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Reed Smith Jobs

Reed Smith recruit talented aspiring solicitors to their vacation scheme and training contract annually. If the firm is accepting applications for any opening, these will be listed below. 

Training Contract

The changes brought about by the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) provide us with an exciting opportunity to truly innovate and transform the route to qualification in the legal profession. We offer you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn – to work with us in an innovation, knowledge, business services, pro bono or a client-facing capacity; while also engaging in a commercially-focused legal education and training course that includes the knowledge and skills needed to pass the SQE examinations.

Our Future trainees study SQE preparation courses with BARBRI, as well as bespoke Master's level modules with the College of Legal Practice. In addition, you will work part time at Reed Smith for two days per week across two placements. This concurrent studying and working will allow you to gain a solid foundation in business skills and the elements of an innovative and “O Shaped” lawyer. During your time working with us, you’ll rotate through two roles in different business services teams at the firm. You will also have the advantage of being fully inducted at Reed Smith, building an understanding of our systems, business processes and a network of contacts throughout the firm before starting your Qualified Work Experience (QWE). You’ll be fully confident in talking to senior leaders, how to work with and influence your colleagues, and how to navigate the law firm environment. This experience will enable you to truly hit the ground running unlike any trainee has done before – starting your QWE as an experienced member of the Reed Smith team.

We offer a four-seat programme and our approach to training means trainees are given access to real work and the option to take part in community projects or pro bono work. Our departments are structured across offices so that trainees are regularly in touch with colleagues and clients in different offices.

There are also opportunities for secondments to clients and our overseas offices. Trainees also benefit from being able to take a wide range of training courses offered by our learning and development team.

Vacation Scheme

Our spring and summer vacation schemes offer students the opportunity to gain a strong insight into life at Reed Smith, as well as providing a solid account of the type of work encountered as a trainee.

Your seats: you will have the opportunity to experience on practice area of your choice. Whichever you choose, you’ll have an experienced supervisor, and be integrated into a team and assigned to live projects. You’ll also have a trainee buddy who will act as an informal guide – you can catch up with them at any point, and ask any questions.

Assessment and sessions: alongside your seats, you will have the opportunity to attend various sessions to improve your legal and business skills. These include a pro bono exercise and a variety of workshops, covering topics such as negotiation expertise, cultural intelligence, presentation skills, and business development. These sessions, alongside feedback from your seats, will allow the Graduate Recruitment Team and other people from across the business to assess your suitability for becoming a Reed Smith Trainee.

Getting to know us: throughout the vacation scheme, you will get to experience the real culture of our firm through informal, relaxed socials alongside our trainees. This will give you a chance to really gain a deeper insight into each person’s path to Reed Smith, allowing you to get to know fellow team members and begin to network and build your own profile...

Reed Smith Rise

This year we are introducing our brand new scheme for first year university students. This is a three-day programme of workshops, shadowing and networking at our offices in London. Following this, we will pair you with a mentor at the firm who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about life at Reed Smith. Graduate Recruitment will also be staying in touch to let you know about applications for upcoming schemes. Applications for this will open in December 2022. 

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