In need of an international firm with “impressive clientele” sooner rather than Later? These London giants may well be the missing Link.
Linklaters Lateral Profile 2024
The idea of the British elite might conjure up images of stuffiness and an air of superiority, but despite the firm’s magic circle ties, Linklaters remains anything but. On this side of the pond, Linklaters is enjoying a burgeoning position within the US market. As one associate put it: “It gets you that experience of BigLaw, without being super big.” Yet it was the firm’s global prowess that really attracted the current crop of junior associates: “I was attracted to the international presence the firm has,” one told us, something that created “more of an international focus compared to other US firms.” How did this translate in the everyday? “You’ll be working with people in multiple different offices,” another source added, “which was great, because I wanted to use my language skills.” As chief operating officer Michael Brock adds: “What Linklaters does best is the cross-border, complex multijurisdictional transactions.”
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“There was lot of emphasis on institution-building and mentorship.”
“Everyone is interested in the work they're doing but not unreasonable. We all acknowledge each other as people and respect each other.”
“How accessible and approachable all partners are regardless of whether you're in their same practice group.”
International & Secondment Opportunities
Client secondment examples: JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Digital Realty.
Overseas career development opportunities (view from the firm): Lawyers are presented with the chance to engage in a global secondment, which allows them to work from a different office alongside a local team for a substantial period. The selection for secondment is influenced by several elements such as proficiency in languages, recent performance reviews, demonstrated enthusiasm in a specific practice area, and previous work experiences.
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
3 |
2.7 : 1 |
|
|
partners made in 2023 |
associate : partner gearing |
|
|
92% |
100% |
|
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with children | agreed partners are nuturing future leaders | |
The view from the firm: Linklaters provides an array of development opportunities for its professionals, including in-house trainings, firm-sponsored seminars, CLE courses with credits, observational experiences, and specialized group training and retreats. Associates receive mentorship from partners and have biannual reviews to chart their progress. Senior attorneys craft training curricula, manage project oversight, and offer tailored training sessions to associates. Additionally, associates are allocated a marketing budget to enhance their networking and business development, which grows with their seniority level. Linklaters is committed to cultivating diverse leadership through initiatives like the Women's Leadership Program and the INspire Minority Ethnic Talent Program, ensuring a robust pipeline of talented leaders for the firm’s future.
Hours & Compensation
|
unlimited |
20 |
48 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
88% |
79% |
93% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
said the benefits package makes the workload worthwhile |
found the bonus allocation fair and transparent |
Salaries
1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
The view from the firm: Linklaters does not enforce a billable hours target, instead, pro bono work is considered on par with billable client hours, reflecting the firm's strong emphasis on community contribution. Lawyers are actively supported to engage in a wide array of pro bono work, reinforcing personal and community growth. The firm operates on a lockstep compensation model, where part-time lawyers are also eligible for bonuses and promotions. Linklaters has adopted a global flexible working policy, at least three days a week in the office, provided team communication is maintained and their role’s operational needs are met, no prior approval required.
Is Linklaters the right firm for you?
|
100% |
94% |
85% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work is interesting |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
The view from the firm: As a global law firm, Linklaters routinely manages intricate, multi-jurisdictional projects for the world's foremost organizations. Our associates play pivotal roles in high-profile, international work and we're on the lookout for individuals with a keen desire to grow and contribute to our worldwide operations. We embrace diversity and unique perspectives. For further details, visit careers.linklaters.com.
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“There’s an extremely close-knit firm culture, and the firm has an effective global organizational structure.”
“There is a warm and welcoming environment – generally, most people are down to earth.”
“Everyone is more laid back, but not in a negative way. Stressful issues are handled and not overblown, client expectations are handled by partners, and groups work closely across practice areas to deliver projects on time.”
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
|
92% |
14% |
46% |
||
|
reported strong performance in inclusivity training |
of partners are women |
of associates identify as ethnically diverse |
||
The view from the firm: Pop-in sessions are our signature DEI response to the robust time demanding schedules of attorneys and business professionals. Our DEI team tailors 30-minute educational, informative, and interactive sessions that highlight topics of microaggressions, trans-identity, Ramadan, and two-spirit identity to name a few. We’ve also added key external programming to highlight the importance of engagement in change through Factuality and a series of Compassion Workshops, which offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional development through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
To further enrich our DEI initiatives, we have hosted several panels featuring DEI subject matter experts such as A.J. Hikes from ACLU and R.K. Russell former NFL Player. These panels serve as a platform for thought leaders and experts in the field to share their insights and strategies for fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Recognizing all the above does not give us the key leverage we need to be best in class, we hired an external consultant who spent significant time working alongside our leadership to push our DEI strategy forward and help us remain at the top of our game.
Pro Bono
| 79 |
100% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm is committed to pro bono |
Pro bono highlights: American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (DEI); Truth, Hope & Justice Project (DEI); Immigration Equality.
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: USRecruit@linklaters.com