While we’re fiercely professional and competitive as a firm, we’d like to think that we’re also a friendly, down-to-earth group of people. We’ve fostered a close, collaborative atmosphere here; one where everyone is encouraged to share thoughts, discuss ideas and contribute to how we work as a firm.
But there’s something about working for us that goes beyond the walls of the office. We’ve a thriving social scene here, with many sports, social and cultural clubs and gatherings taking place – everything from an inter-firm rugby tournament to special exhibitions and viewings at the British Museum.
What’s more, the same enthusiasm, commitment and drive to achieve that takes us to the top of so many financial league tables also helps us lead the way in pro bono and community work. Below is just a snapshot of what we do.
Legal Pro Bono Work
We provide high-quality professional skills and services free of charge or at reduced cost to charities, non-profit organisations and, occasionally, members of the public with limited means. But that’s not all we do. Around 20% of our people receive time off and support to volunteer at or be seconded to a number of legal advice centres. We also encourage anyone involved in pro bono work to attend training in areas such as housing, benefits or employment law, which allows them to give the very best quality of advice to pro bono clients.
Employee Volunteering Programmes
We also run more than 15 community programmes designed to support non-profit groups, charities, law centres, advice agencies and small businesses in the neighbouring boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham and Southwark. These range from local school literacy and maths programmes to giving legal advice at law centres, ethnic minority undergraduate mentoring and supporting initiatives to tackle homelessness. We strongly encourage anyone and everyone to get involved in this, and much of our involvement occurs during the working week.
Charitable Donations
Each year we donate 0.5% of global pre-tax profits to charitable organisations. In our London office, for example, we have Link Aid: the London staff charity which raises money annually through a variety of activities and supports a number of charities.
Join us, in other words, and you’ll be part of more than just Linklaters.