Trainee Solicitors - London
For the ambitious graduate wishing to train as a commercial lawyer, we offer trainees first-rate work in an informative, challenging and busy atmosphere where your contribution counts from day one.
We won the Law Careers.Net award for Best Trainer - Large City Firm in 2010 and were nominated for two awards in 2011, Best Trainer - Large City Firm and Best Recruiter - Large City Firm. The firm has also been accredited for best graduate employer based on research findings in the Legal Week Intelligence Law Student Report 2011.
We are looking for exceptional trainees to contribute to our future growth in the London office.
Training programme
Our training programme starts with a detailed induction course and during the first couple of weeks you'll find out how the firm works, build some vital practical skills and begin some core modules of your Professional Skills Course.
While ‘classroom' training is very important, your practical legal training and experience is where you really learn how to be a lawyer. We handle only commercial matters, both contentious and non-contentious, and offer training in company, commercial and finance, commercial litigation, employment, media, energy & natural resources, shipping and property law along with the business skills essential to success as a solicitor. Trainees undertake four seats of six months' duration and you will be able to choose from this wide range of disciplines as well as international and client secondments.
Throughout your training contract you will gain experience and receive training in a variety of areas including advocacy and oral presentation, case and transaction management, client care and practice support, drafting, case management, negotiation and legal research. During each seat you'll get regular feedback from your supervisor to help you gauge your progress, including a mid seat and end of seat appraisal.
Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for candidates to be on target for, or have achieved, a 2.1 or above degree (or the equivalent). This can be in any discipline. We are also looking for you to demonstrate that you have the skills and behaviours which we would expect from our trainees and these are as follows:
Legal Skills
Practice Skills and Knowledge - learns the basics
Research and Analysis - approaches research and analysis logically
Written and Oral Communication Skills - communicates clearly and concisely; is a good listener
Citizenship
Developing Self and Others - actively makes use of opportunities to further own development
Teamwork and Collaboration - works co-operatively with colleagues
Business Skills
Leadership - understands Reed Smith's strategy, values and policies
Matter and Financial Management - manages own time commercially
Clients
Client Relationships - seeks to understand and meet client needs
Business Development - builds knowledge of the firm's capabilities and establishes relationship
When and how to apply
Applications for vacancies in August 2013/February 2014 and August 2014/February 2015 opened on 1 November 2011 and will need to be made via our on-line application form. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2012.
Salary and Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary (£37,000 per annum plus benefits), our trainee solicitor benefits package includes:
- 25 days' annual holiday
- Permanent health insurance
- Life assurance
- Private healthcare (with associated discounts on gym membership and other benefits)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Subsidised cafeteria
- Cycle to work purchase scheme
Sponsorship
We will pay your full course fees for both the GDL and LPC, plus maintenance grants at £6,000 during your GDL study year and £7,000 through your LPC study year.
Contact
If you would like further information, please contact us at graduate.recruitment@reedsmith.com or + 44 020 3116 3000.
Reed Smith Student Newsletter - Issue 1 March 2011
Posting date: 21 December 2011