Linklaters focuses on Australian talent to build Asian offices

Linklaters is kicking off a recruitment drive for Australian graduates for its Asian and other international offices.

Linklaters Shanghai partner and Australian Andrew Godwin said Australians already made up more than half of the firm's 50-strong China practice and have a substantial presence in other Asian offices.

"Australian graduates get a very good education and they make very good material in terms of moulding and developing lawyers within a firm like Linklaters," said Godwin. "They have a critical and probing perspective that is useful for international law firms, particularly in developing places like China."

Godwin has been on annual recruitment drives to Australia since joining Link-laters' Shanghai office in 2000.

He said an increasing number of young Australians are keen to work in Asia.

"Over the past two or three years we've had more interest from mainstream students who are interested in joining Linklaters as an alternative to doing their articles with an Australian firm," said Godwin.