Magic circle firm Linklaters has devised a new graduate scheme focusing on project management, law tech and pricing strategies, to go alongside its traditional training contract.

From autumn, non-law graduates can embark on a two-year legal operations scheme and specialise in project management, innovation, knowledge and learning, or pricing. The firm has not disclosed how much graduates will be paid and the scheme does not lead to a legal qualification.

The programme is part of a wider drive to instil business knowledge in new employees. Linklaters said its legal operations team is ‘continually expanding its presence’ and the scheme will involve running design workshops, developing data models and project managing legal matters.

In January, international firm Dentons announced plans to modernise its training contract, claiming its new programme will turn trainees into ‘commercially and technically savvy business advisers’.

From September, Dentons trainees will study legal project management, legal technology and resilience, and their supervisors will be taught about Dentons values and ‘the importance of working together’. The updated training contract will cover project management, AI, smart contracts, mental health and wellbeing, and commercial awareness skills.

Linklaters has also formed a specific legal operations team to offer practical support for clients. Over 400 specialists will be part of the new service.