Making Links Scholarship: Europe

The Making Links Scholarship programme is designed to help talented European university students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed in their early careers by developing technical and professional skills, such as legal drafting and presentation skills, while building strong commercial fluency and a global outlook. The programme will be offered in our European offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris and Stockholm. Its content will be delivered in English.

At Linklaters, the work involves carving a path through unexplored territory, working on complex legal matters across jurisdictions and borders, and providing outstanding service and confidence to clients. You can see your true potential connecting with dynamic colleagues all over the world, united by purpose and shared values and working together as one inclusive, collaborative team. With training and support, this is a place where talent meets opportunity and passion meets purpose.

The programme will include:

• an internship programme in the closest local office. In Germany, six weeks during the period from February to April 2027; in Amsterdam and Italy, 2 months between June 2027 and December 2027; in Brussels, 1 month between July and September 2027; for all other offices, in the period of June to August 2027.
• a sponsorship of EUR 5,000 net per student, which will be paid in June or July 2027, depending on the period of your internship.
• for participants from Spain and Portugal, an optional scholarship of EUR 3,000 net per student and an intensive English course from September to December 2026 if their level of English does not meet requirements. For other locations, this can also be offered subject to prior agreement.
• a kick-off event in the Linklaters Amsterdam office on 28/29 January 2027, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered by the firm.
• interactive webinars and virtual presentations, likely taking place between February and June 2027.
• group discussions organised on a regional basis.
• invitations to local office activities throughout the programme.
• personal and professional 1:1 coaching sessions.
• a strong focus on developing confidence using English, written and oral, in a professional setting.

Who is eligible?

We are looking for law students who consider themselves to belong to an underrepresented background, are committed to pursuing a career in commercial law and demonstrate consistent academic performance.

You are eligible as from your:

• third year of your bachelor’s degree or first and second year of your master’s degree (if you live/study in Belgium)
• third year of your law degree (“Licence”) while being available for a summer internship from June to August with a “convention de stage” delivered by your university (if you live/study in France)
• fifth year of your law degree (if you live/study in Italy)
• third year of your bachelor’s degree and first year of a master’s degree while being available for an internship during the summer break (if you live/study in Luxembourg or a neighbouring country)
• you are in the third year of your bachelor's degree in Dutch Law or enrolled in a master's degree programme in Dutch Law (if you live/study in the Netherlands)
• penultimate or last year of your law degree (if you live/study in Portugal)
• antepenultimate or penultimate year of your law degree (if you live/study in Spain)
• last year of your bachelor’s degree (if you live/study in Sweden)
• you are in advanced law studies in German Law and have passed an intermediate examination (if you live/study in Germany)

Please also note that, in order to receive the scholarship, participants must not miss more than five virtual sessions and the kick-off event. Additionally, the internship is a mandatory and integral part of the programme, and not optional.

Where local legislation permits, pre-engagement screening checks may include professional and academic qualifications, eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, criminal records, financial stability and references from previous employers. Any offer will be subject to the successful completion of these checks following consent.