How do I become a Re:link lawyer?
The application and onboarding process is set out in the Re:link lawyer section above. See our
Guide to working as a contract lawyer which outlines some of the arrangements that are involved in becoming a contract lawyer. In the vast majority of cases, we engage with Re:link lawyers in their personal capacity through a fixed term employment contract (a “FTC”), however we are also able to engage through a personal service company (“PSC”) where this is appropriate.
What is the interview process for Re:link lawyers?
The expertise of our Re:link lawyer community is fundamental to our offering. We ask our applicants to undertake a comprehensive interview process which aligns with that for anyone joining Linklaters’ practice teams, including an interview with the Re:link team as well as with Linklaters partners.
What type of work would I do?
Assignments for Linklaters' Re:link lawyers typically fall into two main categories:
- Client: working directly with our priority clients, whether through secondment commitments or supporting them with major projects, interim cover or specialist skills.
- Internal: joining one of the Linklaters practice teams to deliver the firm’s client work.
The assignments represent high profile, stimulating work that reflects Re:link's quality. We will match your skills, experience and current aspirations with the most appropriate assignments for you.
How will I be paid?
The rates paid to Re:link lawyers will vary across assignments and will take into account the market rates for similar work undertaken by legal consultants and the benchmark salaries and benefits available to Linklaters lawyers.
Re:link lawyers may be paid a daily, or hourly, rate, depending on the type of assignment. Under a FTC, this will usually be provided for as an annual salary, which is paid monthly and calculated on the basis of an hourly or daily rate and adjusted to take account of statutory leave. If engaging through a PSC, the PSC will submit invoices to Linklaters.
In line with what our lawyers told us was their priority, we have structured our FTC to focus on the day rate rather than additional benefits that would otherwise be offered to Linklaters employees. Work for Re:link lawyers is not guaranteed and our lawyers are not obliged to accept work offered to them through Re:link.
Re:link lawyer price bands are driven by the requirements of the assignment and not by the experience of the lawyer undertaking the placement. For example, an assignment may require a Re:link lawyer of 5PQE but may be delivered by someone who is more experienced. That person would undertake the assignment at the rate commensurate with someone at a 5PQE level. Re:link lawyers only command a rate equal to their seniority (and/or specialism) if the placement requires that level of seniority/specialism.
Do I need to obtain my own professional indemnity insurance?
You will be covered by the professional indemnity insurance of Linklaters for assignments that you undertake through Re:link.
However, as a contract lawyer you should consider whether obtaining your own professional indemnity insurance is appropriate for any other work that you undertake outside the Re:link platform.
Do I need to obtain my own practising certificate?
Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid practising certificate and to secure any training or skills development required for your continuing competence.
Who can I contact to find out more about joining Re:link?
Do I have to work exclusively for Re:link?
We do not expect lawyers to work exclusively for Re:link, although we are focused on providing the best legal opportunities and the strongest community for all our Re:link lawyers. We do require Re:link lawyers to ensure that any assignment does not raise conflicts of interest (with guidance provided to support that analysis) and to maintain client confidentiality obligations at all times.
What contractual arrangements are required for me to join Re:link?
We offer two contractual models, the FTC model and the PSC model.
Under the FTC model, the Re:link lawyer signs a registration letter in order to onboard on to the Re:link platform. For each assignment, the Re:link lawyer will enter into a fixed term employment contract with Re:link which sets out the terms of that specific placement.
For the PSC model, the lawyer will need to sign up to a Master Services Agreement with Re:link, through their personal service company. The terms of each assignment undertaken through Re:link will then be set out in individual Assignment Schedules.
Do I need the right to work in the UK?
Yes, for UK-based assignments you will need evidence to confirm your right to work. We expect Re:link lawyers to be UK tax resident and therefore if your circumstances differ, please contact a member of the
Re:link team to discuss further.
How quickly can I join the Re:link community?
We aim to bring a prospective Re:link lawyer onto the platform as quickly as possible from the point of initial application. Each phase of the process has a target schedule and we will keep you updated throughout. Key factors that determine the time to complete the process are scheduling interviews, speed of background screening checks obtaining references. Once on the platform, you will be invited to join one of our induction sessions.
If a Re:link lawyer is available for a specific assignment then the timetable for them to join a team can be short and is determined by the speed of agreeing commercial terms, and any further training and engagement requirements set by the client or the Linklaters practice team.
How do I find out what assignments are on offer?
The Re:link team will be in regular contact with you throughout your time on the platform, and will share with you any opportunity that matches your expertise.
How qualified do I need to be?
There is not a minimum qualification requirement for Re:link lawyers. We focus on the quality of the candidates and their ability to support the Linklaters client and practice teams.
