How many summer associates does Linklaters anticipate hiring in the summer of 2009?

Approximately 40.

How much exposure to real work will I have as a summer associate?

You'll play an important part in our transaction and litigation teams, participating at a level commensurate with your experience and abilities. We treat you like a full-time associate in terms of assignments. You'll gain exposure to many facets of a deal or case, contributing to client meetings and conference calls, and even traveling between international offices, if necessary.

What level of responsibility will I get?

We believe that people rise to responsibility. We'll therefore give you as much responsibility as you can handle.

What type of work is given to students on the Summer Associate Program?

From the outset, you'll be doing work that is billable to clients - though, obviously at a junior level - as well as projects that are designed to develop your know-how and pro bono legal work.

How much partner contact is there?

We don't believe in hierarchy for hierarchy's sake; our deals are staffed with the right number of people and no more. This means you'll have close access to the partner or partners on the projects you join and have the opportunity to learn from them directly.

Are there any opportunities to spend time overseas? If so, must I speak another language?

One of the main features that distinguishes our program from others is the number of overseas opportunities that we offer for students who are interested in starting their careers abroad. New York, London and Hong Kong are the offices with the most U.S. work, but we do consider requests to spend time in other offices on an individual basis. Each of the international offices that make up our U.S. practice complete their legal transactions in English, so there is no requirement to speak another language. However, in some offices additional language skills can be helpful and are encouraged.

How many practice areas can I work in?

We plan for each summer associate to rotate through two practice areas during the summer. We honor your preferences as to practice area as much as we can, consistent with the needs of the firm.

Do you have a mentor program for summer associates?

Yes, you'll benefit from the advice and guidance of two mentors: an associate and a partner.

How much will I be paid?

You'll be paid competitively in line with current market rates.

What type of in-house seminars/training do you provide?

We offer weekly training sessions to develop your skills and introduce you to our U.S. practice areas. Additional formal and informal training is also offered on a regular basis.

How does the review/evaluation process work?

You'll receive formal evaluations in the middle of the program and at the end of the summer.  You will also encouraged be to give your feedback on the program at those times.

What kinds of social events are there during the Summer Associate Program?

We have at least one - and occasionally two - social events a week. These range from trips to sporting events, to visits to the theater and parties at partners' homes. There is also a three-day retreat in June to the London office for the entire summer class.

What is the firm's strategy for the U.S. practice?

The Firm is committed, as part of its global strategy, to building its U.S. law practice around the world. In New York the Firm has embarked on an ambitious program of lateral hiring with the aim of offering the same high quality, across-the-board range of services for our financial institution and corporate clients as we do in our larger offices.

How are summer associates allocated to practice areas?

If you have a particular interest in a specific area, then you will be given the opportunity to work in that practice group. Otherwise you will be allocated to two of the following areas: Banking, Restructuring and Insolvency, Capital Markets, Competition/Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, Investment Management, Litigation, Project Finance, Structured Finance & Derivatives or Tax (depending on the office). You should, however, be prepared to get involved in different types of projects, depending on what is going on in the office during the summer.

After graduation.

What will my starting salary be as an associate?

As with summer associates, the firm pays associates competitively in line with current U.S. market rates.

Will I get a bonus?

Performance-related bonuses are assessed on an individual basis.

What other benefits does Linklaters offer?

The firm offers 22 days of paid vacation, sick time, medical and dental coverage, a 401K investment plan and 12 weeks of paid parental leave to primary caregivers. We also offer dinner reimbursement and a car home if you're required to work after 8:00p.m.

Do you offer a flexible schedule?

There are a number of associates who work flexibly at all levels.

What kind of training is available?

Training programs are tailored to the individual. These include a Technical Skills Curriculum to help you develop your legal expertise (e.g. foundation course for new lawyers) and our Practice Skills Curriculum which supports each stage of your career (e.g. in business, management and people skills). All formal training is supplemented by periodic off-site practice area retreats and meetings.