Training Contracts at Linklaters

Got a 2:1 or above from a top 20 university? Then you're in with a chance of securing an enviable position at one of law's biggest names. Although excellent grades are a prerequisite, don’t go thinking that’s all it takes to land a job at Linklaters. Candidates need excellent social skills as well as a top degree. On the plus side, the discipline choice is increasingly less important, with Linklaters favouring a diverse workforce. Instead, an array of extra-curricular activities will give any applicant a palpable edge, complimenting the firm’s ‘work hard, play hard’ company culture.

Successfully navigate the online application, and you will be invited to an assessment day. Treats in store include a critical reasoning test, first interview, meeting with trainees, an office tour, and finally a second interview with a partner.

Be sure to research Linklaters thoroughly before your interview. Read up on big cases and the deals the firm has recently secured. Linklaters work with a number of big investment banks, so make sure to polish up your knowledge of Ibanking too – including what it's about and who the major players are. Make sure you can explain in detail why you have chosen to apply to Linklaters in particular and what you are able to offer the firm.

Linklaters Graduate Recruitment Info

Contact: graduate.recruitment@linklaters.com

Application Deadlines: Training Contracts: 31st July 2012

How to apply: www.linklaters.com/ukgrads

Linklaters Profile & Stats

As a member of the venerated Magic Circle, Linklaters sits in the upper echelons of UK law. Led by its deep-rooted foundation in M&A and capital markets, few firms can compete with the sheer scale and volume of its corporate deals. Boasting super heavyweight clients such as Citibank and the Royal Bank of Scotland, these giants have helped Linklaters become one of the most recognised brands in law, and propelled the firm to the podium positions of the revenue list.

Since seizing pole position in the M&A rankings, from previous incumbent Sullivan & Cromwell, you could be tricked into thinking that Linklaters is a one trick pony. Quite the contrary, Linklaters boasts thriving practices and capabilities in finance – particularly in capital markets, leveraged finance and structured products.

While Linklaters is a UK firm, a succession of global mergers and acquisitions has established a very strong international presence. In 2005, the firm was among the first to provide both international and domestic services in Japan; in 2006, it augmented 30 years of experience in the Middle East by setting up shop in Dubai; and 2007 and 2008 saw expansion in Germany and Italy respectively. This international expansion strategy now leaves Linklaters with 27 offices in 19 countries.

When not billing clients, Linklaters is giving back to the community. Despite high pressure jobs, 41% of Linklaters staff contributed 24,127 hours of volunteer work during 2009. Furthermore, the firm has reduced its CO2 emissions by 5.2%, its business travel by 5% and the amount of waste sent to landfill by 20%. Closer to home, staff are actively encouraged to support the local community. Linklaters programmes in London directly benefited 3,349 individuals, including 2,700 young people and a further 542 who received pro bono legal advice.

Linklaters is the only law firm to benchmark its performance globally against the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index. The CR Index is a voluntary benchmark that helps companies to integrate and improve responsibility throughout their operations to impact more positively in society and on the environment.