time for external activities

Yes, overall it really was a worthwhile experience. I didn't secure a training contract in the end, but the experience was useful going forwards. If nothing else, the pay and social events are adequate compensation for the 4 weeks, in addition to putting the name on your CV. The people were nice and it was a good place to work.