First things first: We're looking for people with a strong intellect and so if you're applying to one of our schemes you'll need an academic track record to demonstrate this. You'll be on track for at least a 2:1 in every module, in any discipline.
If you have any questions during the process, or want to speak to us about your personal circumstances, please contact the team at trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com.
At Linklaters, we offer a wide range of programmes and opportunities for every stage of your legal journey. Whether you are a student, graduate or career changer, you can find out all you need to know about our application process and key attributes we are looking for, as well as a full list of our current vacancies. For more information about our opportunities, please click here.
You can also sign up to our Talent Community to receive exclusive content, updates and reminders to help you navigate the Linklaters application process. Please click here to join.
| Programme | Eligibility | Application Dates | Programme Dates | Apply |
| Winter Vacation Scheme 2025 | Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates | 01/09/2025 - 01/10/2025 | December 2025 (two weeks) | Closed |
| Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates | 01/09/2025 - 03/12/2025 | April 2026 (two weeks) | Open | |
| Summer Vacation Schemes 2026 | Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates | 01/09/2025 - 03/12/2025 | June - July 2026, July - August 2026 | Open |
| Direct Training Contract 2028/29 | Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates | 01/09/2025 - 03/12/2025 | September 2028, March 2029 | Open |
| Middle East/London Training Contract 2028/29 | Penultimate-year, final-year undergraduates and postgraduate students who are fluent in Arabic | 01/09/2025 - 03/12/2025 | September 2028, March 2029 | Open |
| Singapore/London Training Contract 2027/28 | Penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates | 01/09/2025 - 03/12/2025 | September 2028, March 2029 | Open |
| Pathfinder 2026 | First-year undergraduates or second-year of a four-year degree | 02/12/2025 - 04/02/2026 | April - September 2026 | Closed |
| Going Forward 2026 | Current penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, postgraduate students and graduates from Black and other underrepresented minority ethnic backgrounds, or those who have been granted refugee status or are from a recognised conflict zone. Please see the webpage for full details | 07/04/2026 - 04/06/2026
| August - October 2026 | Closed |
| Making Links Scholarship 2026/27 | Current first-year of a three-year undergraduate degree or second-year of a four-year programme at a UK or Irish university. Please see the webpage for full details | 07/04/2026 - 04/06/2026 | August 2026 - February 2027 | Closed |
| Australian Clerkship 2026 | Current penultimate-year Law students at Australian universities | 09/03/2026 - 07/05/2026 | November - December 2026 (three weeks) | Closed |
| African Clerkship 2026 | Current penultimate-year and final-year Law students, or Law graduates who have studied or are nationals from any African country, except for South African nationals | 09/03/2026 - 18/06/2026
| November - December 2026 (three weeks) | Closed |
| Indian Internship 2026 | Current penultimate-year Law students at Indian universities | 09/03/2026 - 18/06/2026 | November - December 2026 (three weeks) | Closed |
| Campus Brand Ambassador 2026/27 | Current first-year undergraduates or second-year of a four-year degree. Please see the webpage for full details | March - June 2026 | September 2026 - February 2027 | Closed |
We understand that applying may feel daunting and time-consuming but we'll do everything we can to make it an enjoyable experience. Selection is mutual. It allows us to find out more about you. But it's also an opportunity for you to decide whether we’re right for you. So, ask questions, allow time to think and do your research.
Remember too, that you don't need to decide where to apply right away. Talk to us, find out more about what we do and what we can do for you. On our events page, you'll find a calendar of our upcoming law fairs, presentations and workshops. Ask us anything, and we promise to give you a straight answer. You might also find it useful to complete our free virtual internship to gain an insight into our work: www.theforage.com/linklaters.
So, what are we looking for? Mindset matters. We exist to help our clients’ businesses succeed, no matter what. In a climate of great change – commercial, political and economic – that means evolving and adapting at pace to stay ahead. So, we’re looking for candidates with an agile mindset, and the ability to match. Motivated and resilient but also capable and collaborative. Consider that when completing the online assessment, taking a test or meeting us face to face.
Here is our agile mindset framework:
