Linklaters launches first in-house business school

Linklaters has launched a new pioneering in-house business school, which it hopes will push it to the forefront of professional services training worldwide.

The Linklaters Law & Business School has been spearheaded by knowledge and learning head Suzanne Fine along with global knowledge and learning partner Michael Voisin. It will feature practice diplomas, training for partners and managing associates and an orientation programme for its new trainees.

Linklaters managing partner Simon Davies said the new business school will provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to operate at the top of the legal profession.

Providing the best training and development of people consistently across the global firm, supported by world class knowledge management, is a strategic priority, said Davies.

The firm has already signed up HEC Business School director general Bertrand Moingeon and Harvard Law School practice professor Ashish Nanda to the initiative which was launched on 15 September. Linklaters is in the process of confirming other academics to sit on an advisory committee for the project.

Nanda said, Linklaters is breaking down barriers between theory and practice. Like-minded professionals from business and academia are working together to help commercial lawyers and business services professionals expand their influence in todays global, knowledge-driven economy.

The first week-long programme takes place in London later this month with 140 people from across the firm taking part. The teaching faculty consists of 70 worldwide partners and internal business specialists.

Even though the programme is similar to moves by firms such as DLA Piper and Lovells, which have partnered with Cass and Harvard business schools - Linklaters insists it offers more.