Linklaters
London·Hong Kong
Banking·Capital markets·Competition
Where some Magic Circle firms lean on a signature specialism, Linklaters holds a top-tier ranking across all five of its core corporate and finance practice areas at once.
Why this firm
Top-tier in every core practice, not just one
Top-tier across all five of its core corporate and finance practices at once, not reliant on one signature specialism
A high standard of structured training, including the Global New Lawyer Programme and the Bespoke Plus Programme, alongside an in-depth three-week trainee induction before first seat
A banking and financial regulation practice at a scale most US rivals in this list don't replicate
What this firm looks for
Drawn from Linklaters's own recruitment materials
Based on the firm's published recruitment materials, graduate recruitment commentary and stated values.
"Agile mindset" framework
Linklaters assesses candidates against a formally named "agile mindset" framework, built into its online assessment (six scenario-based modules covering things like global-transaction and critical-thinking scenarios) and requires a dedicated application answer specifically about the framework.
"Collaborate and innovate" client line
The firm's recruitment messaging specifically states it wants people who will collaborate and innovate to deliver the smartest solutions for clients, language it repeats consistently across its graduate materials.
"One team" delivering the whole firm
Linklaters' official values messaging describes wanting lawyers who act as one team that is united, inclusive and collaborative, delivering the whole firm to clients, an integration-focused framing distinct from a generic teamwork claim.
Past applications
Real material for Linklaters
These examples are for structure and inspiration. Your application should remain your own.
A real application for Linklaters
Real cover letters and notes actually written for Linklaters are on file: 3 documents. Sign in free to read a genuine excerpt of each, before deciding whether to unlock them.
Interview Preparation
Linklaters Interview Preparation
Sign in for a glimpse
Create a free account to read a genuine excerpt of the real material on file for Linklaters, before deciding whether to unlock it.
Unlock Linklaters
The real past applications on file above, shown redacted on this page, unlock for £7.99, one-time.
Track Linklaters alongside every other application, and keep research like this to hand while you draft.
Start free