Pathfinder Scheme Review

I enjoyed the insight from start to finish. The scheme brought together ambitious, like-minded future lawyers and offered us invaluable exposure to one of the country's biggest firms. Over the two days we participated in workshops, talks, shadowing hours and even cooking activities which really gave us a unique insight into the culture at Linklaters and what set the firm apart from its competitors.

Throughout the scheme we were spoken to like contenders for the future of the firm, and it felt like the graduate team really wanted to see us succeed.

I felt well-supported throughout the scheme. We were never left without anything to do and all we came in contact with were more than happy to help and answer any questions. During the cooking activity especially I was happy to see how many associates came down to join us and socialise.

The various workshops over the two days were incredibly relevant and useful, helping to develop my approach to applications, interviews and more generally the way to think as a commercial lawyer. I also was able to learn more about capital markets, a practice area I had no previous knowledge about. The information I received is going to be invaluable as I look to apply for vacation schemes.

The insight was very well structured in my opinion, as we were able to participate in a wide variety of tasks, some interactive, some informative and some observational. I may have benefited more if we were able to shadow lawyers in two different practice area, perhaps one a trainee or one an associate.

I loved the general atmosphere during the insight and commend the graduate team for whatever criteria was used to select the Pathfinders. Everyone was very friendly and it was easy to socialise and get to know like-minded people from universities around the country. Even when we were becoming tired after busy days we were kept occupied and engaged.

The graduate team organised an event which will make an immeasurable impact on all of the Pathfinders in terms of our ability to think like a commercial lawyer and the way in which we approach all applications, vacation schemes and opportunities going forward.

Probably due to the limitations of time and the nature of the scheme as an insight, I wasn't able to speak with any trainees or junior associates who had done their training contract with the firm. However, my experience might have been unique and regardless, the various speakers were able to give an idea of the kind of work they do on the average day.

The scheme was held at the firm's London headquarters, we ate in the staff canteen and spent time shadowing lawyers around the building. Only during the scheme did I come to understand what firms meant by their 'culture,' for I got the sense of a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that differed from some other Magic Circle firms I had visited.

The content was invaluable to me, especially considering my doubts beforehand about whether I wanted to go into commercial law. The hours spent shadowing were especially useful, as the associates made every effort to give me a representative account of what day to day work is like, instead of dramatising it as had been done in some other firms.

I did not require reimbursement as I live nearby.

Within the scheduled events I could have benefitted from greater opportunities to meet other employees, especially trainees and associates who had stayed on. Nevertheless some associates did join our evening activities and I was able to meet and speak with them. It may have been a useful networking opportunity for us to have lunch in the canteen amongst the firm's employees, but given the busy work constantly going on it was understandable why we had lunch on our own.

As explained earlier the networking opportunities were sufficient, but what we got out of them varied depending on who were were assigned for shadowing. The social event in the evening was thoroughly enjoyable, though we may have benefited from sitting amongst lawyers as opposed to sitting in our student groups.

Yes, the associate I shadowed was keen to show me the intranet portal, from which I got a sense of the community feel at the firm. I asked about sports teams and was surprised by the number and variety of sports, relaxation areas, sleeping suites and other facilities on offer. The gym was fully-equipped and the canteen serves delicious food 24/7. Given the hard work and long-hours of a commercial lawyer, I really appreciate that the firm feels like a home away from home.

Most definitely.