Linklaters

From LLM to global lawyer in Luxembourg

I studied my first three years of Law at La Rochelle University before going on to take my Masters. I did the first year of my Masters at the University of Leuven (K.U.L.) in Belgium as an Erasmus exchange student, while the second year was spent studying at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne where I graduated. It was during this time that I was awarded the Fordham-Sorbonne scholarship to study my LLM and chose to do it at Fordham University, New York.

Why an LLM?

Whilst studying for my Masters, I took an internship at a law firm in Paris. I was able to meet a lot of people and I took away some excellent advice, including guidance on taking the LLM. Everyone recommended it. I was told it would be a great asset to any lawyer – especially one wishing to forge a career on a global stage – something that was really appealing to me.

How did you apply?

I’d heard a lot about Linklaters from the job fairs I attended in New York. However, during this time I still hadn’t quite decided which firm I was going to commit to, so I applied to many. Linklaters was definitely high on my list – I had friends who worked there and they told me about the team ethos, the friendly atmosphere and the kind of deals they were involved in at the firm. I also attended some of the drinks receptions that Linklaters held and had a chance to talk informally to some of the partners. They gave me all the insight I needed to make my decision.

Why Linklaters?

Reputation was important. Linklaters is known to work on some of the most high-profile transactions and it was essential for me to be involved with these kinds of deals. Global reach was also important to consider, as I wanted to put what I had learnt during the LLM into practice. At Linklaters I get to apply my knowledge to diverse transactions and cultures. It’s normal to work in teams with people from nine or ten different countries, as well as several legal systems. All this makes every day unique – and extremely interesting.

How’s it been since?

I’ve enjoyed every moment of my career at Linklaters and have always felt like a valued member of the team. One of the best aspects of studying the LLM was the opportunity to meet people from different cultures – and I get to do that on a daily basis here. I’m also confident I’m benefiting from some of the best training and development available.

My advice to other LLM graduates is simple; If you want to work in a global environment alongside talented, multi-cultural lawyers, Linklaters should be your law firm of choice. Having studied for an LLM, I feel many people would be frustrated going to a firm where you can’t use what you’ve learnt quite so readily. Linklaters lets you use the knowledge you’ve gained, every day.