UK opportunities

• No, we start to screen shortly before the application deadline with interviews to be held in August.

Please note that our application form has been designed to assess your research and analysis skills, amongst others, and gives you the opportunity to really show off your knowledge and abilities. The form will get you thinking about, and using, the skills you will need as a trainee and we would highly recommend that you start your application in good time so that there is no time pressure before the deadline.

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.

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.

When can I expect to be interviewed?

• Assessment days will take place in the London office in August.

What is the assessment process? 

• The first stage of the process is a competency based application form, which is completed on-line.  If successful at this stage then you will be asked to complete an SHL verbal reasoning test, again on-line.  If you meet the standard on the verbal reasoning test then you will be invited in for an assessment day at our offices.  The day will involve an interview, a number of exercises and the opportunity to meet people within the firm.

Do you have competencies which you assess candidates against?

• Yes, we have a competency framework called CareeRS which includes trainee specific competencies.  During the application process we are looking for candidates to demonstrate that they have the skills and behaviours which we would expect from our trainees and you will therefore be assessed against a number of the competencies below:

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 relationships

Will Reed Smith expect me to attend a particular Law School for the GDL/LPC?

• Yes, last year we signed a sole provider agreement with BPP Law School and all future trainees will now be expected to attend BPP in Holborn. The idea behind this is so that we can start to build relationships with our future trainees before they join and that all trainees receive the same training.

 Does Reed Smith stipulate which electives to take on the LPC?

• We ask students to complete the Private Acquisitions elective, along with a choice of two from Equity Finance, Debt Finance and Advanced Commercial Litigation.

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.

What if I am a Scottish law student and would like to practise 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 a First (or the equivalent), we would expect to see exceptional academic ability demonstrated elsewhere.

Would an LLM help my application?

• You might feel an LLM would improve your chances if, for example, you did not achieve a 2:1 in your degree (or the equivalent); it certainly does show added commitment. However, we suggest you should only study for an LLM if you have a genuine interest in 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?

• 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.

Is there any possibility of an international secondment during my training contract?

• Yes, we currently run trainee secondments to 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 a small number of 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.

Does Reed Smith offer any open days?

• Yes, we plan to hold three open days in 2012 for first year law students and second year non law students so that they can get an insight into Reed Smith and a career in a City Law firm.  The dates are 26th, 27th and 28th March 2012. 
• Each day will involve a tour of the building, skills sessions and the opportunity to meet a variety of people within the firm.
• Applications need to be made by CV and cover letter, stating which of the dates you would like to attend.  These need to be sent to graduate.recruitment@reedsmith.com.  The deadline for applications is 24th February 2012 and decisions will be communicated by early March.

Do you have a graduate recruitment brochure?

Yes, please see the attached.