Matthias Achenbach, a legal assistant in Linklaters’ Frankfurt office, talks about the prejudices attached to big law firms – and what working for Linklaters part-time is really like.

“Many people have prejudices about big law firms. I was one of them. Before I took an internship here, I had never heard of Linklaters before, and I had no idea what to expect – both in terms of the working environment and the work itself. I need not have worried: the people here are very open-minded and friendly, and there is always help and support available if you need it.

“This is one of the reasons why, when I was taking my PhD, I decided to rejoin Linklaters on a part-time basis. There is, quite simply, a great atmosphere in the office. It is of course a challenge to gather the support, information and advice you need, as quickly as it is needed, but even if the lawyers are working under pressure to finalise work, they are always friendly and cooperative.

“Linklaters are also excellent at supporting people in education and training. Trainees and legal assistants here consider it a huge advantage to have the opportunity to work two or three days a week and gain experience supporting lawyers.

“Often people will ask me what is different about Linklaters. Partly, it is the quality of work you have exposure to: I feel I am gaining experience – even on a part-time basis – that few others could provide. But I also have to point out that the main difference between law firms is not necessarily the surroundings, or even the work. It is the people and the atmosphere – two things in which, I believe, Linklaters excel.”