Selection process

The business of applying for jobs can be rather daunting. The important thing to remember is that selection is a two-way process. We read every application with great care and we work hard to make the right decisions at every stage. While we are finding out about you and whether you have what it takes to be a great solicitor, you should be finding out about us too. You need to be satisfied that law is the right career, and Linklaters the right firm, for you. We are not trying to catch you out. You may find it reassuring to read what some recent applicants had to say about the Linklaters recruitment process by clicking here.

What it takes

We have developed a pretty clear idea of the qualities and aptitudes that make a successful commercial lawyer. This understanding is the starting point for a recruitment process that is designed to deliver the right decision, for you as well as for us. Whether we're probing your motivation to be a business lawyer or testing how you respond to a real business issue, every part of the selection process is there for a purpose – to help you show us your strengths, aptitudes and potential.

We believe the qualities of a successful lawyer can be found in:

  • Strong analytical intelligence and meticulous attention to detail
  • Sound application of thinking to a commercial context
  • Willingness to see things from a client's perspective and create innovative solutions
  • Social confidence and effective relationship-building
  • Teamwork and leadership skills
  • Excellent communication skills, spoken and written
  • Clear commitment to a career in law and the City
  • An ordered and structured approach to work and learning
  • Eagerness to seek out new opportunities and challenges
  • Global outlook and mobility
  • Willingness to learn and increase knowledge

If you've spent time reading our brochure or this website, you will know why every item on this list is so important. You will also recognise that the qualities we expect of our people are very similar to what clients expect of us as a firm.

Two ways in

The process starts when you register on the website and complete the appropriate online application form. The application process broadly covers the same ground whether you join via a vacation scheme or apply directly for a training contract. The initial selection process for either route lasts about three hours. If you are accepted for a vacation scheme, you don't have to apply again and you are automatically entitled to an interview for a training contract. This happens at some point after you have completed the vacation scheme and lasts about 90 minutes. Once you've applied and been invited for interview, the process is as follows:

Vacation scheme route:

  • Critical reasoning test
  • Interview with graduate team
  • Chat with trainees and office tour
  • Interview with partner
  • Offer of scheme if successful
  • Vacation scheme
  • Training contract interview with partner*
  • Offer of training contract if successful

Direct training contract:

  • Critical reasoning test
  • Interview with managing associate
  • Chat with trainees and office tour
  • Interview with partner*
  • Offer of training contract if successful

*Includes commercial case study.

Significant features

The interviews are intensive, but most people find them both interesting and stimulating. Some parts of the process are very relaxed indeed. You will be shown around the office by a trainee who will give you candid answers to any questions you might have, particularly those of the 'what's-it-really-like?' variety. The commercial case study is another highlight: you could be asked to analyse a particular company's options and objectives and then present your conclusions to a partner. The idea is to replicate the kind of work you might be tackling if you join us. It shows us how you think and communicate, but it will also tell you whether you enjoy our kind of work.

In your corner

The graduate team is here to help and support you. We make a point of responding to applications as soon as we can and we will keep you informed of progress at every stage. If you are unsuccessful at interview, we will be happy to provide constructive feedback that may be useful for the future. But remember, we do not recruit all year round, so you must check on this site for closing dates.

The start of something big

The offer of a training contract is the beginning of a relationship that we take very seriously. If we make you an offer, we will invite you back to meet more trainees, partners and future colleagues, and talk over lunch. It's an ideal opportunity to find out even more about Linklaters and perhaps broach the more sensitive topics that you were too polite to mention at interview.

The graduate team will stay in touch with you for the rest of your time at university, through law college and on into the training contract. There's a real sense of belonging and, after you've accepted a training contract, and if we're visiting your university for a recruitment event, we try to catch up or invite you out for dinner while we're in town.

If you'd like to increase your chances of applying successfully, go to our Hints & tips section.