Your application

At Linklaters, we offer a wide range of programmes and opportunities for every stage of your legal journey. Whether you are a student, graduate or career changer, you can find out all you need to know about our application process and key attributes we are looking for, as well as a full list of our current vacancies. For more information about our opportunities, please click here.

You can also sign up to our Talent Community to receive exclusive content, updates and reminders to help you navigate the Linklaters application process. Please click here to join.

Programme	Eligibility	Application Dates	Programme Dates	Apply
Winter Vacation Scheme 2024	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 03/10/2024	02/12/2024 - 13/12/2024	Apply now
Open Day 2024	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 17/10/2024	13/11/2024 - 27/11/2024	Apply now
Black Heritage Open Day 2024	Black heritage students in penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 17/10/2024	20/11/2024	Apply now
Spring Vacation Scheme 2025	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 12/12/2024	07/04/2025 - 18/04/2025	Apply now
Summer Vacation Scheme 2025	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 12/12/2024	16/06/2025 - 04/07/2025, 14/07/2025 - 01/08/2025	Apply now
Direct Training Contract 2027/28	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 12/12/2024	September 2027, March 2028	Apply now
Middle East/London Vacation Scheme 2027/28	Penultimate-year, final-year undergraduates and postgraduate students who are fluent in Arabic	02/09/2024 - 12/12/2024	September 2027, March 2028	Apply now
Singapore/London Training Contract 2027/28	Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates	02/09/2024 - 12/12/2024	September 2027, March 2028	Apply now
Pathfinder 2025	First-year undergraduates or second-year of a four-year degree	02/12/2024 - 06/02/2025	April 2025	Opens 02/12/2024

How to apply

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:

the Linklaters agile mindset framework

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:

the Linklaters agile mindset framework

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.

Our application process is straightforward and been designed to give you a realistic insight into the role of a trainee solicitor.

Complete a short online form with your basic information, contextual data and academic report which will take no longer than 30 minutes.
For Get Ahead, Going Forward and Making Links you will also be asked to submit a one-page cover letter as part of your application. This should include your motivations for Linklaters, commercial law and for the programme.
Next, you’ll take our online Capp assessment which is based on our agile mindset framework. You’ll work through six modules, gaining a realistic insight into the role of a Linklaters trainee. The test is untimed but should take between 70-90 minutes to complete. Once submitted, you will receive a personalised feedback report detailing your strengths and a development area. You must complete the Capp assessment prior to the deadline. No preparation is required for the Capp assessment.
Once you have submitted the Capp assessment, you will have 5 days to complete the online Watson Glaser critical thinking test. The test is untimed, and we would strongly advise completing a practice test for the Watson Glaser.

The Trainee Recruitment team wait until the deadline has passed and all assessments to be completed before making decisions.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test

Watch this video to find out what to expect and how to prepare. It's important to take the time to understand what the test is looking for and to practice beforehand. We have also included some sample questions below.

Insert Watson Glaser video

link needed wg_practice.pdf (pearsonvue.com)

Preparing for our Interviews:

Phone/Video interview: For Pathfinder, Get Ahead, Going Forward and Making Links the final stage in the process is a short phone or video interview with a member of the Trainee Recruitment team. You’ll be asked questions about your motivations for the programme, Linklaters and for a career in commercial law. You can also expect to be asked some competency-based questions around the skills in our agile mindset framework.
Assessment Centre: Watch our video below to find out about our interview day and what to expect. If you’re selected, you’ll also be invited to join an online chat session with our Trainee Recruitment team 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.

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