Providing everyone in the firm with access to learning and development opportunities is part of the Linklaters "deal". These opportunities must also go well beyond technical training. For example, our people work with demanding global clients, so need to have excellent personal and leadership skills as well as commercial acumen. Making sure we deliver this consistently and to the highest standards is the thinking behind the Linklaters Law & Business School.
In practice
Professional development
The Linklaters Law & Business School, working with professors from Harvard Law School and business schools in Paris, New York and Henley (UK), provides a new framework for the ongoing professional development of our people, continuing our long track record of investing in our people’s development.
International experience
In 2008, 140 new trainees and junior associates took part in a global orientation programme – the first of its kind for a global law firm. In 2008, over 350 (12%) of our associates went on secondment to another office. In 2007, we established an 18-month global talent programme for high-potential business services staff. Sixteen people have taken part each year. Of the 2007 cohort, six have been promoted to manager.
Ongoing learning
Training is not just about courses. Everyone who joins us receives a local induction. We have formal mentoring schemes in London and Stockholm. We encourage partners and managers to give regular on-the-job feedback and coaching to help people develop skills during their everyday working lives.
In September 2008, we launched the Linklaters Law & Business School – an educational framework set up to provide professional development for our people at every stage of their career. It includes:
- a New Lawyer Global Orientation Programme for trainees and junior associates
- Practice Diplomas that combine core skills and technical training; 176 associates from 21 offices have already enrolled
- Managing Associate Development – a range of programmes for senior associates
- training for partners with professors from Harvard Law School
- global business services training – for everyone within our professional business services functions.
“Each generation of our lawyers and business services staff needs to be continually learning new skills and new ways of thinking. This demands a dynamic approach to learning. The Linklaters Law & Business School provides this approach.”
Michael Voisin – Global Knowledge and Learning Partner