Linklaters

As a member of the venerated Magic Circle with a history stretching back more than 170 years, 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, Linklaters is one of the most recognised brands in law, as well as one of the largest law firms in the world by revenue.

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 28 offices in 19 countries.

As well as a top M&A practice, Linklaters boasts thriving practices and capabilities in other areas – particularly in capital markets, private equity and structured products. The firm divides its work into three broad divisions: corporate, finance and projects, and commercial.

When not billing clients, Linklaters is giving back to the community. Despite high pressure jobs, in 2011/12 Linklaters employees clocked up over 24,000 volunteering hours, at least 68% of which used the professional skills of its people. Furthermore, Linklaters has reduced its CO2 emissions by 29% in five years, its business travel and the amount of waste sent to landfill. Closer to home, staff in the London office are actively encouraged to support the local community, in fact the firm commits 1% of its pre-tax profits to the community through donations and volunteer time.

Practice numerical tests and verbal tests used by actual employers.

Got a 2:1 or above from a top 20 university? Then you're in with a chance of securing a highly sought after position at one of law's biggest names. While top grades are a definite prerequisite, candidates need to match these smarts with excellent social skills to secure a training contract with Linklaters. An array of extra-curricular activities will give any applicant a palpable edge, complementing the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture of the firm. Linklaters looks for motivated but well-rounded candidates who have a good mixture of commercial awareness and communication skills.

The application process comprises an application form and online test before candidates are invited for an interview, and covers the same basic ground whether you are applying for a vacation scheme or a training contract. It begins with the online application form which will give you a chance to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Successful candidates will then be invited to complete a Watson Glaser test, designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking abilities in the realms of logic and reasoning (Practice Watson Glaser Tests). Impress here and an invitation to attend an interview day will follow.

The interview day consists of a paper-based critical thinking test, a work simulation exercise and two interviews: one with HR and one with a managing associate and a partner at the firm. The work simulation is based on an email inbox and will require you to select email responses from a multiple choice list. This is to show how you make judgement calls and deal with challenging situations, but will also allow you to experience some of the tasks you may be facing on a day to day basis should you get the job.

At the end of the exercise, there is a timed written task that asks candidates to draft a response to one final email on the subject of an issue you will have been dealing with throughout the work simulation. Candidates are advised that, as this written work will form a basis for discussion during one of the interviews to follow, it’s wise to keep a focus on the target audience of the piece. Make sure you give it a logical structure and mind your spelling and grammar closely.

The interviews seek to get a clearer view of what you as a candidate would bring to the firm. These interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience and it is advised that you get as much practice as possible beforehand. It is also wise to have fully researched Linklaters, be up to date on current affairs and ready to answer questions on the subject of yourself, your CV, why you want to be a lawyer and why at Linklaters in particular.

For those who have completed a vacation scheme with Linklaters the application process for a training contract is somewhat different as you are automatically entitled to an interview. This will take place at the end of your vac scheme and lasts about 60 minutes.

Linklaters Graduate Recruitment Info

Contact:
Email: graduate.recruitment@linklaters.com

Apply Here

Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts: 31st July 2013 and 6th January 2014
Vacation Schemes: 6th January 2014

Stats

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,200
No. of lawyers in London: 670
Partners: 480
London trainee intake: 110
London trainees retained: 85% (March 2013)

LINKLATERS: 2013 LAW RANKINGS

# 4 Most Reputable Law Firm (8.17/10)

Salary

London
1st year trainee: £39,500
2nd year trainee: £45,000
Newly qualified: £64,000
Compare all Salaries for London Law Firms

Departments

Banking
Capital Markets
Competition
Corporate/M&A
Employment & Incentives
Environment & Climate Change
Financial Regulation Group
Intellectual Property
Investment Management Group
Litigation & Arbitration
Pensions
Private Equity
Projects
Real Estate
Restructuring & Insolvency
Tax
Technology, Media & Communications