Training Contract 2027

The firm

There's no secret to our growth over recent years to become a £206.7 million turnover firm. Clients, whether individuals or organisations, love working with Shoosmiths people because of the way we work and the results we consistently deliver for them.

Our commercial client list speaks volumes for the quality of our lawyers and the experience they provide; from Mercedes-Benz, Octopus Ventures and Travelodge to property developers and some of the UK's largest banks, we work with a growing number of the FTSE 250 and some of the world's most exciting and ambitious growth businesses.

Evidencing independent recognition of our national teams’ legal expertise, Shoosmiths is currently ranked by the Legal 500 UK 2021 across 91 practice areas with 33 top tier rankings. With 128 UK rankings, Shoosmiths is fourth place in the list of firms with the most Legal 500 UK rankings.

Training Programme

Throughout your two-year training period at Shoosmiths, we'll give you the support to build your career and boost your skills in a stimulating and rewarding environment. You will be guided by expert solicitors, working across a number of areas of law. In addition to legal knowledge, you’ll also develop skills in business development and client management.

As a trainee solicitor, you will be working on large workloads, extracting and analysing key pieces of information. You’ll have daily contact with partners and clients, and deadlines to meet. You’ll join a firm of individuals working in a positive, professional and cooperative culture, in an environment that actively allows you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. And you'll find a refreshing lack of hierarchy – just happy, energised individuals at the heart of our success.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for great people who will work hard and be proud of who they are and what they do. Ambitious people thrive at Shoosmiths because of the enterprising and innovative way we work. You'll be expected to make things happen and take initiative from day one. You will need a strong academic background and proven ability to apply your intellect in the real world. But we know there’s more to amazing solicitors than academics alone, which is why we take a holistic view when we assess you throughout our selection process. 

We welcome applications from all degree disciplines and universities, and value the wealth of experience that a non-law student or career-changer can bring to the firm.

Key strengths we’re looking for in trainee solicitors

Our values guide our behaviour, and our behaviour defines our culture. They're the bedrock of how we behave at Shoosmiths. We focus on what matters to make a difference by delivering together and being ourselves.

We’ve identified eight core strengths that we’re looking for in trainee solicitors at Shoosmiths. These are being a critical thinker, being adaptable, having a growth mindset, taking personal responsibility, being detail oriented, being an effective communicator, being a relationship builder, and trustworthy.

To find out more please go to our website https://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/careers/careers-early and follow us at www.instagram.com/ShoosmithsGrads