Linklaters Assessments

Prepare for the Linklaters recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

About Linklaters

Established in 1868, Linklaters is one of the most prestigious and recognisable law firms in the world. Although its headquarters are in London, Linklaters has a truly global presence; working in over 20 different countries and employing over 3,000 lawyers.

Their future-focused approach has ensured they stay consistently relevant for over 150 years, and their legal insight and innovation have helped them to win a diverse and trusting client base.

Linklaters is always looking for the newest and best legal talent to help them to continue to grow and expand. Right now, they're focused on hiring candidates with a global outlook — the individuals who don't see geographical boundaries are naturally culturally sensitive and who work with the flexibility and dynamism expected of all the lawyers that make up this respected firm.

As you might expect from such a distinguished law firm, the hiring process is both thorough and rigorous to ensure only the very best legal talent ends up working for Linklaters.

Linklaters Application Process

The Linklaters application process consists of four key stages:

1. Application

2. Online assessments

3. Telephone interview

4. Assessment day

At each stage of the process, candidates should remember the six Linklaters key competencies, which they'll be looking for you to demonstrate in everything from your online application right through to your assessment day interviews. The six key competencies are:

1. Commercial judgement

2. Determination

3. Excellence

4. Imagination

5. Integrity

6. Teamwork

Linklaters Online Application Form

The online application form is the first stage of the process and usually takes around 10-20 minutes to complete. It is designed to obtain relevant information about your education, background, and experience.

As well as submitting your CV and answering questions on your experience, you'll also be assessed for evidence of Linklater's six key competencies through a series of questions. This is your chance to show you are the type of candidate Linklaters is looking for, so be sure to consider your answers carefully and make sure all the information you include is pertinent to the questions being asked.

Linklaters Aptitude Tests

What is a CAPP Test?

CAPP Critical Reasoning Test is an online assessment, which is based on Linklater's agile mindset framework. No preparation is required for the CAPP online assessment. Instead, Linklater's hiring managers are keen to see how you think, how you work under pressure, and what sort of employee you're likely to be based on how you do in the assessment.

During the assessment, you'll be required to answer questions on a whole range of scenarios, from global transactions to challenges that require you to exercise critical thinking.

The assessment takes the average applicant around 60-90 minutes to complete, but it's not timed.

Once you've finished, your test will be scored and you'll be presented with an individual feedback report. The report will give you an in-depth understanding of how you did, where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and which areas Linklaters would recommend you work on improving before the next stage of the process.

Linklaters Critical Thinking Test

The next stage of the process is the Linklaters critical thinking test, which is set by the provider Watson Glaser. Analytical in style and designed to assess the way each individual thinks, the test has five distinct sections:

1. Argument evaluation

2. Deductive reasoning

3. Drawing inferences

4. Logical interpretations

5. Recognising assumptions

Each section will consist of a passage of text followed by a statement. You'll need to evaluate the statement about the passage to answer the question being asked of you. The questions on this section of the test are multiple choice, and you'll be timed.

As you can see from reading the titles of the five sections of the test, the skills being tested are essential for every lawyer working for Linklaters.

Practising past Watson Glaser critical thinking tests will help you to improve your speed, accuracy, confidence, and understanding on the day. You can practice some free tests here.

If you successfully pass the test and move on to the next stage of the process, you will be asked to take the test again further down the line.

Linklaters Assessment Day

The final stage of the process is an assessment day (sometimes known as an assessment centre) with other successful candidates at a key Linklaters office. The assessment day is only open to the very few candidates who have made it through each stage of the process.

Before the assessments properly start, you'll be introduced to the Linklaters staff running the day and be given a tour of the company. This is your chance to ask any questions about the general day-to-day running of life at Linklaters and is where the hiring managers may start to form first impressions about your interest and suitability for Linklaters.

Once that's complete, you'll move into the first challenge of the day: an in-tray exercise. Designed to assess how well you cope with the day-to-day tasks at Linklaters, you'll need to sort through emails (as the exercise progresses, emails will come in more quickly), before replying to one of the more 'important' messages you've received. It may sound simple, but as well as being tested on your ability to prioritise, you also need to show you can work quickly but accurately, and respond comprehensively to the emails you're receiving.

Linklaters Interviews

As part of the assessment day, you'll also be required to take part in two interviews.

One will be with a hiring manager and will involve competency-based questions. You'll be expected to talk about your experience, personal achievements, and any perceived weaknesses while linking your responses to the six key competencies Linklaters are looking for in every one of their employees.

The second interview will be with a senior lawyer from the firm. The questions in this interview will be more focused on the job itself. Here, you'll be expected to show commercial awareness, knowledge of the industry, and the ability to think critically. You may also have to answer questions on how you did in the in-tray exercise, so be prepared to justify or learn from any of the prioritisation decisions you made.

You may also have to prepare for grilling on a Linklater's case study. The case study will be given to you in advance of your interview. You'll need to read through it carefully, extract key pieces of information and respond to relevant questions on the case from your interviewer.

Once the assessment day is complete, candidates can expect to hear if they've been successful in their application within a week.

Sample Linklaters Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /6

Read the following statement: 'Despite many regulatory challenges, fintech companies continue to thrive, providing innovative solutions that traditional banks have yet to offer.' What can be inferred from this statement?

  • Regulatory challenges are likely hindering the success of fintech companies.
  • Fintech companies are failing to provide innovative solutions.
  • Fintech companies are filling a niche that traditional banks have not addressed.
  • Traditional banks are more innovative than fintech companies.

During contract negotiations, a client changes their requirements, introducing several non-standard clauses. Which of the following is most likely to represent an abstract understanding of the client's new position?

  • The client is trying to leverage their position for better terms.
  • The client is unsure about the specifics of their needs.
  • The client does not have the authority to negotiate the clauses.
  • The client is merely following standard procedure.

If an arbitration clause is present in a contract, and it takes precedence over litigation, what can be inferred when a disagreement arises?

  • The disagreement will likely be settled in court.
  • The involved parties are required to undergo a mediation process first.
  • The conflict should be resolved through arbitration rather than the court system.
  • The arbitration clause has no bearing on how the disagreement will be resolved.

In a case involving a breach of contract due to force majeure, which principle is primarily at play when assessing the suspension of obligations?

  • Gravitational force preventing the fulfillment of the contract.
  • The legal concept of 'superior force' or unforeseen events.
  • Electric currents disrupting communication and contract execution.
  • Friction between the conflicting parties' interests.

A law firm has billed a client for 120 hours of work at a rate of $300 per hour. However, a 10% discount is offered for prompt payment within 10 days. What is the total amount payable if the client pays within this period?

  • $32,400
  • $34,200
  • $36,000
  • $39,600

A law firm's case completion follows a pattern: consultation, research, representation, settlement. If a case is currently in the research phase, what is the next immediate phase based on the sequence provided?

  • Consultation
  • Representation
  • Settlement
  • Completion

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Linklaters Assessments Tips

Know the Firm Inside Out

Before you even begin to tackle the practice exams, take some time to really understand Linklaters. This isn't just about knowing they're a top-tier law firm with a global reach - it's about comprehending their values, their culture, and the way they do business.

Practice Under Real Conditions

Use Law Tests to simulate the actual testing environment you would experience at Linklaters. Find a quiet space, set a timer, and work through the exams without distractions. It's not just about knowing the material; it's about being able to perform under pressure.

Focus on Your Weak Areas

While it might be comforting to practice the areas you're already good at, true improvement comes from tackling your weaknesses head-on. Use the detailed feedback from Law Tests to identify where you need to grow and focus your efforts there.

Think Like a Lawyer

These exams test more than just your knowledge; they assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When you're practicing, take the time to think through your answers like a lawyer at Linklaters would - logically, thoroughly, and with attention to detail.

Stay Calm and Positive

Test-taking can be stressful, but maintaining a calm and positive mindset is key to success. Develop strategies to manage test anxiety, such as deep-breathing exercises or positive visualization, and remember to take breaks during your study sessions to avoid burnout.

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Linklaters Assessments FAQs

Why does Linklaters use CAPP tests?

CAPP tests are an efficient and effective way of measuring cognitive abilities, such as problem solving and logical reasoning. This provides Linklaters with an insight into a candidate's potential suitability for certain roles within the organisation.

Where can I find free Linklaters practice questions?

Sign up here to get access to free Linklaters practice questions.

Is it difficult to get hired at Linklaters?

Getting hired at Linklaters is no easy task. The firm values excellence and looks for candidates who demonstrate strong academic backgrounds and outstanding abilities in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

What is a good score on Linklaters critical thinking test?

The exact score required for a 'good' rating will depend on the position being applied for and also how many other people have taken the same test, as scoring is relative compared to other applicants. However, generally, getting 75-80% of questions right can be considered a good mark.