Nearly three weeks into the Restructuring and Insolvency
(R&I) practice within Banking, which is the third seat of my
training contract, and things are going really well. I am on three
big deals at the moment where I am working as part of large teams
acting on behalf of the lenders in each matter. I’m also working on
a smaller deal where we act for a hedge fund, which, with advice, I
run pretty much on my own. This means I have a good mix of
responsibility. The work is most definitely exciting as there are
frequently battles with the other side, and relationships to manage
on our own side. A memorable experience so far was when we were due
to have an important conference call with our various clients as
well as the other side… everything was going to plan… until the
details of the meeting were leaked to the press and everything had
to be reorganised within the space of half an hour.
But it’s not all work at Linklaters! (My motto: All work and no
play makes Jack a dull boy) Actually, later this evening is the
Annual R&I Client reception, which is being held in Tower 42,
the tallest skyscraper in the City of London. In true Linklaters
style, I’m sure it will be a smart affair, with the great and good
from the banking sector in attendance. The other event that I’m
really looking forward to is my department’s ski trip which will
take place early next year. From what I hear, it will be great fun
and a great way to get to know colleagues better.
As mentioned in my last post, I think that one of the best
things about working at Linklaters is the amount and quality of the
training. From day one I felt that the firm’s commitment to
training was second to none. On the vacation scheme we had training
seminars every morning, which were always followed by the famous
vac scheme breakfasts (they know that the way to a trainee’s heart
is through their stomach). Next up was the Linklaters LPC, which I
cannot recommend highly enough. The firm ensures that the best
tutors teach the LPC at the College of Law at Moorgate (a stone’s
throw from our Silk Street office), with the course’s content being
designed specifically for Linklaters' future trainees. This means
that you get a good familiarity with the firm's precedent documents
before even starting the training contract. Plus there are extra
modules built into the course that the standard LPC does not cover
in order to give Linklaters’ students a head start in more of the
firm’s practice areas. This makes the Linklaters LPC more
challenging than the standard LPC course, however also more
rewarding and relevant for practice at a magic circle law firm. The
training doesn't stop there, as each department has training
courses for new joiners, as well as there being a major training
seminar normally being held every week. Today, I attended a
presentation in our auditorium given by an investment banker on the
topic of market recovery.
Next time on “Andrew reveals all” … the truth about the hours
culture in law and how banking lawyers really can’t sing!