United Kingdom
Graduates
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 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 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.
Take a look at our graduate brochure and website to see whether Reed Smith might be the place for you.
Dates for your Diary
Vacation Scheme Applications
Our Vacation Schemes open on the 2nd of October 2023. The deadline for our 2024 spring and summer Vacation Schemes is 8th January 2024 at 5pm GMT. Dates for the spring and summer vacation scheme are still TBC, however they are expected to take place in April and late June respectively. Confirmed dates will be communicated to successful applicants. You will be able to select your preference between our Spring and Summer Schemes.
First Year Scheme
Applications for our first-year scheme open on the 2nd of October 2023. The deadline to apply is 12th February 2024 at 5pm GMT. Dates for this are also TBC and will be confirmed to successful applicants.
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
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 client’s deals.
Associate
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.
Drive Progress With Us
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Reed Smith Associate Life