Linklaters - The Inside View

Before Prince Harry, David Beckham or John Oliver crossed the pond, London-headquartered Linklaters had already traveled westward to make a cozy home for itself in the Big Apple. The firm has historically been known as one of the elites back in its British hometown, and this reputation meant it quickly established itself stateside as an international powerhouse. Chambers USA also backs up this claim with a top New York bankruptcy and restructuring ranking, alongside nationwide recognition in privacy and data security, antitrust, derivatives and projects. The firm is also ranked by nine other Chambers guides, with hundreds of global rankings to boot.

“What was important to me wasn’t just the work I was doing, but who I was doing it with, and Links stood out across board.”

New York is the firm’s primary US base and home to most of its junior associates, though Linklaters also has a smaller office in DC and, of course, thirty more offices across the globe. It’ll come as no surprise then that “international presence and prestige” were key draws for interviewees and survey respondents alike. However, despite the mass of offices, Linklaters has managed to preserve a welcoming culture and small firm feel that served as a highlight for our interviewees. After all, as one such source suggested, “Linklaters markets itself as different from other firms, and its focus on its culture has always felt sincere.” More specifically, insiders explained how “what was important to me wasn’t just the work I was doing, but who I was doing it with, and Links stood out across the board.” This level of community has even helped strengthen associates’ work: “We’re treated like humans which encourages me to want to do better. I think that makes us different.”

Linklaters is recognized as The Elite for Associate Satisfaction and two other categories in our 2025 survey.

The Work

Work at Linklaters is primarily assigned through a centralized staffing system where partners keep an eye on associates’ hours: “They try to make sure work distribution is as even as it can be and give work to people that have capacity.” That being said, there’s still room for people to find work by networking if that’s what they prefer, and interviewees appreciated having a balance of both as “it means you can get on projects that you want.” We heard that partners are also understanding of associates’ workload as one source explained that “there are times when people reach out and I’m swamped, but you can say no and they respect that.”

The firm’s litigation, arbitration and investigations group covers a range of work, such as white-collar crime and fraud cases related to Securities Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigations. In short, associates can try it all. This includes arbitrations with all sorts of clients – from banks to governments – alongside general commercial litigation and one-off client questions, the latter of which is “pretty much just run by one associate.” Typical tasks for juniors on such matters include due diligence, research, drafting and trial preparation. Some had even taken the first stab at direct examination questions for witnesses, and sources more generally praised the level of responsibility: “I can really drive things forward!” Insiders were also happy with the level of exposure, valuing how “people are very receptive to the ways that you might want to learn, and I feel that I can really grow the most in that kind of environment.”

Litigation clients: Goldman Sachs, Nespresso, Credit Suisse. The firm represented Exactech on a healthcare-related False Claims Act litigation matter involving the Food and Drug Administration.

“We’re leanly staffed so growth happens pretty quickly in this group.”

In the mainstream corporate group, Linklaters lawyers in the US share plenty of clients with their colleagues in London as they look to buy assets on American soil. This means clients that pop up include private equity firms and real estate moguls. Within the wider corporate umbrella, workstreams include joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions. As is typically the case in M&A, tight deadlines mean that the work can get intense, but sources explained that this only fast-tracked their development: “Matters are leanly staffed so growth happens pretty quickly in this group.” For example, juniors here can expect to complete a range of tasks such as due diligence, drafting board resolutions, research, correspondence and client calls. “Some tasks are considered a rite of passage for juniors,” one source reflected, “but I’m getting good exposure to various corporate workstreams.”

Corporate clients: Unilever, Volkswagen, Bayer. Advised DigitalBridge and its portfolio company, Vantage Data Centers, on an €800 million acquisition as part of a broader $9.2 billion equity investment across Vantage platforms.

Linklaters’ investment funds practice focuses largely on fund formation documents, investor tracking and private funds. As you might expect, the work tends to be pretty complex, but sources were quick to point out that the firm is more than prepared to tackle any struggles juniors might face when first starting out: “We don’t jump straight in from day one, so they build us from the ground up.” This means that associates here get used to reviewing documents, negotiating side letters and drafting. We heard that reviewing subscription agreements is a classic task which “might be grunt work, but it’s good training that helps you gain a lot of knowledge in the sector.” Naturally, responsibility increases as associates progress, but interviewees were still pleased to get “more responsibility than I would have expected at this stage. It’s a small team so they move you along quickly.”

Investment funds clients: Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Phoenix Partners, Oasis Management Company. Continues to advise the latter on the drafting and updating of various fund documents, as well as offering ongoing regulatory guidance.

Strategy & Future

Going forward, associates were clear that growth in the US is a priority for the firm, explaining how “we’re looking to expand and solidify our footprint here.” We heard that this will include a “slow and planned” expansion of the New York office through lateral hiring, so much so that “we might even need another floor soon!” Our interviewees felt they were kept in the loop with the firm’s plans thanks to monthly town halls for US members of the firm. The firm’s partnership class is also growing, adding 15 lateral partner hires since the start of 2024; a trial team to significantly deepen their litigation bench; M&A hires to transform their standing in the US M&A market; and numerous others to bolster their US and global derivatives, securitization, and restructuring offerings.

Pro Bono

“They want to connect with new causes, and they’re happy for associates to bring up those conversations.”

“It’s a huge selling point of the firm,” an interviewee explained on Linklaters’ pro bono efforts, “The firm really pushes it and takes it seriously.” Our survey presents a similarly positive view, with all respondents feeling that the firm is truly committed to it. Case in point: all pro bono hours count towards the billable target and can therefore contribute to annual bonuses. What’s more, there are plenty of causes to get involved in, whether that’s supporting asylum seekers, trans students, veterans or inmates facing the death penalty. Safe to say, associates aren’t pigeonholed, and the firm is open to suggestions: “They want to connect with new causes, and they’re happy for associates to bring up those conversations.” This overarching dedication meant that associates were also eager to get in on pro bono. “I’ve done so much pro bono and gained substantive skillsets through the work,” said one source, “The matters are often less intense, which means I can focus on attention to detail and utilize any new skills.”

Pro bono hours

• For all (US) attorneys: undisclosed
• Average per (US) attorney: undisclosed

Career Development

Our sources were generally committed to Links for the long haul, with 70% of survey respondents aspiring towards partnership and considering it a realistic goal. Insiders explained, “people spend their whole careers here. I couldn’t see myself going to a different firm.” Much of this loyalty comes from the mentorship on offer, starting off with assigned associate and partner mentors for new starters: “They try to match you with mentors who have similar interests to you! They’ve been incredibly useful, and the firm really pushes you to meet with them.”

Even sources who had not yet considered partnership noted that tools to help with their professional development were available if they looked for them. At a more informal level, associates praised partners for being committed to developing their juniors: “I’m quite close to the partner in my group. He wants to help us grow as attorneys and always gives us opportunities to focus on our development.”

Linklaters is recognized as a Strong Performer for Career Development in our 2025 survey.

Culture

“It may be BigLaw, but it still feels like a smaller, cozier firm.”

While BigLaw can seem like an intimidating place to start a career, the culture at Linklaters may well put that stereotype to rest. “It’s one of the firm’s strengths,” said one insider, “They treat you as a person here and respect you as an adult.” Sources also felt well-integrated into the firm thanks to its packed social calendar, featuring a variety of happy hours, popcorn Tuesdays, mini-golf and casual get-togethers, such as a recent farewell party for a retiring partner. These vibes extend to the smaller DC office, where juniors regularly travel to NYC office (as often as once a month) for events: “The two offices work hand-in-hand so are very well-connected.” Associates mentioned that socializing outside of work was also common, and genuine friendships are a likely possibility as “we all know each other. It may be BigLaw, but it still feels like a smaller, cozier firm.”

Inclusion

Internally, Links has its fair share of affinity groups open to everyone which all host their own events and gatherings. For example, the Asian network recently put on a well-attended Lunar New Year celebration. In addition, the firm’s active mentorship also arranges leadership and development courses for attorneys to develop their careers: “It’s a great program! I know someone who expressed that they wanted trial experience at the retreat, and now the firm’s made sure they’re getting court experience.” This kind of open dialogue has also led to a range of workshops, such as micro-aggression awareness and anti-sexual harassment training.

Hours & Compensation

Billable hours: undisclosed

Associates billable hours can come from a variety of sources, including unlimited pro bono, marketing, recruitment, business development, and knowledge and learning. The salary is market-rate, with sources summarizing, “we’re expected to work long hours and, as a result, we’re paid really well.” The hours in question could see associates working up until midnight, though in-office requirements are much less demanding. Associates are expected in at least three times a week, and are welcome to leave earlier to log back on at home and get more work done in the evening. Insiders did make it clear, however, that they’re not alone during late nights: “Everyone works late with you, so there’s a feeling of community, respect and inclusion. There’s a real sense that if you do well, we all do well.”

Get Hired

The first stage: recruitment on and off campus

OCI applicants interviewed: 81

Interviewees outside OCI: 110

Partner Doug Tween tells us: “During our initial interviews we try to focus on the following core competencies: motivation and commitment to excellence, organizational and commercial awareness, intellect and analytical ability, working with others, and communication skills. The best interviews are with candidates who can explain how they satisfy those competencies with specific experiences.” Overall, Linklaters is looking for “intelligent, curious, energetic, team-oriented people who will help us succeed going forward.”

Top tips for this stage:

“This can vary from student to student, but in general we are looking for well-rounded individuals with a combination of strong academics, relevant work experience, leadership positions, and examples of working effectively as part of a team. Language skills are a plus.” – Doug Tween, partner

“Be familiar with the firm and what we do. Look at the website, research social media, speak with students who have summered with us in the past. Come to our recruiting events and talk to people. Listen and be prepared with questions that demonstrate you’ve done your homework. Come in with energy and enthusiasm.” – Tween

Callbacks

Applicants invited to second stage interview: 84

Callback interviews include five separate meetings. Students meet with one member of recruitment, two partners/counsel, and two associates, each for half an hour. Interviewers here ask behavioral questions that hone in on particular competency areas. Tween tells us “At this stage of the interviews, we are interested in delving deeper into the candidates’ past experiences and behaviors to help us get a better sense of what motivates them, how they work with others, and how they have handled challenges in the past.”

Top tips for this stage:

“At this stage of the interview process, you should be able to clearly identify why you are interested in the firm. Doing some research on the firm and your interviewers will enable you to make connections with the people you meet and convince them of your interest.” – Tween

“Be ready to talk about your resume, but also about current events. And perhaps most importantly: be prepared with your own thoughtful questions.” – Tween

Summer program

Offers: 19

Acceptances: 15

Our summer associates are part of a pool and typically work with several practice groups throughout the summer. They may also have an opportunity to spend a portion of their summer in one of our overseas offices. As well as helping on billable matters, summer associates are expected to work on pro bono assignments. They also attend training sessions throughout the summer to prepare them for practice and introduce them to the firm. Each summer associate is assigned a partner/counsel mentor and an associate mentor. Summer associates have informal catch-ups with their mentors over the course of the summer, and they also receive two formal appraisals during the program, one at the midpoint and one at the end of the summer.

Linklaters hosts many social events for summer associates, the most notable being the midsummer retreat to London. “The retreat brings the entire global summer associate class together in London for several days to see the office and learn more about the firm and how we work together to serve our clients,” Tween explains. “The retreat is also an opportunity for the summers to meet our London-based attorneys and get to know their summer associate classmates who are working in different offices. And of course, they also get to do some sight-seeing as a class and experience London.”

Back home in the US, associates informed us of social events ranging from “an axe-throwing class and a museum hack tour to exploring nice restaurants.”

The firm tells us nearly all summers return as junior associates. In the New York and Washington offices, juniors are placed in a general pool during their first six months at the firm. At the end of that period they express their preferences and are then placed into specific practice areas.

Top tips for this stage:

“The best way summer associates can impress and make the most of their summer experience with us is by being proactive and engaged; demonstrating that they are excited to learn and be a part of the team; and focusing on contributing and doing their best.” – Tween

“Take the opportunity to meet and work with as many people as possible and explore a variety of work.” –  Tween

And finally….

Tween tells us: “Know what distinguishes Linklaters from other top-tier law firms, and be able to explain why Linklaters is the firm for you.”