Liam Robinson

Liam studied Law with German Law at UCL. In June 2009
he completed the Linklaters-specific Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law in London. Here he talks about why the Linklaters-specific LPC has been such a valuable learning experience.

Taking a different approach.

It was clear that both Linklaters and the College of Law had worked closely together to create a very interactive and stimulating learning environment on the bespoke LPC course. There’s a real emphasis on honing the commercial and legal skills necessary to become a lawyer of Linklaters’ calibre, which I found inspiring.

During my degree, I became used to thinking about the law from an academic perspective. One of the first challenges that the LPC presents is making the transition from theory into practice. The course is commercially focussed and quickly teaches you that, often, the best solution for your client is not necessarily a legal one. The exam-driven nature of the LPC demands that you quickly reassess both your way of thinking and style of answering. Fortunately, support from tutors is always on hand as they give you the benefit of their own experience.

Feeling a part of the firm before I’d even started.

What I have always found so refreshing about Linklaters is how down-to-earth and approachable everyone is. Throughout the LPC, our Trainee Development team remains in regular contact and at least once a month we would be invited to Silk Street to attend various presentations ranging from the firm’s strategy, to talks by senior partners. On one particular occasion, we were even given a talk by the Global Practice Head of Capital Markets, Jim Rice. This inclusive approach means that you already feel a part of the firm before you even arrive.

The real deal.

One aspect of the LPC I particular enjoyed was the litigation course. We re-enacted a real case the firm had worked upon, from start to finish. This entailed interviewing pretend witnesses, drafting statements of case and closely analysing the merits of different arguments from each of the party’s perspectives. We even simulated a mock trial, giving everybody a chance to try out their advocacy skills and role-play some quite extroverted characters. Throughout this process, tutors were always close at hand, working hard to emulate the tensions of commercial litigation and give you a real insight into the client’s needs.

It’s not all work and no play.

Another particular highlight came in January, when my intake travelled to Dorset for a weekend break. This was a good chance to leave London and get to know everyone away from the backdrop of workshops and College. Over the course of the weekend, we had a great time enjoying lots of good food and drink – and even a little karaoke. It reminded me that the Linklaters LPC is not all about work and no play; there is also a strong social aspect which enables you to forge close friendships with your future colleagues, before you even arrive at the firm.

Looking ahead.

I have had a fantastic time this year meeting the eclectic mix of people that make up my intake – as well as those from other Magic Circle firms. When I look ahead to the beginning of my training contract, I’m filled with a nervous excitement. Whilst I know that a career at Linklaters will pose challenges and demand a significant commitment, my LPC course has left me feeling confident in my ability to overcome such hurdles.