Your application
Handled with care
You can find out all you need to know about our application process here, as well as a full list of our current and future vacancies.
Open vacancies
Future vacancies
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Making Links Scholars (for UK undergraduate students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds)
ApplyDates:
2023-2024
Opening Date:
3 April 2023
Closing Date:
25 May 2023
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African Clerkship (recent law graduates, students who are currently at Law school or students in their penultimate year of an undergraduate degree at South African (international students only), Nigerian, Ghanaian or Kenyan universities)
ApplyDates:
November - December 2023
Opening Date:
20 March 2023
Closing Date:
25 May 2023
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Get Ahead (for UK and Ireland students who are in their penultimate year of study and beyond from Black and other underrepresented minority ethnic backgrounds)
ApplyDates:
August - November 2023
Opening Date:
3 April 2023
Closing Date:
25 May 2023
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Going Forward (penultimate-year students and beyond who have refugee status, claiming asylum or from a recognised conflict zone)
ApplyDates:
August - November 2023
Opening Date:
3 April 2023
Closing Date:
25 May 2023
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Indian Internship (Indian undergraduate students graduating in 2025 from Indian Law Schools)
ApplyDates:
November - December 2023
Opening Date:
20 March 2023
Closing Date:
22 June 2023
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Linklaters Brand Ambassador 2023-2024 (for undergraduates going into their penultimate-year of study in the UK)
ApplyDates:
September 2022 - April 2023
Opening Date:
3 April 2023
Closing Date:
31 July 2023
How to apply
Getting to know each other
We understand that applying may feel daunting and time-consuming but we'll do everything we can to make it an enjoyable experience. Selection is mutual. It allows us to find out more about you. But it's also an opportunity for you to decide whether we’re right for you. So, ask questions, allow time to think and do your research.
Remember too, that you don't need to decide where to apply right away. Talk to us, find out more about what we do and what we can do for you. On our events page, you'll find a calendar of our upcoming law fairs, presentations and workshops. Ask us anything, and we promise to give you a straight answer. You might also find it useful to complete our free virtual internship to gain an insight into our work: www.theforage.com/linklaters.
So, what are we looking for? Mindset matters. We exist to help our clients’ businesses succeed, no matter what. In a climate of great change – commercial, political and economic – that means evolving and adapting at pace to stay ahead. So, we’re looking for candidates with an agile mindset, and the ability to match. Motivated and resilient but also capable and collaborative. Consider that when completing the online assessment, taking a test or meeting us face to face.
Here is our agile mindset framework:
First things first
We’re looking for people with a strong intellect and so if you're applying to one our schemes you'll need an academic track record to demonstrate this. You'll be on track for at least a 2:1 degree, in any discipline.
1. Apply online
Talking of change, we have launched a new online assessment last year which focuses on making the most of your time.
Candidates must complete the short online form (30 minutes) and the Capp Online assessment by the application deadline. Candidates will have a 5-day deadline, from the date of their application, to complete the Watson Glaser online test. We strongly advise that you complete a practice test for the Watson Glaser. No preparation is required for the Capp Online assessment.
2. The critical thinking test (Watson Glaser)
We’ll ask you to take this test once you have submitted your application form, so you can show off your critical and logical thinking. You'll get a guide as to what to expect and how to prepare for the test once you've applied. It's important to take the time to review and to practise the test beforehand.
Watch this video to find out what to expect and how to prepare. We have also included some sample questions below.
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We strongly encourage you to try practice tests before you start.
Your university careers service should be able to point you in the right direction or you can find an example test on the Pearson website here.
Passage
An evaluation of a company’s success in financial terms is often referred to as the ‘bottom line’; a reference to the last line of a company’s accounts showing their profit. The ‘triple bottom’ includes environmental and social factors, along with economic – sometimes referred to as ‘people, planet, profit’.
The ‘people’ element refers to the fair treatment of everyone the company impacts on, not just immediate employees. ‘Planet’ refers to environmental impact with companies considering sustainability and seeking to neutralise their environmental impact. Some companies have voluntarily adopted the triple bottom line, though many are now required to use a ‘double bottom line’ due to legislation requiring assessment of environmental impact.
Question
Companies are free to choose whether they adopt double bottom line accounting. (True/False/Insufficient data)
Answer
False - The correct answer is 'False', as the scenario states that "many are now required to use a ‘double bottom line’ due to legislation", meaning that double bottom line accounting is a legal requirement for some companies.
Question
The need to have a positive social and environmental impact can adversely affect financial success. (True/False/Insufficient data)
Answer
Insufficient data - The answer is 'Insufficient data', as no information is given in the scenario about how considering the social and environmental impact may affect financial success either positively or negatively.
Question
According to triple bottom line accounting, a successful company would be financially, environmentally and socially successful. (True/False/Insufficient data)
Answer
True - The answer is 'True', as the scenario states that a company’s success has been evaluated in financial terms, but that the use of triple bottom line adds an evaluation of environmental and social factors to this. Using triple bottom line accounting, the success of a company would therefore be evaluated in relation to their financial, environmental and social performance.
Passage
Health care professionals who collaborate with each other provide better care to their patients.
Question
Health care professionals who work in isolation do not have the best interest of patients in mind. (Yes/No)
Answer
No - Although this is a possibility, there is nothing in the statement to conclude about health care professionals who do not collaborate with each other. Thus, this assumption is not made in the statement and the answer is 'No'.
Question
A health care professional may not possess all the required expertise to treat some patients. (Yes/No)
Answer
Yes - It is necessarily assumed that a health care professional may not possess all the required expertise to treat some patients. Thus, this assumption is made in the statement and the answer is 'Yes'.
Question
Health care professionals who collaborate with each other have the primary goal of improving their patient’s health. (Yes/No)
Answer
No - There is nothing in the statement to conclude that health care professional do not collaborate for other reasons, such as for research studies. Thus, this assumption is not made in the statement and the answer is 'No'.
Passage
A proportion of the induction presentations at Company X include health and safety guidelines. Employees that attended a presentation containing health and safety guidelines had fewer accidents at work than the average employee in the company.
Question
All those that attend an induction had fewer accidents than the average employee at the company. (Yes/No)
Answer
No - The answer is 'No', as the passage states that only a proportion of the induction presentations included health and safety guidelines, leaving the rest of the induction presentations without this content.
Question
Only a proportion of the employees who attended an induction had fewer accidents than the average employee at the company. (Yes/No)
Answer
Yes - The answer is 'Yes' as only a proportion of induction presentations included health and safety guidelines, and therefore those that did not receive this content would not have had its accident reducing benefits.
Question
Induction processes are beneficial to an organisation. (Yes/No)
Answer
No - The answer is 'No', as, in this context, induction presentations are only beneficial if they incorporate aspects of health and safety.
Passage
In Country X, nine hours after drinking a standard (75cl) bottle of red wine (in the space of one hour), 90% of adults tested in a large scientific study still had blood alcohol levels exceeding the legal level that allows them to drive in that country.
Question
More than 90% of those who drink a standard bottle of wine (in the space of an hour) and then drive two hours later are over the legal alcohol limit to drive. (Yes/No)
Answer
Yes - The answer is 'Yes', as it is safe to assume beyond reasonable doubt that if 90% are unable to drive within the legal blood alcohol levels after 9 hours then 90% or above will also be legally unable to drive after two hours.
Question
No adult who has drunk 75cl of red wine in the space of an hour has blood alcohol levels allowing them to drive six hours later. (Yes/No)
Answer
No - The correct answer is 'No', as there is no evidence to say that all people who have drunk a bottle of wine will have blood alcohol levels exceeding the limit after six hours.
Question
People who have blood alcohol levels above the legal range are worse drivers than others. (Yes/No)
Answer
No -The correct answer is 'No', although this is likely to be the case, there is no information presented in the passage to support this.
Passage
A country facing a problem of population growth caused largely by people living longer, should seek to significantly reduce levels of immigration in aiming for a solution.
Question
No; this could reduce the size of the active workforce necessary to economically support the ageing population. (Strong/Weak)
Answer
Strong - This is a 'Strong' argument put forward to challenge the proposal, identifying a key flaw in reducing the number of immigrants and subsequent effect on the economy.
Question
Yes; it is a quick and visible action towards a solution. (Strong/Weak)
Answer
Weak - A quick and visible solution does not necessarily make it a strong one. Therefore, this is a 'Weak' argument.
Question
No; immigrants are too easily targeted to take the blame for a country’s population problems. (Strong/Weak)
Answer
Weak - The argument lacks relation to the statement and does not put forward a strong case as to why immigration levels should be reduced, therefore it is a 'Weak' argument.
If you have any questions during the process, or want to speak to us about your personal circumstances, please contact the team at trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com.
3. The interview day
Watch our video below to find out about our interview day and what to expect.
If you’re selected for interview, you’ll also be invited to join an online chat session with our graduate recruiters and other candidates, to answer any questions you might have ahead of the day. We’ll share tips and practical guidance, so you feel well prepared.
If you'd like to contact a member of the Graduate Recruitment team about our application process, or require any reasonable adjustments, please email us at trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com.
FAQs
Do you interview on a rolling basis?
No. We wait until the deadline has passed and all assessments have been completed before making decisions.
Do I have to complete the online tests by the deadline?
Which vacation scheme should I apply for? Can I apply for more than one scheme?
In opening up all our schemes to penultimate year students and beyond, the intention is to allow you the freedom to apply for the scheme which suits your academic timetable and career decision-making process. There is no particular advantage to applying to one scheme over another. Please note that for holders of a student visa who are limited to part-time work during term-time, you must apply for a scheme which falls during your vacation time, to avoid breaching the terms of your visa, as vacation schemes cannot be completed on a part-time basis.
Please only apply to one scheme per academic year.
Should I apply for a vacation scheme or a training contract?
What is the SQE?
The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the compulsory assessment of all future solicitors, which will come into force from November 2021. Set by an external assessment organisation, Kaplan, appointed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), it consists of two parts. SQE 1 tests functioning legal knowledge and SQE 2 assesses the legal written and oral skills of a solicitor.
Trainees joining Linklaters from September 2023 onwards will need to undertake the SQE. This will replace the QLTS qualification route as well as the GDL and LPC.
Will the introduction of the SQE affect me?
You’ll be required by the SRA to take the SQE if:
• You’re a non-law undergraduate, and haven’t started your GDL before September 2021.
• You’re a law undergraduate starting your degree after Autumn 2021.
• The SQE will also replace the QLTS from September 2020.
If you fall outside of the above, the SRA will continue to authorise take-up of the LPC until the end of the 2032 academic year.
We would also recommend visiting the SRA website for more details on the transition period.
What is the City Consortium?
The City Consortium is made up of six of the City’s leading law firms: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Herbert Smith Freehills; Hogan Lovells; Linklaters; Norton Rose Fulbright; and Slaughter and May.
All of these firms believe that it is essential to invest in rigorous and comprehensive technical and skills training. Their collaboration has led to the development of BPP’s market-leading SQE programmes which are rigorous, engaging and, most importantly, relevant to current City practice.
What is the City Consortium Solicitor Training Programme (CCP)?
This is the City Consortium’s suite of new programmes and is comprised of the following:
- SQE 1 Preparation Programme (for SQE 1, a centralised assessment);
- City Consortium Plus Programme; and
- SQE 2 Preparation Programme (for SQE 2, a centralised assessment.
The course is 11 months. There is also an option available for students to study towards a Master’s qualification.
What does this mean for non-law students?
Although no longer a regulatory requirement, City Consortium graduates without an England and Wales qualifying law degree will be required to study the PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law) at BPP prior to starting on the CCP. The programme length of the PGDL is 8 months.
Can you tell me more about the type of questions asked in the Watson Glaser test?
The questions are multiple choice and there are five categories of questions you may encounter, each testing something slightly different. So, you should expect to be tested on your ability to:
- Evaluate inferences drawn from a series of factual statements;
- Identify if an assumption can or cannot be made after reviewing a series of assertive statements;
- Deduce whether certain conclusions follow from the information given
- Weigh evidence and decide if conclusions based on the evidence are correct
- Distinguish between arguments that are strong/relevant against those that are weak/irrelevant.
How is the Watson Glaser test scored?
Will you tell me which questions I answered incorrectly?
I haven't been invited to interview. Can I have feedback on my application?
I have been for an assessment day, when will I hear the outcome and will I receive feedback?
Can I start my training contract earlier than the advertised intake?
We receive some applications from candidates who have already finished law school. However, as is general practice across most law firms, we recruit our Trainees two years in advance of the intake date. We therefore can't guarantee you a position earlier than that advertised. However, earlier start dates are sometimes available so please speak to a member of the Trainee Recruitment team once you've been made a Training Contract offer.
Do you accept applications from candidates who need a work permit?
Yes, we do. If you're successful in securing a training contract we'll offer assistance to obtain work permits and visas. Our offer will be dependent upon us successfully obtaining a work permit for you, and you will be responsible for providing all of the information and documentation required (e.g. proof of academic and professional qualifications, a current CV and valid passport). Please note that we can't be held responsible for any restrictions imposed by the UK Border Agency, including caps on the number of certificates allocated to sponsor employers.
Can I train to be an English solicitor with a law degree from overseas?
Do you offer internships outside London?
Do you offer work experience?
We run several work experience schemes.
- For first-year students, we offer our Pathfinder insight scheme during the Spring vacation.
- Our Winter Vacation Scheme lasts for two weeks during December
- Our Spring Vacation scheme last for two weeks during April
- Our two Summer Vacation Schemes last for three weeks
- All our schemes are open to penultimate and final year undergraduates, graduates and career changers.
- For penultimate-year law students studying in Australia we run an Australian Clerkship at our London office, which runs for four weeks in November/December.
- For penultimate-year law students in India we run an Indian internship in our London office, which runs for four weeks in November/December.
- For international students studying penultimate-year law at African universities, an African internship in our London office, which runs for four weeks in November/December.
Unfortunately, we can't offer work experience outside these schemes.
How many Trainees are kept on at qualification?
Our retention is consistently high and the vast majority of our Trainees take up Associate roles with us. In March and September 2022, we offered places on qualification to 94% and 92% of Trainees in the cohort. If you have any further queries then please email us at trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com.
Do you use contextual information when considering A-Level results?
Linklaters, in common with many organisations, uses a contextual information tool during the application process to understand the context in which you attained your results. You will be given the opportunity to add information, including extenuating circumstances such as illness or bereavement, when you complete your application. If you have any further queries then please email us at trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com.
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Vacation Schemes
For a head start in your career, apply to our Winter, Spring or Summer Vacation Schemes. They offer a taste of life in commercial law at a global firm, and they put you in the best possible position to secure a Training Contract here. Find out more here.