20 Linklaters Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Linklaters, one of the world’s largest law firms, you’ll need to know how to answer some specific interview questions.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the interview process at Linklaters, as well as some tips on how to prepare for your interview. We’ll also provide some examples of Linklaters interview questions so you can get an idea of what to expect.

So if you’re looking for a job at Linklaters, read on for everything you need to know about the interview process.

Linklaters Interview Process

The interview process at Linklaters is extensive and can take several months to complete. There are multiple rounds of interviews, including a case study, and candidates may be asked to fly in from different countries for the final stage. The difficulty of the interviews varies depending on the role, but overall they are quite challenging. However, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the experience is generally positive.

1. What do you think are the most important qualities to be successful in law?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong work ethic and are committed to your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention qualities such as integrity, communication skills, organization and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for success in law is integrity. I believe that if you’re honest with clients and colleagues, you’ll build trust and respect. Another quality I find essential is communication skills. Lawyers need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Finally, I think being organized and having good time management skills are also crucial.”

2. How would you describe your work style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you would fit in with their team. It’s important to be honest about your work style, but also highlight any skills or traits that might make you a good fit for this particular law firm.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person and I like to have everything planned out well in advance. This helps me stay on top of my workload and ensures that I meet deadlines. However, I’m also flexible enough to adapt when things change. For example, if something unexpected comes up, I know how to prioritize tasks so I can still complete them all by the end of the day.”

3. Do you have any questions about our firm?

This question is a great opportunity to show your interest in the position and learn more about the company. Interviewers often ask this question because they want you to leave their interview with as much information as possible, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to work for them.

Example: “Yes, I do have one question. You mentioned that there are many opportunities for professional development here at Linklaters. What kind of training programs does the firm offer? I am very interested in learning new skills and developing my career.”

4. Why did you choose to study law?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the law and how it can help you succeed in this role. When answering, try to highlight what inspired you to pursue a career in law and why you are passionate about it.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the legal system. My parents were both lawyers, so I grew up hearing their stories of cases they worked on. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a lawyer like them. Throughout my education, I excelled in all aspects of the law, which led me to apply to Linklaters.”

5. Explain a time when you had to deal with difficult people or situations, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you have strong problem-solving skills, are able to remain calm under pressure and can work well with others.

Example: “In my last position as an associate attorney at a law firm, I had a client who was very demanding. They would often call me in the middle of the night or early morning to ask questions about their case. It became so stressful that I started having trouble sleeping. Instead of getting upset, I decided to take control of the situation by setting up a meeting with them to discuss their concerns. After talking through their issues, they were much more understanding and willing to wait for answers.”

6. Tell me about an instance where you were able to remain calm under pressure.

This question is a great way to show your ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example that shows you have the skills necessary to succeed as a lawyer.

Example: “When I was working at my previous law firm, we had a client who was facing some serious charges. The client’s family was very worried about what would happen, but I remained calm and assured them that I would do everything I could to help their son. After reviewing all of the evidence, I found a loophole in the case that allowed me to get the charges dropped completely. The client’s family was so grateful for my work that they sent me a gift basket with wine and chocolates.”

7. What is your greatest weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know that you are self-aware and can recognize your own flaws. When answering this question, try to think of something that isn’t too serious or negative but also shows that you’re aware of the issue.

Example: “I am very detail oriented, which is great for my work as an attorney. However, sometimes I get so focused on details that I miss the big picture. This has happened when I’ve been working on projects with tight deadlines. I have learned to ask questions if I’m unsure about anything, rather than trying to figure everything out myself.”

8. What is your greatest strength?

This question is a common interview question that employers ask to learn more about your personality and how you would fit into their company culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example from your past where you used your greatest strength to help achieve a goal or overcome a challenge.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to remain calm under pressure. In my last position as an associate attorney at a small law firm, I was working on a case when the senior partner called me in for an emergency meeting. He told me he had just learned that one of our clients was being sued by another client over a contract dispute. He asked me to take care of the situation while he took some time off to recover from his illness.

I immediately went back to my office and started researching the case. After several hours of research, I found out that the contract dispute was valid and we were going to have to pay our client $100,000. I knew that if I didn’t handle the situation correctly, the senior partner could lose his job. I met with the senior partner again and explained the situation. Together, we decided to settle the lawsuit for $50,000 rather than risk losing even more money. The senior partner recovered from his illness and returned to work shortly after.”

9. Describe a time when you worked on a team project and there was conflict, how did you resolve the issue?

Linklaters is a global law firm that often requires its employees to work in teams. This question helps employers understand how you handle conflict and whether you can resolve it effectively.

Example: “In my last position, I worked on a team of five people who were all responsible for different aspects of the project. One day, one of my colleagues was late to our meeting, which threw off the entire schedule for the rest of the week. When we met again later that day, I asked them why they were late. They told me they had overslept because their alarm didn’t go off. I understood this could happen, so I suggested we change our meeting time to accommodate for any future issues.”

10. Are you familiar with Linklaters’ core values? Which ones do you identify with?

Linklaters has a set of core values that guide the way they do business. These include being client-focused, innovative and collaborative. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are familiar with their company’s values and how they align with your own personal values. In your answer, try to show that you understand Linklaters’ values and can apply them in your work.

Example: “I am very familiar with Linklaters’ core values as I have worked for several law firms over my career. I believe these values reflect my own personal values and would be happy to continue upholding them at Linklaters. For example, I value collaboration because it allows me to learn from other professionals and develop new skills. I also value innovation because I enjoy finding creative solutions to problems.”

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. It can also be used to determine whether or not the company would be a good fit for your future plans. When answering this question, make sure that you are honest about what you want out of your career.

Example: “I hope to still be working at Linklaters in five years. I am very passionate about my work here, and I feel like there is so much more I could learn from this firm. In five years, I hope to have made partner.”

12. Give us an example of a time you successfully managed multiple projects at once.

This question is a great way for interviewers to learn more about your time management skills and how you prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous work experience or describe a time when you had multiple projects at once in school.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for managing the firm’s social media accounts as well as creating content for our website. In addition to these responsibilities, I also managed several client accounts and worked on various marketing campaigns. To manage all of these projects effectively, I set aside specific times each day to complete different tasks. For example, I would spend an hour each morning working on client accounts before moving onto other projects.”

13. If hired, what would be your approach for gaining client trust?

Linklaters LLP is looking for candidates who can build trust with clients. This question allows you to show the interviewer that you understand how important this is and what steps you would take to ensure your clients feel comfortable working with you.

Example: “I believe it’s essential to gain my client’s trust right away. I would make sure they know I am there to help them, no matter what questions or concerns they have. I also plan on being available at all times so they know I’m committed to their case. If a client has any issues or concerns, I want them to feel comfortable reaching out to me.”

14. What motivates you as a lawyer?

This question can help interviewers understand your motivation for becoming a lawyer and how you plan to contribute to the law firm. You can answer this question by explaining what motivates you in your personal life, such as helping others or achieving goals.

Example: “I became a lawyer because I want to make a difference in my community. In my last position, I helped low-income families get access to affordable healthcare. This motivated me to continue working toward social justice and equality. I hope to use my legal skills to help people who are less fortunate than myself.”

15. What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity is a core value of the legal profession, and employers ask this question to make sure you understand what it means. They want to know that you will uphold their values as an employee. In your answer, explain why integrity is important to you and how you have demonstrated it in your past work.

Example: “Integrity is one of my most important values. I believe that if you are honest with yourself and others, you can be successful at anything. At my last job, I had a client who was not being truthful about some information we needed for our case. I told him that I would need to report him to the bar association if he did not tell me the truth. He eventually admitted his mistake, and I reported him to the proper authorities.”

16. As someone who doesn’t have legal experience, why should we hire you?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your background and how it relates to the position. When preparing an answer, think of what skills you have that are transferable from other industries.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in law, so I decided to pursue a career as a paralegal. While working at my current job, I learned a lot about legal terminology and procedures. This knowledge has helped me understand some of the challenges lawyers face when they’re representing clients. In fact, I’m currently enrolled in night classes to earn my paralegal certification.”

17. Have you ever dealt with an angry client? How did you handle the situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have experience working with clients. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I once had a client who was very upset about the results of their case. They were angry that we couldn’t get them more money from their divorce settlement. I listened carefully to what they said and tried to reassure them that our firm did everything in its power to win the case. In the end, I offered to speak with their ex-spouse’s attorney to see if there was anything else we could do.”

18. What is your ideal working environment?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention aspects of Linklaters LLP’s working environment and how they align with your preferences.

Example: “I am passionate about environmental sustainability, so I would love to work in a law firm that has similar values. In my research on Linklaters LLP, I noticed that the company was recently awarded a B-Corp certification, which means that it meets certain standards of social and environmental responsibility. This makes me excited to learn more about the company’s green initiatives.”

19. How would you respond to an unhappy client?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and respond to challenging situations. Use examples from your experience that show you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions, apologize when necessary and learn from mistakes.

Example: “When I first started working as a paralegal, I was helping my supervisor with a case where the client was unhappy about our progress. My supervisor asked me to speak with the client directly to find out what they were looking for. The client told me they wanted more frequent updates on the case. After speaking with the client, I relayed this information back to my supervisor so we could adjust our communication strategy.”

20. We want our lawyers to think outside the box, give us an example of how you were innovative.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are willing to take risks and think creatively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you used your creativity to solve a problem or help the company achieve its goals.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a case where we were representing a client who had been injured in a car accident. The other driver’s insurance company claimed that our client was at fault for the accident because they were speeding. We knew that if we could prove that the other driver was speeding as well, then we would have a better chance of winning the case. So, I went out into the field with a radar gun and took pictures of cars driving through town. Then, I compared those photos to the speed limit signs and proved that the other driver was also speeding.”