Linklaters - Playbook (Vacation Scheme 2027)

Do you want a TC at Linklaters?

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This Playbook (2,514 words) covers:

🇺🇸 US expansion explained
⚖️ Push into Disputes and Arbitration
🤖 Must-Know AI Strategy
🌍 Mega-deals showcasing its global reach
🏦 Two hidden departments on the rise

Plus how to use these insights to stand out in applications and interviews!

Bullish on the US

What’s going on?

Linklaters has made a major push into the US legal market, investing heavily in senior talent and expanding its corporate, finance and disputes capabilities.

• June 2025: Linklaters appointed veteran M&A partner George Casey, formerly of Shearman & Sterling, as its first Chairman of the Americas.
• US profits surge: Profits in the US increased by 57% in FY25, significantly outperforming other regions.
• Strategic recruitment: The firm has recruited dozens of US-based partners, including New York litigation teams and senior finance lawyers from A&O Shearman.
• Major M&A mandates: In 2024, Linklaters’ corporate team advised on more than $211 billion of transactions, including Dow and Macquarie’s $6 billion Diamond Infrastructure partnership and Rio Tinto’s $6.7 billion lithium acquisition.

Why does this matter?

• Competing for premium work: By hiring established partners with valuable client relationships, Linklaters is positioning itself to compete with leading US firms and Magic Circle rivals for major corporate transactions, sponsor-backed deals and complex financing mandates.
• Building a full-service offering: Rather than focusing on a narrow selection of practice areas, the firm is expanding its M&A, finance and disputes capabilities to support clients throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Leveraging its international network: Linklaters’ competitive advantage lies in combining its growing US capabilities with established teams across Europe and Asia. This allows it to offer multinational clients coordinated advice across different jurisdictions.
• Early signs of commercial success: The 57% increase in US profits suggests its investment in talent and client relationships is delivering financial returns, although profitability alone does not establish the success of every element of its strategy.

How to use this in your application