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Shoosmiths Jobs

Shoosmiths offer a training contract and a vacation scheme. If the firm is actively recruiting for any of these positions, opportunities will be listed below. 

Insight Evenings at Shoosmiths

Our virtual insight evenings offer a behind-the-scenes look at life at Shoosmiths. You’ll explore our divisions, discover how we support clients, and learn about the opportunities available across our early careers pathways — including training contracts, solicitor apprenticeships, and our Discover Vacation Scheme.

These sessions are a great way to understand our culture, meet our people, and gain practical advice to support your journey into law. They run from 17:45 to 19:15 and are open to anyone considering a career as a solicitor.

Apply to attend an insight evening by following this page and filling out a short application form. 

Discover Vacation Placement and Mentoring Scheme at Shoosmiths 

Discover is Shoosmiths’ purpose-led work experience programme designed to support high-achieving aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds. It combines a one-week in-person placement with professional mentoring, helping candidates build confidence, gain real legal experience, and prepare for the training contract assessment centre.

What can I expect? Before the placement begins, you’ll be matched with a mentor who will guide you through the experience and offer ongoing support — from preparation to application and beyond. During the placement, you’ll work on live case files, attend meetings, and complete a business development project to showcase your commercial awareness and creativity. You’ll be supported by your team and a dedicated trainee mentor throughout the week.

Who can apply?

The Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme is a diversity access scheme which is part of our recruitment for the training contract .

To apply for the Discover placement & mentoring programme opportunity, you must meet our eligibility criteria, which can be found here.

Training contract

As a trainee solicitor, you’ll work on live case files, engage directly with clients, and may even go on secondment. You’ll be supported by experienced solicitors and collaborate across a variety of legal teams, gaining exposure to both contentious and non-contentious areas of law.

When and where can I start a training contract at Shoosmiths?

Shoosmiths recruits onto its rotational training contract once a year, with a single trainee solicitor intake starting each September. We typically recruit two years in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your journey into law. Training contracts are offered in our Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester offices. 

What do you look for in a trainee solicitors?

We’re looking for ambitious, authentic individuals with strong academics and the ability to apply their thinking in real-world scenarios. Applications are welcome from all degree disciplines and backgrounds, including non-law students and career changers. We take a holistic view during assessment and value the diverse experiences candidates bring. 

Work-life balance

Shoosmiths is known for its positive, inclusive culture and refreshing lack of hierarchy. We actively promote work-life balance and offer flexible working where needed — there’s no ‘face-time’ culture here. If you’ve done what you need to do, it’s time to go home.

Solicitor apprenticeship at Shoosmiths

Our six-year solicitor apprenticeship offers an alternative route into law for ambitious school leavers. You’ll work four days a week gaining hands-on experience across legal and business support teams, while studying one day a week towards your qualification. Apprentices develop technical knowledge, practical skills, and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify.

Who can apply?

This programme is open to those without a degree and looking for an alternative to university – typically this will include final year school leavers who have completed, or who are completing, their A-Levels. To apply, you’ll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (including English and Maths) and ABB at A-Level. These requirements align with the entry criteria for the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme delivered by BPP University. 

What else do I need to know?

You can see the current rate of pay for a solicitor apprentice on the FAQ page of our website.

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