Linklaters becomes the first international law firm to launch an online learning experience programme in the Middle East

• Linklaters is the first international law firm in the Middle East to offer an online learning experience programme

• The programme provides students and career-changers, with an interest in pursuing a legal career in the Middle East, the opportunity to undertake tasks similar to that of a commercial lawyer at Linklaters through Forage’s virtual platform

• The online learning experience programme is free to join and will help participants from any background to gain access to practical skills and experience in the legal profession

Linklaters will be the first international law firm in the Middle East to launch a first of its kind online learning experience programme, allowing students and career-changers interested in pursuing a legal career to experience working at a global law firm.

The Linklaters online programme, operated via the Forage platform, allows students from any university or background, to experience the type of work they would do on a vacation scheme or training contract with Linklaters. It is also a valuable tool for career-changers to see what a career in law might entail. Participants will receive video instructions from partners and associates, as well as resources to support them in completing work that reflects the day-to-day responsibilities of a commercial lawyer during their training contract.

The seven-module programme offers participants real work experience by requiring them to complete tasks, reflecting the core practice areas in the Middle East: corporate, banking, capital markets and energy & infrastructure. The programme also includes tasks on Islamic Finance and a bonus optional Arabic translation module. Participants will have the opportunity to compare their work throughout the seven modules with real model answers created by the Linklaters team. The online learning experience programme is a key initiative in Linklaters’ diversity & inclusion strategy. As part of the firm’s social mobility action plan, the programme aims to increase access to opportunities in the firm, and level out information asymmetries that can disproportionately affect people from less advantaged backgrounds.

Middle East partner, Jonathan Fried, commented:

"Linklaters was the first law firm and first UK institution to offer this online learning experience programme to individuals based in the UK, and we are delighted to have created a programme tailor-made for the Middle East. The online learning experience programme was developed very closely with trainees, associates and partners of the firm, and aims to give a real sense of our day-to-day work. Our hope is that it gives anyone interested in a career in law an accessible introduction and meaningful insight into what we do. We hope it gives potential applicants confidence to pursue a career with us, regardless of personal background."

Forage is an open access platform offering free company-endorsed virtual work experience programs, with the aim of increasing the accessibility of career opportunities for students of all backgrounds.