Our US recruitment team
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Natalie Green |
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Tiffany Thompson |
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Lea Sahgal |
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Summer Associate Program
Our extensive global reach ensures that our US Summer Associates, whether based in our largest US office in New York or spending time in other offices such as Washington DC, London, or Frankfurt, enjoy a truly international experience. They work alongside partners, counsel, and associates on prestigious, high-profile matters for some of the world’s leading organizations. Many have the chance to engage firsthand with complex legal issues, and all are entrusted with significant responsibilities, offering gaining direct access to partners and clients, as well as exposure to a broad spectrum of work.
Professional Development and Work Allocation
Our program features a work allocation system tailored to enhance the experience of our summer associates. Before orientation, summer associates indicate their preferred practice groups, and they can adjust their choices as the program progresses. This centralized system ensures each summer associate can engage with work that aligns with their interests and allows the flexibility to take on multiple assignments across various practice areas, enriching their professional journey.
Summer Associates collaborate closely with attorneys on intricate projects, honing their research, writing, and legal analysis skills through practical assignments. They gain invaluable experience by being exposed to litigation, regulatory and transactional matters. Typical assignments include drafting briefs, motions, contracts, and client memoranda; participating in drafting and negotiation sessions; facilitating deal closings; assisting with depositions and witness preparation; attending strategy meetings; and performing due diligence in corporate transactions. This hands-on involvement equips them with insights and skills essential for a successful legal career.
Over the ten-week program, summer associates have the opportunity to receive work from the following practice groups: (list and link to website).
Training and Development
We provide a robust array of training sessions specifically designed to prepare our Summer Associates for their first year. These cover critical skills such as legal writing, negotiation workshops, "How to Thrive as a Summer Associate," and "Networking 101." To complement these structured trainings, we host a weekly "speaker series" during Monday lunches. Speaker series panel discussion topics include the unique perspectives of Partners Panel, Clients Panel, Women’s Panel, and "What to Expect as a First Year," which details the expectations and structure for incoming associates. These comprehensive training and speaker sessions ensure that our summer associates are exceptionally well-prepared and equipped with the expertise and professional networks necessary for a thriving legal career at Linklaters.
Each summer associate is paired with two formal mentors: one partner and one associate. These mentors act as a valuable sounding board throughout the ten-week program, offering guidance, support, and insights into life at Linklaters. There are both formal and informal check-ins scheduled during the summer to ensure that all summer associates are thriving and making the most of their experience. This mentorship structure is designed to foster growth, facilitate learning, and help associates navigate their roles effectively, reinforcing their confidence in their professional journey.
Social Events and Networking
We host a wide range of interactive social events and local attorney lunches, recognizing that Linklaters' culture is a critical differentiator. These events not only help you familiarize yourself with the firm and different practice group but also foster professional relationships and lay the groundwork for lifelong friendships. Our goal is to offer numerous opportunities for engagement across the Linklaters community. By summer's end, we want you to feel confident and enthusiastic about choosing Linklaters as the foundation for your legal career.
A highlight of each summer is the Mid-Summer Retreat at our London office. This three-day event includes two full days of intensive programming and networking with our London-based attorneys and offers a fantastic opportunity for you to bond with your fellow summer associates. Last year's retreat featured a culinary tour of London’s famous Borough Market and an elegant rooftop dinner with US-based attorneys in London, providing memorable and enriching experiences for all participants.