Is it worth my applying for a training contract if I haven’t been on a vacation scheme with the firm?
- Absolutely. We recognise that we are unable to offer vacation scheme places to as many students as we would like and welcome applications from all students interested in Reed Smith Richards Butler.
Can I apply for a training contract if I haven’t studied law as a degree?
- Yes. We aim to ensure our intake is as diverse as possible.
Can I apply for a training contract if I do not fall into either category of penultimate-year law student or final year non-law student?
- Yes. We welcome applications from students who have decided to apply for a training contract later than usual or from mature students.
Will you help me secure a work permit if I need one?
- Yes. We will use our own internal resource plus any external expertise to assist you in an application for a work permit for UK or international placements.
When can I expect to be interviewed?
- Assessment days for both the London and Birmingham office take place early in September
What is the interview process?
- The selection process is split into two separate stages. Stage one involves undertaking an SHL verbal reasoning test. This is followed by an interactive presentation about the firm from a partner and a tour of the building with trainees. This first stage is a good opportunity for you to find out more information about us.
- If you pass the verbal reasoning test, you will be invited back for a second stage of assessment. This involves undertaking a case study exercise which you will be questioned on by two members of our interview panel. This is followed by a competency based interview.
Do you offer a maintenance grant/fees bursary?
- We will pay your course fees for both the GDL and LPC plus a maintenance grant of £6000 whilst studying for the GDL and £7000 to assist during the LPC.
Can I transfer to become a solicitor if I have previously been working towards a career at the Bar?
- Yes. We welcome applications from students who have undertaken the Bar Vocational Course or pupillage(s). Once you have secured a training contract we will assess your experience and submit an application to the Law Society for a reduction in the length of your training contract, if relevant. You will then need to have undertaken the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) upon completion of your training contract.
What if I am a Scottish law student and would like to practice in England and Wales?
- Scottish students study a four year LLB degree course and are required to undertake the CPE/PgDL. Students at the following universities are able to gain at least four exemptions from modules on the CPE/PgDL: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Napier (Edinburgh), Glasgow and Strathclyde.
Scottish Law students should apply for the summer vacation scheme in the January of their penultimate degree year. They should apply for a training contract after they have received their third year exam results and will be interviewed from 1st September in their final year.
Is there any point in applying if I do not have a 2:1/First in my degree?
- If you did not obtain a 2:1 or First, we would expect to see exceptional academic ability demonstrated elsewhere.
Would an LLM help my application?
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You might feel an LLM would improve your chances if, for example, you did not achieve a 2:1 in your degree; it certainly does show added commitment. However, we suggest you should only study for an LLM if you have a genuine interest doing so. It is not a factor which we would usually take into account for selection purposes.
Can I choose which seats I spend time in during my training contract?
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In the London office you are able to select which departments you want to sit in throughout your training contract, provided there is sufficient availability and that you satisfy Law Society requirements by undertaking at least one contentious and one non-contentious seat.
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Trainees in our Birmingham office will experience seats in all 4 departments (European Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate and Employment).
Is there any possibility of an international secondment during my training contract?
- Yes, we currently run trainee secondments to Hong Kong, Paris, Piraeus, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We also offer a range of client secondments.
How likely am I to be kept on when I qualify?
- We only recruit 32 trainees a year. This is because we are not only committed to giving you the best possible training, but also to retaining our trainees upon qualification.
Is there a good social life?
- One of our summer students recently observed, "Reed Smith’s sociable ethos was carried over after working hours. It was good to see that people didn’t spend their whole lives at their desk, and the evenings out were always well attended." There are various sports teams, including softball, football and cricket – spectators are always welcome. The firm also often arranges "socials"; including all members of staff. Impromptu drinks are often suggested after work.