How to Land a Job at Linklaters: Career Strategies

 

• To understand how Linklaters is competing in today’s legal labor market, it’s helpful to view the broader picture of law firm recruitment trends in 2025, which reveals where demand is strongest and how firms are adjusting their hiring models.

• Even after you pass the interview stage, avoiding toxic behaviors that derail attorney careers is key to staying aligned with Linklaters’ performance and relational expectations.

• To see how another firm organizes development, feedback loops, and advancement, you can refer to the BCGSearch piece on career success at Cooley LLP, which shows another trajectory path in a large firm environment.

  In today's competitive job market, finding the right career path can be daunting. However, Linklaters offers a world of opportunities for those with a passion for law and a drive for excellence. With its rich heritage and global presence, Linklaters is one of the leading law firms in the world, known for its exceptional legal services and commitment to client satisfaction. This comprehensive guide will take you through the various career paths at Linklaters, shedding light on the firm's culture, values, recruitment process, and the benefits of joining the team.
 

• Many of the principles Linklaters values—such as demonstration of resilience, standout credentials, and polished interviewing skills—are also covered in our guide on getting a job with a large law firm and succeeding, which offers tactics for both students and experienced attorneys.

 

Overview of Linklaters

History and Reputation
 

• Linklaters has a rich history that spans over 180 years. The firm was established in 1838 and has since grown into one of the world's most reputable and influential law firms. It has a strong track record of advising global corporations, financial institutions, and governments on complex legal matters.

Global Presence


Linklaters has an extensive global network, with offices in major cities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. This global presence enables the firm to provide clients with seamless cross-border legal services and tap into diverse markets and industries.

Areas of Expertise
 

• Linklaters is renowned for its expertise in various areas of law, including corporate, finance, capital markets, restructuring and insolvency, litigation and dispute resolution, and tax. The firm's lawyers are skilled in navigating complex legal frameworks and delivering innovative solutions tailored to clients’ specific needs.

Firm Culture and Values
 

• Linklaters prides itself on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. The firm values teamwork, integrity, and professionalism and strives to create an environment where employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Linklaters is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively promotes a workplace that embraces different perspectives and backgrounds.

For a useful contrast, you might look at how associates approach growth and firm integration in our career path at Wilson Sonsini guide, which highlights different cultural assumptions and progression structures.

 

Careers at Linklaters

Legal Professionals
 

• Linklaters offers a range of career opportunities for legal professionals, including aspiring lawyers, experienced associates, and those on the partner track. The firm provides comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and a supportive work environment to help legal professionals develop their skills and progress in their careers.

Business Services
 

• Linklaters recognize the importance of a strong business support function in delivering excellent client service. The firm offers diverse career paths in areas such as finance and accounting, marketing and business development, human resources, and IT and technology. Business services professionals play a vital role in enabling the firm's legal teams to operate efficiently and effectively.

To complement the skills and strategies you’ll need at Linklaters, check out our article on overcoming self-sabotage in a legal career, which tackles internal blockers like imposter syndrome and habit revision.


Professional Support Staff
 

• Linklaters value the contributions of professional support staff who provide essential services to the firm. This includes legal secretaries, paralegals, document specialists, and knowledge management professionals. These roles offer opportunities to work closely with lawyers, contribute to legal projects, and develop expertise in specific practice areas.

 

Recruitment Process

Online Application 
 

• The recruitment process at Linklaters typically starts with an online application. Candidates are required to submit their CV/resume, a cover letter, and academic transcripts. Tailoring your application to highlight relevant experience, skills, and passion for a career at Linklaters is essential.

Assessment Stage 
 

• Successful applicants are invited to the assessment stage, which may include psychometric tests, case studies, and written exercises. These assessments evaluate your problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and how well you can work under pressure.

Interviews 
 

• Shortlisted candidates are then invited to interviews, which may be conducted in person or via video conferencing. These interviews assess your suitability for the role, motivation to work at Linklaters, and ability to work in a team. Researching the firm, preparing thoughtful answers, and demonstrating your legal industry knowledge is crucial.

Offer and Onboarding
 

• You may receive an offer to join Linklaters if you impress during the interview stage. Once accepted, the firm will guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with the necessary information and resources to start your career at the firm.

One useful point of comparison is the hiring process at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, which illustrates how firms calibrate for both technical skills and interpersonal attributes in candidate selection.

 

Legal Professionals at Linklaters

Training Contracts
 

• Linklaters offers training contracts for aspiring lawyers who are seeking to qualify as solicitors. Training contracts typically last two years and provide a comprehensive learning experience combining practical work experience and professional development opportunities. Trainees have the chance to work in different practice areas and gain exposure to a variety of clients and legal matters.

Vacation Schemes
 

• Linklaters also offers vacation schemes, which allow law students to experience working at the firm during university breaks. These schemes typically last for a few weeks and offer invaluable insights into the firm's day-to-day operations. Vacation scheme participants have the chance to work on real legal projects, interact with lawyers, and build their professional network.

Associate Positions
 

• Experienced lawyers can join Linklaters as associates, where they will work on complex legal matters, collaborate with colleagues, and provide valuable advice to clients. Associates have the opportunity to specialize in specific practice areas and work on high-profile transactions and cases.

Partner Track For ambitious Lawyers
 

• Linklaters offers a clear path to partnership. The firm provides support and guidance to lawyers who aspire to become partners, including mentoring, training, and opportunities to develop their leadership and business development skills. Partnership at Linklaters is based on merit, expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to the firm's values.

Especially for those beyond the associate level, knowing the critical career choices for mid-level attorneys is essential to aligning your direction with what Linklaters rewards in its senior rankings.

 

Business Services at Linklaters

Finance and Accounting
 

• Linklaters recognizes the importance of sound financial management, and the firm offers career opportunities in finance and accounting. Professionals in these roles work closely with lawyers to manage budgets, financial reporting, and forecasting to ensure the firm's financial success.

Marketing and Business Development 
 

• Linklaters' marketing and business development teams play a crucial role in promoting the firm's brand, attracting new clients, and supporting client relationship management. Professionals in these roles develop marketing strategies, organize events, create thought leadership content, and collaborate with lawyers to develop tailored pitches and proposals.

Human Resources 
 

• The human resources team at Linklaters focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. They are responsible for recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development programs, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

IT and Technology
 

• In today's digital age, technology plays a vital role in the legal industry. Linklaters offers career opportunities in IT and technology, where professionals work on implementing and maintaining cutting-edge systems and infrastructure to support the firm's operations and ensure the security of sensitive client information.

One useful point of comparison is the hiring process at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, which illustrates how firms calibrate for both technical skills and interpersonal attributes in candidate selection.

 

Professional Support Staff at Linklaters 

Legal Secretaries
 

• Legal secretaries provide administrative and secretarial support to lawyers, ensuring the smooth running of legal projects and assisting with document preparation, scheduling, and client communication. They are integral to the firm's day-to-day operations and play a crucial role in supporting lawyers' work.

Paralegals 
 

• Paralegals work closely with lawyers on legal research, document review, and the preparation of legal documents. They play an essential role in assisting with due diligence, drafting contracts, and supporting lawyers in their casework. Paralegal roles offer valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop legal skills.

Document Specialists 
 

• Document specialists manage and organize the firm's legal documents and databases. They ensure that documents are stored securely, easily accessible, and compliant with legal requirements. Document specialists also play a key role in supporting lawyers during discovery and due diligence processes.

Knowledge Management 
 

• Knowledge management professionals capture, organize, and share the firm's collective knowledge and expertise. They develop knowledge-sharing platforms, maintain legal databases, and support lawyers in accessing relevant precedents, legal research, and best practices.

 

Benefits of Joining Linklaters

Competitive Compensation
 

• Linklaters offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. Compensation varies based on role, level of experience, and location. The firm also provides performance-based bonuses and rewards for exceptional achievements.

Your journey into elite firms like Linklaters must contend with the harsh reality of legal careers, as explored in why only the extraordinary make it in legal careers, which underscores the discipline and persistence necessary to break through.


Professional Development
 

• Linklaters is committed to the professional development of its employees. The firm offers comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for continuing education to enhance skills and knowledge. Lawyers have access to legal academies and workshops, while business services professionals have tailored training programs to support their career growth.

Work-Life Balance
 

• Linklaters recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The firm offers flexible working arrangements, including remote working options, to accommodate personal and family needs. Linklaters promotes a culture that values well-being, providing resources and support to help employees manage their workloads and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Global Opportunities
 

• Linklaters' global presence provides employees with opportunities to work on international projects, collaborate with colleagues from different jurisdictions, and gain exposure to diverse legal systems and cultures. The firm encourages mobility and offers secondment opportunities for lawyers and business services professionals to work in different offices around the world.

While Linklaters provides global reach, Exploring Opportunities at Cahill Gordon & Reindel: A Complete Review dives into what makes a U.S.-focused career at a leading firm attractive.
 

Diversity and Inclusion at Linklaters 

Commitment to Diversity
 

• Linklaters is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The firm values the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals from different backgrounds and recognizes that diversity fosters innovation and better decision-making. Linklaters actively promotes equal opportunities and diversity across gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability.

Employee Networks and Affinity Groups
 

• Linklaters has established employee networks and affinity groups that provide support, networking opportunities, and a sense of community for underrepresented groups. These groups promote diversity initiatives, organize events, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive work environment.

Inclusive Culture
 

• Linklaters fosters an inclusive culture that celebrates individual differences and ensures that everyone feels valued and respected. The firm promotes awareness and understanding of unconscious bias, offers diversity and inclusion training, and implements policies and practices that support equal opportunities for all employees.

While Linklaters has its own internal heuristics, many best practices overlap with those in our application process at DLA Piper guide — from resume tailoring to assessing fit signals in candidate responses.
 

Tips for Success at Linklaters

Demonstrate Your Passion
 

• Show genuine enthusiasm and passion for a career at Linklaters. Highlight your interest in the legal industry, the firm's areas of expertise, and its commitment to client service and excellence. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm's values and culture and explain how you align with them.

Develop a Strong Skill Set
 

• Invest in developing your skills and knowledge in your chosen field. Linklaters value individuals who possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Seek opportunities to gain practical experience, develop your legal expertise, and stay updated on industry trends and developments.

Embrace Continuous Learning
 

• The legal industry is constantly evolving, and staying abreast of new laws, regulations, and market dynamics is essential. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and expertise.

Build Relationships
 

• Networking and building relationships within the firm and the legal industry are crucial for success. Attend firm events, engage with colleagues, and seek mentorship from experienced professionals. Building a strong professional network will enhance your career prospects and provide valuable support and guidance along the way.

 

Conclusion

Joining Linklaters opens the door to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the legal industry. The firm's rich history, global presence, and commitment to excellence make it attractive for aspiring legal professionals, business services experts, and professional support staff. Linklaters provides a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can develop their skills, contribute to impactful legal work, and grow both personally and professionally. By understanding the firm's culture, values, and diverse career paths, you can position yourself as a strong candidate during the recruitment process and embark on a successful journey at Linklaters.