Law · 8-11% acceptance rate

Linklaters Interview Preparation

Magic Circle finance leader with global transaction expertise

4,200+

Applications

8-11%

Offer rate

$225k

Starting salary

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Application process

How to get into Linklaters — step by step

Profile & Resume

Year-round

Emphasize finance, capital markets, M&A, and international transaction experience. Highlight commercial awareness.

OCI Interview

September-November

Expect questions about debt capital markets, equity finance, and M&A. Know Linklaters' position as Magic Circle leader.

Callback Round

October-December

Meet 6-7 lawyers. Discuss complex financing structures, cross-border transactions, and client relationships. Demonstrate technical knowledge.

Summer Associate Program

June-August

Linklaters offers select summers. Work on major debt and equity transactions with mentoring from partners.

Full-Time Offer

August

Strong summer performance typically leads to full-time conversion.

Interview questions

Linklaters interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Explain the relationship between arrangers, underwriters, and syndicate members in a debt offering.
2Describe the legal process for a leveraged loan syndication.
3What is the role of covenants in loan agreements, and why do lenders require them?

What they value

What Linklaters looks for in candidates

Finance Acumen

Linklaters is a finance leader. Strong understanding of capital markets, debt structures, equity offerings, and financial instruments is essential.

Commercial Thinking

Beyond legal mechanics, understand how financing impacts deal economics and business strategy. Show business-focused perspective.

International Orientation

Linklaters is Magic Circle with major global presence. Demonstrate awareness of international markets and cross-border transaction complexity.

Client Relationship Skills

Linklaters advises leading banks, corporates, and financial institutions. Show commitment to understanding client needs and building relationships.

Technical Excellence

Complex financing requires precision and regulatory knowledge. Demonstrate attention to detail and mastery of technical concepts.

Compensation

Linklaters salary & benefits

Graduate

$225,000

Intern

$3,850/week (summer associate, prorated ~$190k)

Bonus

$35k-$50k+ (varies by year and practice)

Perks & benefits

Full health, dental, vision coverage401(k) matchingUnlimited CLE budgetInternational secondment opportunitiesProfessional development and mentoring programs

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Linklaters

Finance focus: Linklaters' culture centers on financial markets expertise. Work on cutting-edge financing structures and transactions.

Global excellence: Magic Circle firm with offices in major financial centers. Daily collaboration across time zones and markets.

Client prestige: Advise Fortune 500 companies, investment banks, and major financial institutions on critical financing matters.

Mentorship & development: Strong partnership track record. Clear advancement path and investment in associate development.

Collegiate atmosphere: Despite prestige, Linklaters maintains supportive culture with networking events and professional growth opportunities.

Insider tips

How to stand out at Linklaters

Research Linklaters' position as a capital markets leader. Understand which practices (debt, equity, derivatives) are strongest.

Discuss 2-3 recent Linklaters transactions involving complex financing or capital markets work.

Show understanding of how capital markets transactions work: underwriting, syndication, disclosure. Demonstrate financial literacy.

Express genuine interest in international finance and cross-border transactions, not just U.S. work.

Highlight any business/finance coursework, investment club leadership, or transactions experience.

Compare

Linklaters vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Linklaters	$225,000	—/week	Finance focus: Linklaters' culture cente...	—
Clifford Chance	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Magic Circle peer. Global reach, strong M&A and capital markets.	Banking counsel, PE funds, multinational in-house counsel.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer	$225k	2,000-2,100/year	Magic Circle, antitrust leader, strong M&A platform.	Corporate counsel, finance in-house, investment advisors.
Latham & Watkins	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Global firm, capital markets powerhouse, strong U.S. presence.	Finance/tech in-house, PE/VC funds, corporate development.
A&O Shearman	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Strong capital markets, recently merged, global platform.	Banking sector, PE funds, multinational corporate counsel.

FAQ

Linklaters FAQs

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