Links supports would-be lawyers' aspirations

‘Aspire’ was rolled out in line with the magic circle firm’s ‘Link up. Change a life’ campaign, aimed at giving something back to the community (17 January 2011).

Graduate recruitment advisor Sharon Jacobs said: “We’re delighted to have run the Aspire competition for a second year and have seen some exciting and innovative entries from students who are looking to develop themselves and their communities.”

The prizes given to the aspiring lawyers include funding for several voluntary projects in Africa, Gambia, India, Kenya, Morocco, Uganda and Panama and contributions towards Mount Kilimanjaro expedition to support various charities.

Students were also given money to study several language courses, subscriptions to publications and equipment to aid their degrees. For the full list of winners and prize please see table below.

Speaking after the project was launched in February 2011, joint graduate recruitment partner Euan Clarke said: “It’s not about shouting about the firm’s own aspirations or corporate responsibility from the rooftops, but being informative to students; giving students some insight into the big things the firm values and seeks, as well as a chance to make a difference themselves.

“We’re looking for people who aspire to be the very best at what they do, as we do as a firm; and so providing a prize that helps a few people fulfil some worthy aspirations seems to be a good fit with that idea.”

The ‘Link up’ campaign resulted in Linklaters donating £20,000 to three charities: Projeto Alavanca in San Paulo; Lawyers in Schools in Hackney and Project Lend a Hand in Singapore.