I was born and raised in Accra, Ghana and went to Yale University for my first degree in Political Science and French. After securing my Training Contract, I deferred the start of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for a year and went on to Clare College, University of Cambridge for an M. Phil. in International Relations. During the GDL, I worked part time in the office of David Lammy, MP for Tottenham. Then I worked in an incubator for technology start-ups in Accra, Ghana. And finally, I returned to finish the Legal Practice Course and I began my Training Contract at Linklaters in 2014.

Clearly, my experience is wide-ranging! But my advice to Linklaters candidates is that, when you're preparing, don’t discount experiences that aren't directly related to law, be they in business, politics, the sciences or elsewhere. Lawyers today are required to think laterally and approach problems holistically. Experiences outside law will make you a well-rounded candidate and, most likely, a better lawyer.

Training and learning resources truly set us apart. Clients who have attended our external training always comment on the high quality of the courses - all available to us as Linklaters Associates. Also, friends who have left to other firms highlight learning resources as one of the things they miss most about Linklaters.

The calibre of people is also striking. Linklaters lawyers are some of the smartest and most highly motivated. They're also a fun bunch. I've found that the social calendar can often be as jam-packed as the work schedule.

“Lawyers today are required to think laterally and approach problems holistically. A wide range of experience will make you a well-rounded candidate and most likely, a better lawyer”. Kwaku Osei Managing Associate