Our two-year law graduate programme is second to none. Our trainees train in Portuguese law and are in constant contact with that of other jurisdictions, while at the same time developing their technical and management skills. In addition, some of their first 12 months is spent in the London office, where they establish contacts with lawyers from elsewhere in the firm and take on a deeper appreciation of Linklaters’ culture and values.

The traineeship is fully structured, and consists of four seat rotations across practice areas, providing you with excellent exposure. You’ll be given extra time to attend classes (with paid leave) throughout the programme, helping you to prepare for your bar exams. You’ll even be given time out to revise before final exams. Added to that, you’ll be assigned a mentor who can give you support throughout the traineeship period.

Yes, we look for strong academic records but you’ll also need the skills that go above and beyond your qualifications. You’ll have a determination to achieve, a willingness to learn continuously, and a desire to work on the most complex transactions. You’ll also need to be fluent in English, since a large amount of business law focuses on international transactions.

It is also standard  that trainees become associates at the end of their internship, irrespective of when they are called to the Bar.

Application

Linklaters offers a well structured recruitment process. Initially, you’ll meet with a partner or a managing associate and representatives from our HR team. During the second interview, you’ll meet one more partner or one more managing associate as well as HR. There’ll be competency-based questions relating to your behaviour and motivations, an English test, together with a half-day assessment centre from which you’ll receive full feedback during your integration period in the office. It’s a fair, meritocratic approach which goes beyond just partner interviews. The process is challenging, but it really is a chance for you to demonstrate your skills and qualities and to give yourself the best chance of gaining a training contract with us.

To apply, please send an email to: recruitmentlisbon@linklaters.com