Linklaters
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
New York, NY 10104
(212) 903-9000
Overview
Introduction
Linklaters is a Magic Circle firm with great opportunities for international work—and international travel, given its 31 worldwide offices. The firm receives high praises for requiring pro bono work as part of the formula. Compensation and partner-associate relations are other highlights for Linklaters associates.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
2.5K - 3K
No. of Partners Named (2022)
41
Featured Rankings
Vault Law 100
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
20
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
20 total (20 2Ls; 2 1Ls)
Base Salary
Base Salary (2022)1st year: $215,000
Vault Verdict
Few firms have the history—it was founded in 1838— and the legal footprint—it has almost 2,900 attorneys in 31 offices in 21 countries— of Linklaters out of London. The prestige, sophisticated work, and international flair are attractive to associates, who largely come from top law schools with impressive accolades. Associates feel the firm values an international background or work experience, and some proficiency with a second language. Linklaters also looks to hire associates who will meld well with the friendly and relaxed work environment, and who don’t mind engaging in social activities with colleagues. Partners are approachable and are invested in associates’ professional development with regular feedback. Further, they seem to be cognizant of the importance of associates m...
About the Firm
Consistently ranked as a top money-maker, both in terms of firm profits and PPP, Magic Circle firm Linklaters has achieved legal industry royalty by following the BigLaw formula well: Build the finance and M&A practices and grow internationally. The firm is one of the top brands among U.K.-based law firms, and if you want to work in the United States, there are two offices to choose from: New York and Washington, DC.
Truly Global
At the beginning of the 1990s, Linklaters was predominantly a U.K. firm with local operations in just a handful of cities across Europe and Asia. But in 1996, the firm embarked on an expansion strategy and hasn’t looked back since. Through a string of global mergers, joint ventures, and organic growth, the firm built up a hefty international practice. ...
2023 Vault Rankings
Associate Reviews
- “Everyone is very respectful of each other, we genuinely like to hang out even after hours and during weekends. Lawyers and staff interact all the time. Honestly, the culture at Linklaters is more than you can ask for at a BigLaw.”
- “The culture is the best thing about Linklaters. The majority of people are friends with each other and we socialize together frequently (both at firm events and on our own time). The hours can be rough, like at any big law firm, but working with friends makes it much more bearable. I would have quit years ago if I wasn't such good friends with everyone in my practice group.”
- “Very collegial atmosphere, and everyone at all levels is friendly and professional. It's been tough to organize social events due to the pandemic, but we have had a few in-person events in the office recently and it has been really nice to see everyone again!”
Why Work Here
As one of the largest and most successful law firms in the world, Linklaters provides an outstanding career experience that offers a passport to success for our lawyers. Join us and we’ll give you the opportunity to realize your ambition for your own career.
Founded in 1838, Linklaters has over 2,400 lawyers, and more than 500 partners, in 21 countries. A truly unified firm with a single management structure, our network of 31 offices combines local knowledge and experience with a global infrastructure to provide our clients with the highest standards of legal advice wherever they do business – in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or in Africa and Australia through our strategic alliances with Webber Wentzel (South Africa) and Allens (Australia).
Diversity at Linklaters
"Our vision is to be known as the "best in class" firm for diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal sector. It's not just a box-ticking exercise for us, but a strategic and ethical understanding that we can't be the leaders we aspire to be without the best talent in the world. We will only be the leading premium global law firm by providing the best ideas and solutions for our clients. The imagination and resourcefulness needed to create these ideas and solutions will only be ensured by drawing from the broadest possible pool of..."
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm considers high-caliber prospects from top schools or other lateral firms. I believe the firm is looking for a well-rounded candidate who is smart, but also has more to offer than solely being a hard-working attorney. In addition to law school attended, journal experience, clerkship, prior work experience, personality, and diversity are also very important. Specifically, international background/experience that makes their experience unique.”
- “I think the firm emphasizes an interest in international work more than anything else—I noticed almost everyone in my summer class either was on an international law journal or had international experience. Suffice it to say that this is not the right firm for someone who wants to do just U.S.-centric work.”
- “The firm looks to hire students who have experience either living or working outside of the United States (or students who show a demonstrated interest in that kind of environment). Nearly all summer and first-year associates are business proficient, if not fluent, in a second language.”
Practice Area Q&A’s
Jonathan Ching & Catherine Russ
Partner & Counsel—Finance
Linklaters
Peter Cohen-Millstein & Megan Ridley-Kaye
Partner & Counsel
Linklaters
