Q&A with Jess Burton

Hi Jess, could you introduce yourself and explain your legal journey so far?

Hi Gabrielle. I am Jess, and I am about to start my third year of studying Law at the University of Birmingham. I am also a future trainee solicitor at Linklaters. I did not know what I wanted to study for a long time. I chose my A‑Levels, Maths, Biology and RE, simply because they were my favourite subjects. Near the UCAS deadline, I went through a list of degree subjects, crossed off anything I did not want to do and ended up with Law. Fortunately, I really enjoy my degree now.

In first year, I applied to first‑year schemes and completed several in commercial law and one in accounting. In second year, I completed Vacation Schemes with Linklaters and Allen & Overy and received Training Contract offers from both, as well as Clifford Chance. I was also a Campus Ambassador for Herbert Smith Freehills. Earlier this summer, I signed my contract with Linklaters for 2025, after some travelling and the SQE.

How did you decide commercial law was the area you wanted to pursue?

There was not one specific moment. It was an accumulation of experiences. When I was 16, I read a book about how Disney functions as a company. I spoke to a retired commercial lawyer about her experience applying to law school. I completed first‑year schemes and worked in a tech start‑up last summer. I have always been intrigued by how companies operate, and I loved studying law from day one. Commercial law allowed me to combine both interests.

Choosing firms can be difficult. What advice would you give students on narrowing down which firms to apply to?

There are so many firms that it can be overwhelming. In first year, I applied randomly without thinking about what I actually wanted. Before applying to Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts, I reflected on what mattered to me in a future firm.

Instead of starting with a list of firms, I started with a list of things I wanted. I asked myself questions such as: What hours do I want to work? Am I looking for specific features in a Training Contract, such as the number of seats or secondment opportunities? Do I want a lot of upfront training or do I prefer learning on the job?

I also reflected on previous jobs and work experience and what I liked or disliked. Once I had my list, I found 5 to 10 firms that aligned with it.

Genuine enthusiasm is essential. If you take time to reflect on what you want, you will be able to show firms that you have thought carefully about your choices. Your interest will come across naturally.

How did you decide to complete your Training Contract at Linklaters?

I really enjoyed Linklaters’ Pathfinders scheme in first year, so I applied to their Spring Vacation Scheme, which I loved. Linklaters aligned with everything I wanted, including top‑quality work, international offices, good parental leave and excellent training.

A large part of my decision came down to gut feeling. During the scheme, I felt at home at Linklaters and could picture myself working there long‑term. I remember chatting to Senior Partner Aedamar Comiskey with other interns and loved her vision for the firm. I got on well with everyone and liked the culture. It just felt right.

Many firms use online tests such as the Watson Glaser. How would you advise students to prepare?

Psychometric tests can be difficult. For the Watson Glaser, I recommend watching YouTube videos that break down the question types. Deduction and interpretation questions look similar because you answer either “Conclusion Follows” or “Conclusion Does Not Follow”, but they test different skills. Practice tests also help.

Some firms design their own tests with scenario, behavioural and personality‑type questions. For these, researching the firm’s values is useful. Linklaters, for example, has its agile mindset framework. Keeping values in mind helps guide your answers. If a firm values client service, it may expect trainees to stay late to complete tasks. Understanding values helps you respond in a way that aligns with the firm.

What advice would you give students on converting a Vacation Scheme into a Training Contract?

Be polite and helpful throughout the scheme. Offer to assist both the lawyer you sit with and others in the department if you have time. Manage your time efficiently because you will juggle departmental work, firm sessions, networking events and coffee chats. Put everything in your online calendar so you can keep track and others can see when you are free.

Leave time to complete assessed tasks to the best standard possible. Show attention to detail by checking spelling, grammar and formatting. If you have a closing interview, review your notes from the week and use what you have learned. If asked why you want to work at the firm, do not repeat your Vacation Scheme interview answer. Refer to your experience during the scheme to show how it confirmed your interest.

If you do not convert the scheme, you still gained legal experience and expanded your network. Work on any feedback, and you will be better prepared next time.

Commercial awareness is essential. What resources would you recommend?

I divide commercial awareness into 2 categories: what is happening in the world and how businesses function.

For news, choose a format you enjoy. You might prefer newspapers, online articles or podcasts. The Watson’s Daily podcast is excellent because it explains stories in depth and helps you understand their impact. It also helps you discuss news stories more confidently in interviews. Choose stories that interest you.

For understanding how businesses function, think about motivations. Why expand? How expand? Why acquire another company? What does the seller care about? What does the bank financing the deal care about? Put yourself in the shoes of each party. Courses from The Corporate Law Academy and Commercial Law Academy can help, although they are not essential. Reading books about large companies also helps.

Finally, what is your one piece of advice for anyone trying to secure a Vacation Scheme or Training Contract?

Make your own path and do not worry about what others are doing. The average qualifying solicitor is close to 30, and most people need several application rounds to secure a Training Contract. People enter law at all ages. Do not worry if you did not get first‑year schemes or if you are applying after graduation. There is no perfect timeline.

I also wrote a 16‑page document with everything I have learned about securing a Training Contract over the last 2 years. It is available on my LinkedIn, and I hope it helps.