Reed Smith LLP



United Kingdom

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Early Careers

Shape a career without limits.

We are a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients.

Ambitious and entrepreneurial graduates and school leavers are rewarded at Reed Smith with a training programme that is supportive, challenging, and exciting, offering unparalleled client and international secondments. Our unique culture, which allows apprentices and trainees to turn passions into careers, is one of the reasons our lawyers remain with us for such a long time, moving seats, jobs roles, and even countries, but sticking with the firm.

Vacation Schemes

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 Vacation Schemes. The deadline is December 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. GMT.

Training Contract

Direct applications for our Training Contract are now closed and will reopen May 2026.

Solicitor Apprentices

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme. The deadline is January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. GMT.

Open Days

We will be holding a number of Open Days this autumn. Apply and find out more about our in-person events our virtual events.

Contact Apply now!
Here are some things our lawyers had to say about their time with Reed Smith:
Our culture is nurtured through prioritising collaboration as one of the key drivers of Reed Smith’s success, ensuring we have an inclusive environment, making sure the firm is fighting fit for the future and encouraging continuous feedback – what we are doing well and where we could do better.
Partner
Andrew Jenkinson
London
From the moment I joined Reed Smith as a paralegal right up to now as an associate in the Real Estate Group, I have felt incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such supportive mentors. Not only has the group nourished me into who I am today but they have all genuinely cared about my development. Reed Smith is a great place to really develop into a tactful commercial lawyer with ample opportunity to contribute towards our clients’ deals.
Associate
Dashni Khimji
London
Application timeline
1
Online Application Form
All applicants are required to complete our application form. You’ll be asked to provide information on your academic background and work experience, as well as answering a few questions relating to the firm and your motivations.
2
Online Assessments
Successful candidates are invited to take our online assessments. This blended assessment includes situational judgement, verbal and numerical reasoning. Our tests are potential based, so we don’t require any prior legal knowledge or work experience.
3
On-demand Video Interview
As part of our online assessments, you’ll also be invited to take part in an interview. Candidates can save their progress and return to it, so you won’t have to complete everything in one sitting.
4
Vacation Scheme
This is the final stage in our process before the Vacation Scheme. Candidates will be given time to review a case study, before undertaking an interview and completing tasks based on the content.