IT MIGHT seem an odd concept, but you can actually join a top law firm without having taken a law degree.

Many well-known firms of solicitors broaden their graduate intake by accepting trainees who have studied other subjects as undergraduates, provided they complete a conversion course, the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL).

At Linklaters, one of several law firms ranked in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, about a third of trainee solicitors are “non-lawyers” and the proportion is rising. Competition for places is high, irrespective of degree background, and graduate trainees are generally hired at least two years before they join the firm. Those doing a law degree are encouraged to apply for a four-week summer placement at the firm during their penultimate year and final interviews for training contracts are in September, at the beginning of the final year. This means that vacancies at the firm for law students graduating in 2007 have already been filled. For those studying other subjects, some Christmas placements are available but applications for these close in November. After their law degree (or the one-year PgDL), Linklaters’ graduates attend law school in London, Nottingham or Oxford, to complete the Legal Practice Course. This year of vocational training covers professional conduct, ethics, legal writing and research skills, and courses on conveyancing, business law and litigation. Only then do graduates join the firm to begin their two-year training contract.

This training includes four placements within Linklaters’ three main practice areas — corporate, global finance & projects, and commercial — and there are opportunities for overseas placements or client secondments. It’s demanding training, but the rewards are high. Graduates joining the firm next year can expect salaries of at least £50,000 upon completion of their professional training and the most ambitious could reach partner level just six or seven years later.

Martin Birchall is editor of The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers

Number 44: LINKLATERS

What does it do? Linklaters is a major international law firm with 30 offices in 22 countries. Clients include the world’s best-known companies, financial institutions and governments.

How many graduates does it employ? The firm recruits 125 trainee solicitors and 90 vacation students each year

Where are the graduate jobs? London.

What does the company pay? £29,100 salary plus benefits for trainee solicitors who join the firm after completing law school in 2007.

What’s the competition like? The firm typically receives up to 50 applications per vacancy.

How has Linklaters done in the Top 100?

2000: 59th
2001: 35th
2002: 35th
2003: 48th
2004:49th
2005: 43rd

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with over 15,000 final year university students. Order the 2004 edition from Times Books First for only £11.99 (RRP £14.99). Call 0870 1608080 or visit www.timesonline.co.uk/booksfirstbuy

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