At Linklaters we have market-leading global teams across the full range of practice areas within commercial law. All three of our divisions are strong – we cover corporate, finance and litigation, arbitration and investigations. This means wherever our lawyers focus, they are involved in the most interesting and dynamic work. 

With 31 offices across 21 countries, our lawyers act for the world’s largest household names, as well as governments and non-profit organisations on their most complex and challenging assignments. 

As a truly global business, we solve unique problems and provide exceptional development opportunities. When people join Linklaters, they find colleagues they want to work with in a truly high-performance culture. Our inspiring and personable professionals are generous with their time and always happy to help. 

Our success is built on working together and we look for individuals who will collaborate and innovate to deliver the smartest solutions for clients. We recruit candidates from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines, not just law. Why? Because those candidates bring with them a set of unique skills and perspectives that can help to challenge conventional thinking and inspire different approaches to client problems. 

Over two years, trainees rotate through four seats (placements) in different practice areas, with most of our trainees going on international or client secondments. To develop our exceptional talent, we are committed to providing world-class training and practical experience, alongside support, mentorship and coaching.  

Attend an insight event, join a diversity and access programme, participate in a vacation scheme or start as a trainee solicitor, and you will find Linklaters offers outstanding, career-long opportunities. 

What you'll be working on during a work placement at Linklaters LLP 

To kickstart your career, apply to one of our summer, winter or spring 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. We'll also pay you £450 per week while you're with us. 

You'll be involved in real deals, sit with an associate principal, work hard and enjoy an active social life. You'll also attend professional development sessions. These offer a broader understanding of our global business strategy and practice areas, and help you to develop those essential skills, like negotiation and pitching. 

More informally, you'll have the ear of experienced lawyers and trainees. A trainee ‘buddy’ in each department, is on hand to integrate you into the team, as well as an associate principal. This reflects the support you can look forward to if you join us as a trainee. You'll also get to know us, and other vacation scheme students, through our social events (often a highlight!). 

After attending the vacation scheme, we'll automatically offer you a final interview for our training contract with one of our partners and managing associates. The selection process is tough, because our vacation schemes are there to help prepare you, and we want you to be successful in your training contract application. 

Applications are welcomed from penultimate and final-year undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates.

What to expect from Linklaters LLP training contract 

We believe what makes us stand out as an employer, is the attention we give to training and support. We offer the work on a range of live projects, and have real influence. There's no substitute for the depth and quality of insight that comes from spending six months in a department. You may also have the chance to take up an international or client secondment. And at the end of your contract, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision about where to focus. 

In each department, you'll sit with a principal, who is your mentor, 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 specific seminars and training modules relevant to your seat and practice area. 

Applications are welcomed from penultimate and final-year undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates. 

We welcome talented, passionate students from all backgrounds, and in fact, around 40% come from non-law backgrounds. 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)

You can train as a lawyer without completing an undergraduate law degree. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law is a one-year conversion course that provides the legal knowledge to start training alongside law graduates. You choose which branch of The University of Law you'd like to study at, and we do the rest. We'll provide help and advice with your application, pay the fees and provide a maintenance grant. 

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 

Linklaters is part of the City Consortium, which is made up of six of the City’s leading law firms. All of these firms believe 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. 

All future trainees will complete an 11-month course which includes prep programmes for SQE1 and SQE2, as well as the City Consortium Plus Programme. There is also an option available for students to study towards a master’s qualification. 

Visit our careers site to find out more and apply. 

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