A painless process.

Simon is currently studying English Studies and Hispanic Studies at the University of Nottingham. He completed a vacation scheme at Linklaters in July 2008.

A painless process.

As a non-law student, I really wanted to do a vacation scheme to get a good taste of what it was like to work in a law firm – especially a firm like Linklaters. The selection process itself was designed to be as painless as possible. I completed my application form and soon had an email back saying that I had been invited to interview. The actual day involved a reasoning test and a couple of interviews, one with a member of the graduate recruitment team and a second with a partner - which was not as scary as it sounds. I didn’t have to wait long to get an answer either. I was phoned the very same day with the good news that I’d been accepted onto the vacation scheme.

What an experience.

This was my first vacation scheme with a 'Magic Circle' law firm so I really didn’t know what to expect. The thing I liked most about the scheme was just how much was packed into four weeks. Not only did we have the chance to experience two seats first-hand, but we also had lectures, which gave an insight into other areas of the firm. On top of this we had a Corporate project to work on, various other meetings and, of course, some fun social events. The time flew by and I was left in no doubt which law firm I’d be applying to for my training contract.

Real exposure.

During the scheme I was given a lot more work than I was expecting, which was great as it meant that I always had something to be working on. I never felt at a disadvantage for not having studied law either. In fact, I found my previous commercial work experience incredibly useful, especially during my seat in Corporate. I was involved in a variety of work, from research to updating the firm’s know-how website, to helping out with pro bono projects. The clients I worked with included a major insurance company, an NGO working in Zambia and Amnesty International. I also accompanied an associate to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Lots to talk about.

To maximise the opportunity, you should talk to as many people at the firm as possible. You will get the opportunity to talk to people at all stages of their Linklaters career, from first seat trainees to the most experienced partners, so you should make the most of the chance to get all your burning questions answered. You should also make sure that you’re kept busy – if you don’t have work, take the initiative and ask your principal or your trainee buddy if they can find you some. Throw yourself into everything, including the socials, and enjoy the experience.