If you are looking to learn more about Linklaters training contract and vacation scheme then you are on the right page. Without a doubt, Linklaters is one of the world’s leading law firms and an exciting company to work for. On this page, you will learn all about the application process, the requirements, and how to succeed as an aspiring solicitor.
Make sure to boost your chances of success by crafting a flawless legal CV and a personalized cover letter.
What is the Linklaters Training Contract?
The Linklaters training contract is a structured two-year program that involves trainees rotating through four six-month seats or placements. This rotation provides exposure to a variety of live projects, allowing trainees to gain substantial experience and have a real impact within different departments of the firm.
The opportunity to take up an international or client secondment also exists, offering an even broader experience within the legal profession and the operations of a global law firm like Linklaters. With 100 vacancies, the program is competitive and seeks to hire trainees who will eventually work alongside 194 current trainees, 540 partners, and a total staff of 5340, reflecting the firm’s extensive reach and commitment to developing new talent. Apply in time with our training contract deadlines calendar.
Linklaters Training Contract Requirements
To apply for the Linklaters training contract, you must meet various academic and qualification-related requirements.
- A strong academic background is necessary, starting with GCSEs.
- Obtaining a minimum of a 2.1 classification (or equivalent) in an undergraduate degree is also mandatory.
- Demonstrated commercial awareness and the ability to be a reliable business advisor are also crucial.
- It is worth noting that a degree in law is not compulsory, and degrees in other disciplines are acceptable as long as all other requirements are met.
What is the Linklaters Vacation Scheme
The Linklaters vacation scheme is an integral part of the firm’s recruitment process for its training contract. It is designed to give participants a comprehensive insight into life at a global commercial law firm. The scheme is available in Winter, Spring, and Summer, lasting two to four weeks.
Participants in the vacation scheme will experience real-life lawyer work, involving themselves in actual deals and legal tasks. They will work closely with a Principal, who is an Associate or Managing Associate, providing them with hands-on training and supervision. Additionally, trainees are paired with a ‘buddy’—a current trainee who helps integrate them into the team and the firm’s culture.
Check out our vacation scheme deadlines calendar.
Professional development sessions are a key part of the scheme, offering a broader understanding of the firm’s global business strategy and practice areas. These sessions also focus on developing essential lawyering skills such as negotiation and pitching. The social aspect of the scheme is emphasized as well, with various events allowing participants to network with each other and with experienced lawyers at the firm.
Participation in Linklaters’ vacation Schemes can provide a significant head start. These schemes are available to penultimate and final-year undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates from law and non-law disciplines and are designed to help candidates secure a training contract. Successful completion of a vacation Scheme leads to a final interview for the training contract.
Winter Vacation Scheme at Linklaters
The winter vacation scheme at Linklaters is specifically designed for penultimate and final-year undergraduates, as well as graduates and postgraduates from both law and non-law backgrounds, looking to pursue a career in commercial law at a global firm. The scheme, lasting two weeks, immerses participants in the realities of legal practice, involving them in actual deals and providing the opportunity to work closely with a Principal.
Spring Vacation Scheme at Linklaters
The spring vacation scheme at Linklaters, set for mid-April, is a critical component of the firm’s recruitment process for their training contract. It presents an invaluable opportunity for candidates to experience the workings of a leading global law firm and lays a strong foundation for a career in commercial law.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Linklaters
The summer vacation scheme at Linklaters provides an extended opportunity compared to the winter and spring schemes, lasting four weeks. It is scheduled to run from July to June and again from July to August. This scheme is tailored for those keen on understanding the full breadth of working at a global law firm and further solidifies a candidate’s potential to secure a training contract with the firm.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Linklaters
The application process for both the training contract and vacation schemes at Linklaters is a multi-step process designed to assess a candidate’s potential.
Candidates must:
- Complete a short online application form, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Undertake the Capp Online assessment, designed to evaluate various competencies and strengths.
- Complete the Watson Glaser critical reasoning test within five days of the application. It is recommended to practice this test beforehand.
The firm looks for candidates who can demonstrate a strong academic track record, critical thinking, and the necessary skills to thrive in a fast-paced global law practice. Those who succeed in the vacation scheme will be automatically offered a final interview for the training contract. It is a rigorous process, reflective of the firm’s high standards.
Check out our guides on how to answer why this law firm and why study law application questions.
Applications for the training contract typically open in the first week of October and close in the second week of December, with the firm looking for candidates to fill spring and autumn entry positions
Why You Should Apply to Linklaters?
Applying to Linklaters for a training contract or vacation scheme offers you an unparalleled opportunity to join one of the world’s premier law firms. You’ll be immersed in a rich learning environment, gaining hands-on experience with live projects and deals that shape global commerce. You’ll receive mentorship from leading legal minds and have access to a wealth of professional development resources.
Additionally, the firm’s commitment to diversity and innovation provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where you can grow your legal career. With the chance to work on international or client secondments, Linklaters not only promises robust legal training but also a global perspective and network.
History of Linklaters
The history of Linklaters dates back to 1838 in London when John Linklater formed a partnership with Julius Dods, establishing a firm that would evolve into a leading authority in corporate law. Over the years, Linklaters has undergone significant transformations, including a pivotal merger in 1920 with Paines Blythe & Huxtable.
It remained a predominantly domestic firm for much of the 20th century until it strategically expanded internationally in 1998, merging with several European firms. Today, as part of the prestigious “Magic Circle” of law firms, Linklaters boasts over 3,100 lawyers across 31 offices in 21 countries, maintaining a reputation for excellence in corporate and financial law.
What Makes Linklaters Stand Out
Linklaters distinguishes itself through several key attributes:
- Prestige: As a member of the “Magic Circle”, Linklaters is recognized for its preeminent legal services, particularly in corporate and financial law.
- Global Reach: With over 3,100 lawyers across 31 offices in 21 countries, the firm offers a truly global presence, enabling it to handle complex, cross-border legal issues.
- Innovative Legacy: Linklaters has a history that traces back to 1838, showcasing a firm that has consistently evolved and adapted to lead in the legal industry.
- Comprehensive Training: The firm’s training contracts and vacation schemes are renowned for their structure, providing in-depth exposure to the legal profession and preparing trainees for successful careers.
- Inclusive Culture: Linklaters emphasizes an inclusive work environment, fostering diversity and enabling a wide range of perspectives and skills to thrive within the firm.
- Development Opportunities: The firm is committed to professional development, offering mentorship, professional development sessions, and the opportunity for international or client secondments.
- Legal Innovation: Linklaters is often involved in groundbreaking legal work and transactions, positioning its trainees and lawyers at the cutting edge of legal developments.
- Client-Centric Approach: The firm is known for its client-focused services, providing tailored and strategic legal solutions to meet the complex needs of its clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Linklaters training contract and vacation scheme:
How much do Linklaters trainees earn?
Linklaters trainees can expect a competitive salary, with first-year trainees earning £50,000 per year, rising to £55,000 in their second year. When including bonuses and additional compensation, the average total pay is around £52,988 per year.
How hard is it to get into Linklaters?
Getting into Linklaters is quite challenging due to its prestigious position and the rigorous selection process it employs. The firm recruits from a wide range of universities and accepts applications from both law and non-law students.
Approximately 70% of Linklaters’ vacation scheme participants go on to train with the firm, indicating that participating in these schemes is a significant pathway to a training contract. The selection process includes an online assessment, a critical thinking test, and an assessment day with case studies and interviews, designed to evaluate candidates against Linklaters’ agile mindset framework.
How many trainees do Linklaters take?
Each year, Linklaters has an intake of around 100 trainees, which further demonstrates the competitive nature of the application process.
Is Linklaters on a rolling basis?
Linklaters does not conduct its recruitment on a rolling basis. The firm waits until the application deadline has passed and all assessments have been completed before making decisions. This structured approach to recruitment ensures all candidates are assessed together after the deadline.
What is the retention rate for Linklaters?
Linklaters has posted impressive trainee retention rates, with figures such as 94% and 92% in recent years, showcasing their commitment to retaining talent post-qualification. As for the retention rate specifically for their vacation scheme, it was reported that around 70% of participants in Linklaters’ vacation schemes go on to train with the firm, indicating a strong conversion rate from the scheme to a full training contract.
Is Linklaters a top law firm?
Yes, Linklaters is considered a top law firm. It is part of the elite Magic Circle of British multinational law firms and is renowned for its corporate and financial expertise. The firm has also achieved an impressive number of Band 1 practice rankings in legal directories such as Chambers UK, and it consistently ranks high in global revenue and attorney numbers, reflecting its status within the legal industry.
How much does a partner at Linklaters earn?
A partner at Linklaters can earn a substantial amount, with salaries ranging from £2,616,350 to £2,879,552, and average profits per equity partner (PEP) reaching up to £1.9 million. These figures can vary based on the firm’s financial performance and the pay structure, which has been adapted to reward exceptional partners with larger salaries. Learn all about solicitor salaries in our guide.
What is the retention rate for Linklaters vacation scheme?
Around 70% of participants in Linklaters’ vacation schemes go on to train with the firm. This figure indicates a strong retention rate, reflecting the effectiveness of the vacation schemes in giving candidates a pathway to a training contract and a career with the firm.
