Linklaters Application Guide 2027
Every programme, deadline, and requirement for applying to Linklaters. Plus a free CV checker to see if you pass screening.
Programmes
Linklaters programmes
Training Contract
Eligibility
Law and non-law graduates (with GDL/SQE)
Opens
Varies
Deadline
Varies by firm
Duration
2 years (4 seats)
Vacation Scheme
~70-80% conversionEligibility
Penultimate-year undergraduates and GDL/LPC students
Opens
October
Deadline
December-January
Duration
2 weeks
Pathfinder (Spring Scheme)
Eligibility
First-year undergraduates
Opens
October
Deadline
November-December
Duration
1-2 days
Requirements
What Linklaters looks for
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.
Grade requirements
Typically AAA at A-Level and a 2:1. Contextual recruitment is used to account for educational background. Strong academics are important.
Tips
How to apply to Linklaters
Linklaters' application form includes competency questions. Reference a specific Linklaters matter — check their "What We Do" page.
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
Proofread everything. Linklaters receives thousands of applications — copy-paste errors from other firms are obvious and result in immediate rejection.
CV check
Check your CV for Linklaters
Before you submit to Linklaters, check whether your CV would pass their screening stage. Paste your CV text below and get an instant AI-scored analysis covering ATS compatibility, keyword coverage, and section-by-section feedback.
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CV standards
Linklaters CV requirements
One page maximum for undergraduates. Two pages acceptable for graduates with significant legal experience.
Education first — include degree classification (or predicted), A-level results, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Legal experience prominently featured — vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, pro bono, mooting, law society involvement.
Quantify achievements where possible — "managed a team of 15" or "contributed to a brief covering £2m in damages".
Tailor to Linklaters — reference practice areas that align with your interests and the firm's strengths.
Professional formatting — consistent fonts, clear section headers, no colours or graphics.
Success rates
Linklaters conversion rates
| Stage | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Application → Online assessment | Selective (estimated ~20-30%) |
| Online assessment → Video interview | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Video interview → Assessment centre | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Assessment centre → Offer | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Vacation scheme → Training contract | Typically 70-80% |
| Overall application → offer | Estimated ~5% |
FAQ
Linklaters application FAQs
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