If you are thinking of a career in law, this could be a great opportunity. Linklaters are launching an online ‘internship’ experience programme launched through the Inside Sherpa platform.
Linklaters see this serving a key purpose from a diversity/social mobility perspective. They are aware that for many students, moving to London and/or completing an internship is a big commitment. They know some students have perceptions about the ‘type’ of candidate for a city law career and can feel deterred from applying – it is hoped the programme can provide better awareness enhancing students’ confidence to apply for a vacation scheme/training contract.
- Tasks replicate the work that would be expected of vacation scheme students.
- Designed to enhance/give guidance on specific legal skills e.g. pitching and marketing (reflecting what is required at the start of a transaction); communicating effectively (answering specific questions clients have) as well as guidance on key office skills e.g. voicemail, sending a clear and concise email.
- There are seven task areas: Business Development; Project Management; Firm Teamwork; Using AI in Law; Legal Research; Resource & Business Management; Communicating to Clients.
- Takes six hours to complete all seven tasks. On completion of each, model answers are provided with explanations – allowing students to ‘self-mark’.
- Whilst it has been called an ‘internship’ – it is not assessed and is not a prerequisite for applying for the vacation scheme, rather it is seen as something purely for students to better their understanding of what a law career can involve. However, it is seen as something students can add to their CV/LinkedIn on completion and the insight would certainly be beneficial for applications.
Pre-registration is open now to students from any university and the programme will fully open around the start of July.