Linklaters Interview Preparation
The Magic Circle firm with the strongest finance practice — and a reputation for developing exceptional lawyers
~10,000+
Applications
~5%
Offer rate
£52,000 (TC)
Graduate salary
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Linklaters — HireVue Practice
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Application process
How to get into Linklaters — step by step
Online Application
Vac scheme: Nov-Jan. Training contract: check website. Pathfinder: Sep-Oct.Linklaters' application form includes competency questions. Reference a specific Linklaters matter — check their "What We Do" page.
Online Assessment
Shortly after applicationSHL-style verbal and situational judgement tests. Focus on legal-style critical analysis. Timed and competitive.
Video Interview
2-4 weeks after assessmentStrengths-based and competency-based mix. Know why Linklaters specifically — their finance practice, international reach, or a specific deal.
Assessment Centre
February-March (vac scheme)Case study exercise, group discussion, and partner interview. Linklaters AC tests commercial judgement — not legal knowledge.
Offer
Within 2 weeks of ACVac scheme is the primary TC route. Conversion rate is high (~75%). Perform well on the placement.
Interview questions
Linklaters interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Why Linklaters specifically?
- 2Tell me about a commercial development in the news.
- 3Describe a time you showed attention to detail.
- 4What practice area interests you most?
- 5When did you work effectively in a team?
What they value
What Linklaters looks for in candidates
Commercial judgement
Not just awareness — judgement. They want you to have a view on commercial issues, not just describe them.
Analytical precision
Finance-heavy practice means analytical thinking is paramount. Show you can break down complex information logically.
Collaborative working
Training at Linklaters is team-based. They want evidence of building on others' work and supporting colleagues.
Clear communication
Explaining a complex finance deal to a client in plain English is core to the role. Test this at AC.
Drive and resilience
Magic Circle hours require stamina. They want people who are motivated by the work, not just the salary.
Global perspective
Linklaters operates in 20 countries. Show awareness of international markets and cross-border transactions.
Compensation
Linklaters salary & benefits
Graduate
£52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year)
Intern
~£500/week (vac scheme)
Bonus
NQ salary ~£125,000
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Linklaters
Insider tips
How to stand out at Linklaters
Know Linklaters' finance practice strength — reference a banking or capital markets deal they advised on
International secondments are their selling point. Mention specific offices you'd want to work in and why.
The case study at AC tests commercial judgement, not law. Practise analysing business decisions under time pressure.
Read Linklaters' thought leadership on topics like ESG, fintech regulation, or AI in law — reference it
Apply for the vac scheme — 75% conversion rate makes it the primary TC route
Compare
Linklaters vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linklaters | £52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year) | 50-65/week | Strongest finance practice of the Magic ... | — |
| Clifford Chance | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | More international (31 offices) | Similar |
| A&O Shearman | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Largest MC after merger | Similar |
| Freshfields | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Strongest disputes | Similar |
| Slaughter and May | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-60/week | Best hours, no intl offices | Similar |
FAQ
Linklaters FAQs
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