How to get a job at Linklaters
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Linklaters actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Linklaters
Company overview
Linklaters is one of the world's leading law firms and a founding member of the Magic Circle. Based in London with a strong global presence, the firm advises on complex cross-border transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters.
The firm is recognised for technical excellence and innovation in finance, M&A, capital markets, and dispute resolution. They work with premier clients including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government bodies.
Linklaters has built a reputation as a thought leader in legal innovation, technology integration, and sustainable business practices.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Linklaters
Linklaters champions diversity, inclusion, and innovation. The firm values intellectual excellence, client service, and a commitment to responsible business. They foster a collaborative culture where associates are empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of their development.
The firm invests in continuous learning, mentoring relationships, and exposure to cutting-edge legal and business challenges. They believe in supporting their people through structured development pathways.
Why people want to work here
Lead on landmark transactions and disputes; work with world-class legal minds; structured training with clear progression; generous compensation package; strong focus on wellbeing and flexible working; opportunities to influence firm strategy.
What to expect
Working at Linklaters
The working environment at Linklaters reflects the law sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.
As a 2,800+-person organisation, Linklaters sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.
The culture at Linklaters shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Legal Excellence and Commercial Awareness. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Linklaters recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Linklaters interview process
Linklaters employs a rigorous assessment process designed to identify candidates with strong commercial awareness, legal knowledge, and cultural alignment. The vacation scheme is a key pathway to training contracts.
Online Application
2 weeksApplication form with open questions about motivation and legal interests, followed by online assessments
Reasoning Tests
1 weekNumerical, verbal, and logical reasoning tests assessing analytical ability and attention to detail
Video Interview
1-2 weeksPre-recorded responses to commercial scenarios and interview questions, assessed by recruitment team
Assessment Centre
1 dayIn-person day with group exercises, presentation, case interview, and interviews with partners
Partner Final Interview
45 minutesMeeting with senior partner to discuss career aspirations and firm fit
Applications usually open in autumn. Vacation schemes run during summer, typically leading to training contract offers in the following year.
Insider tips
Demonstrate awareness of the legal market and Linklaters' recent deals; prepare thoughtful questions about practice areas; show genuine interest in the firm's values around innovation and inclusion; provide concrete examples of teamwork and problem-solving.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Linklaters interview
Linklaters's interview process typically takes Applications usually open in autumn. Vacation schemes run during summer, typically leading to training contract offers in the following year.. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Linklaters thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in legal services and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Linklaters on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Linklaters and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Legal Excellence, Commercial Awareness, Communication Skills. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Solicitor or Paralegal role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Linklaters's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Linklaters's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Linklaters's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Linklaters looks for
Legal Excellence
Strong academic background with evidence of legal knowledge and analytical thinking. Candidates should understand key legal principles and their practical applications.
Commercial Awareness
Understanding of business models, markets, and the regulatory environment. Ability to see transactions from the client's perspective and understand commercial drivers.
Communication Skills
Excellent written and oral communication. Ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences and engage confidently in discussions.
Innovation Mindset
Openness to new ideas and approaches. Willingness to embrace technology and challenge traditional practices. Curiosity about emerging legal issues.
Collaborative Spirit
Ability to work effectively in teams, support colleagues, and contribute positively to firm culture. Genuine interest in diversity and inclusion.
Get through the door
How to apply to Linklaters
Start by studying Linklaters's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — legal services employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Solicitor, Paralegal, Barrister, research what each role involves at Linklaters specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Linklaters's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Linklaters offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many law employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Linklaters's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every law employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Linklaters on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Linklaters values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In law specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Linklaters or legal services-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Linklaters's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Legal Excellence and Commercial Awareness — Linklaters uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Linklaters's process typically takes Applications usually open in autumn. Vacation schemes run during summer, typically leading to training contract offers in the following year., and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Linklaters and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Linklaters simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Linklaters interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Linklaters candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1What recent Linklaters transaction or case impressed you and why?
- 2How do you stay informed about legal and commercial developments?
- 3Tell us about a time you've influenced others without formal authority
- 4Why commercial law appeals to you specifically?
- 5Describe your experience with different areas of law and what you've enjoyed
- 6How would you approach a task you'd never done before?
- 7What do you understand by Linklaters' commitment to innovation?
- 8Tell us about a time you've worked under pressure with a tight deadline
Your career here
Growth & development at Linklaters
Career progression at Linklaters follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many law organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Linklaters invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly. Linklaters also offers sabbatical leave for longer-serving employees — a rare benefit that demonstrates genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and personal development beyond day-to-day work.
For legal services professionals, Linklaters offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Legal Excellence and Commercial Awareness — are transferable across the law sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Linklaters started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Linklaters
Market-competitive salary. Training contract: £31,000-£33,000 (year 1), £36,000-£39,000 (year 2). Newly qualified: £100,000-£120,000.
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Linklaters
Frequently asked questions
What is the Linklaters vacation scheme?
The vacation scheme is a two-week summer placement aimed at first or second-year university students. Participants experience different practice areas, work on real matters, and meet lawyers at all levels. High performers typically receive an immediate offer for a training contract place. The scheme is highly selective, with only around 20% of applicants being invited.
How many training contracts does Linklaters typically offer?
Linklaters usually offers around 80-90 training contract places per year across its London office and international locations. Most offers come from vacation schemers, though external candidates can also apply. The firm looks for consistency across academic and professional achievements.
What is the structure of the training contract?
The training contract lasts two years and comprises four six-month seats in different practice areas. You work with partners and senior associates on real matters, attend firm training, and have a designated supervisor. You're expected to contribute meaningfully to your team's work while developing your legal skills.
Does Linklaters sponsor Legal Practice Course and Bar Practice Course fees?
Yes, Linklaters fully sponsors the Legal Practice Course (now Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice) and bar examinations for successful candidates. The firm also provides financial support for the Bar Practice Course for candidates wishing to qualify as barristers.
What are the key practice areas at Linklaters?
The firm has leading practices in corporate/M&A, capital markets, finance, dispute resolution, employment, and regulatory law. There are also growing practices in technology, energy, and infrastructure. Your training contract will expose you to multiple areas before you specialise.
What support does Linklaters provide for career progression?
Beyond your training contract, the firm provides mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development support. Associates receive annual reviews and clear guidance on progression expectations. The firm emphasises that partnership is achievable for those who demonstrate the required skills and business development capabilities.
Your Linklaters interview is coming.
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Practise with real Linklaters questions, get scored across 6 competencies, and walk in confident you can perform under pressure.
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