Our three-week international clerkships are a fantastic opportunity for students in Africa, Australia and India who want to start their careers at Linklaters in London and gain an insight into the world of commercial law. Not only will you experience living and working in London, you’ll also interview for a Training Contract with us for a full-time role upon graduation. The Clerkship takes place in November – December each year. The firm will support you with your visa, as well as pay for your flights and accommodation during your time with us in London.
The Training Contract
Over the two years, you’ll rotate around four six-month seats (placements) and get to work on the most complex transactions for the world’s leading banks, corporates and financial sponsors. There's no substitute for the depth and quality of insight that comes from spending six months in a department. Whilst you will be based in London, there will also be the chance to go on an international or client secondment. And at the end of your Training Contract, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision about where to start your career.
In each department, you'll sit with a Principal (a senior lawyer), who is on hand to train and supervise. A Group Trainee Solicitor Partner will also give you additional support. With ongoing feedback, you'll have ample opportunity to discuss progress with the Trainee Development Team and draw up a training plan. And as you define your interests, you'll also have the flexibility to change your preference as you go. You'll also benefit from world-class seminars and training modules that are specific to your seat and practice area.
Insight sessions: To support you gaining a well-rounded insight into the firm, we organise various sessions throughout the scheme. Expect to experience our DEI training firsthand, in-depth overviews into our core practice areas, and hear from our pro bono and innovation teams.
Real work: You’ll gain exposure to real work through sitting in a practice area of your choice. You’ll be fully integrated into the team working on live matters and interacting with our clients.
Projects and tasks: Throughout the scheme, you’ll be given assessed tasks, real work from your principal and the opportunity to collaborate with your cohort on a group client pitch exercise.
Culture, Socials and Support
Culture and Socials: Experience the firm culture through informal interactions, lunches and Silks coffee catch ups, and join our DEI networks, faith groups and sports clubs/gym. There will also be scheduled Vacation Scheme socials so you can network with your cohort and our lawyers.
Support: To ensure you are fully supported, you will have dedicated trainee buddy, sit with your principal (a qualified Associate) and a Trainee Recruitment contact on hand to answer questions and give advice.
Training Contract
Final Training Contract Interview: At the end of the scheme, you will have a guaranteed interview for a Training Contract with a Partner and Managing Associate.
Measuring your success: Training Contract decisions will be made based on your overall performance across the scheme, focusing on three assessed elements. These are: feedback from your principal, feedback on assessed tasks and performance in the final Training Contract interview. In-depth feedback will be provided on all of these elements.