Freshers experience life as a Linklaters lawyer

The ‘Pathfinder’ programme, aimed exclusively for first year students, was unique in that it invited students to get into the driving seat to help shape the soon-to-be annual scheme (read more).

A total of 44 students from 16 universities attended the event, which consisted of a mixture of business games, networking and team building workshops alongside introductions to the magic circle firm’s strategy, practice areas and clients.

Birmingham Law student Mattia Pontillo said: “I would definitely advise people to do the programme and take this opportunity. It [Pathfinder] set the firm apart from other ones. It was professionally run, and the activities distinguished themselves, especially giving us two hours of first-hand experience with the trainees which other firms don’t provide.”

“To improve the programme I think it should include a second commercial awareness activity, and maybe sacrifice a bit of fun to do it, as it really helps students who don’t have much work experience,” he added.

The two-day event further provided a ‘Personal Branding’ workshop with a ‘self-improvement guru’, to make students aware of how they approach people and how to make the best impression possible. They also took part in a treasure hunt on the streets of London, which pushed the students to boost their observation skills.

Meanwhile, Linklaters awarded the £200 STA Travel vouchers for the aspiring lawyer with the best ideas for the ‘Pathfinder’ programme to Jesulyn Lim, a first year law students at the London School of Economics.

Graduate recruitment manager Faye Wimpenny said: “Jesulyn’s idea of micro-shadowing will ensure that students get a real feel for the breadth of work undertaken by trainees across our practice areas. This will form a key element of the second day of the Pathfinder scheme.”