What are the Magic Circle law firms? Key differences between them

In the world of commercial law, you’ll probably hear talk of Magic Circle law firms. Not sure what people mean by the term? Don’t worry, we’ll explain.

The Magic Circle is an informal term used to describe the law firms that are generally regarded as the most prestigious law firms headquartered in the UK.

The Magic Circle law firms are:

• A&O Shearman
• Clifford Chance
• Linklaters
• Slaughter and May
• Freshfields

The above law firms are some of the most renowned in the world.

Working at a Magic Circle firm will usually involve long hours, high pressure and a fast-paced working environment. While employees are normally compensated with high earnings, it’s still good to be aware of what you’re getting into. Not everyone who wants a career in law will suit a Magic Circle law firm – and that’s OK.

If you're considering applying to a Magic Circle law firm, it’s worth knowing the key differences between them to find out which ones will be best for you.

We’ve put each firm under the spotlight to give you an idea of what to expect.

In 2024, legal powerhouses Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to become A&O Shearman – an even bigger powerhouse.

It now has over 4000 lawyers across 48 offices in 29 countries.

A&O Shearman gives all its trainees the chance to spend six months in one of its international offices or on a secondment to one of its clients. If you’re looking for a global organisation where you’ll get the chance to work with some of the world’s leading businesses, A&O Shearman may be the perfect fit for you.

Clifford Chance is a pre-eminent law firm that has a broad spectrum of world-class work.

While Clifford Chance covers a range of services, including sustainability, intellectual property and real estate, it’s perhaps best known for its transactional work within banking, finance and capital markets.

Clifford Chance prides itself on its learning culture so you’ll start developing your skills as an intern and continue growing throughout your entire career.

Linklaters is proud of its personable, team-oriented working environment – as it should be.

It’s an excellent place to work if you want to impact key economies and sectors. As a trainee, you’ll get involved with projects reaching beyond the UK, so you’ll enjoy a global career from the start.

As a transaction-heavy firm, around half of its trainees sit in corporate, banking or capital markets seats at any one time. Because of this, seats outside of its key three realms are particularly competitive. Despite the competitive nature, Linklaters is famously welcoming. The firm boasts a constructive atmosphere where partners are easy to approach and care about your career.

Slaughter and May is a highly regarded full-service law firm that advises high-profile clients across a wide range of areas.

If you join Slaughter and May, you’ll train as a multi-specialist. It’s hard work but it’ll make a fulfilling and varied career. If you like a challenge and enjoy the thrill of every day being different, you’ll likely thrive here.

Another thing that makes Slaughter and May different from other Magic Circle firms is that it doesn’t have any set billing or time targets. This different approach gives its lawyers more freedom and encourages collaboration.

Freshfields focuses on staying at the forefront of law. As long as law evolves, Freshfields will, too.

The firm boasts a glittering client list, with its first ever client being the Bank of England back in 1743. While it has a lot of history, Freshfields is looking forward to the future by nurturing new talent. You’ll find vacation schemes, internships, scholarships, insight schemes and placement programmes. The firm also takes in law students and early-career cohorts. It’s an exciting place to begin your law journey.

The Magic Circle firms in the UK are five prestigious organisations: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Slaughter and May, and Freshfields.

They all offer fantastic career opportunities, but which one will suit you best will depend on your personal preferences and areas of interest.

If you want to work abroad as part of your training, you might want to investigate A&O Shearman. If transactional work within banking, finance and capital markets excites you, you’ll probably look to Clifford Chance and Linklaters. If you value variety, you’ll likely suit Slaughter and May. Alternatively, if it’s innovation you’re looking for, you might be intrigued by Freshfields.

As all Magic Circle firms are large, you’ll find a variety of opportunities in each one. While it’s worth researching the company culture of a Magic Circle law firm before you apply for a job, it’s always worth remembering that your day-to-day work will vary depending on your role and department. You might stay UK-based in a role with a firm that’s known for global travel, or you might jet set around the world while your colleagues work from home. There’ll always be differences per role so dig deep before accepting a job offer to make sure it’s what you want. And if you can’t find the right role within a Magic Circle law firm, remember that there are plenty of other exciting law career options.