Trainee solicitor

Skills and behaviours

Qualifications and skills 

We are looking for candidates who are on target for, or have achieved, a 2:1 or above at degree level (or the equivalent) in any discipline. We are mindful that circumstances can sometimes prevent individuals from meeting their true potential and so we would encourage you to email us directly if you have mitigating circumstances. We are also looking for you to demonstrate that you have the skills and behaviours which we would expect from our trainees. 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 cooperatively 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 

The Professional SQE 

A unique place to grow: We offer stimulating work in an informative, challenging, and busy environment. Your contribution counts from the year before you join our Professional SQE programme through to the end of your qualifying work experience. With four seats over two years, you can express preferences for the practice or industry group areas you would like to experience, and you may benefit from a client or international secondment. 

What this will look like… 

During your Professional SQE year, you will prepare for SQE1 and SQE2, as well as study master’s-level modules tailored to Reed Smith and the skills and knowledge required as a trainee. Alongside study, you will undertake paid professional placements. During your time working with us, you’ll rotate through two roles in different business services teams at the firm, one of which may be client-facing. You will also have the advantage of being fully inducted at Reed Smith, building an understanding of our systems and business processes, and establishing a network of contacts throughout the firm before starting your qualifying work experience (QWE). You’ll be fully confident in talking to senior leaders, working with your colleagues, and navigating the law firm environment. This experience will enable you to truly hit the ground running, unlike any trainee has done before – starting your QWE as an experienced member of the Reed Smith team. 

These placements have periods of full-time study leave to ensure you have enough time to prepare for your SQE exams. 

Why Reed Smith? 

We’ve been at the forefront of legal educational change since we launched our Master’s in Law and Business in 2012, which many other law firms subsequently emulated; and this Professional SQE is the evolution of that offering. We thrive on creating innovative and inventive ways to ensure our trainees and our future lawyers are at the cutting edge of legal developments. 

Our Professional SQE brings together elements of the O-shaped lawyer offering and vocational professional training, ensuring our trainees gain an integrated and commercial understanding of working in a law firm so that they are equipped to succeed in the evolving legal services environment, while also meeting the SQE requirements as set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

Where will I be based? Our London office, 1 Blossom Yard, is an exciting and innovative space, allowing trainees to benefit from a range of collaborative workspaces, as well as spaces dedicated to wellbeing and socialising. 

Life as a trainee 

Your trainee induction: Your training and induction programme will start when you join us while studying for the SQE. This will mean that when you start your training contract, you will be ready to hit the ground running. 

Your peers: The first relationships you’ll form at Reed Smith will be with your fellow trainees, who will help you develop and prosper throughout your training contract. As part of the process, you’ll also link up with a buddy – a more experienced solicitor who will provide guidance and support to help you through your first six months (and often beyond). In addition, for those conversations about qualification or more advanced topics, we offer mentoring support in each practice group from a junior associate. 

Trainee Academy: In addition to training to introduce you to our practice areas, you will attend ongoing training on updates and developments with the partners and associates. We are also keen to allow you to develop your own coaching and mentoring skills, so we encourage our trainee cohorts to mentor those more junior to them. 
 
Qualifying work experience: While classroom learning is important, your practical legal training and experience are where you really learn how to be a lawyer. During each seat, you will get regular feedback from your supervisor to help you gauge your progress, including a mid-seat and end-of-seat appraisal. 

Salary and benefits 

In addition to a competitive salary (£53,000 per annum during your first year, moving to £58,000 per annum in your second year, plus benefits), our trainee solicitor benefits package includes: 

• 25 days’ annual holiday 
• Permanent health insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Season ticket loan 
• Staff introduction bonus 
• Conveyance fees reimbursed for domestic conveyance 

Plus a flexible benefits package which includes: 

• Critical illness cover 
• Dental insurance 
• Private medical insurance 
• Health screening 
• Travel insurance 
• Personal training 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Restaurant card 
• Give as you earn (GAYE) 

Sponsorship details (if applicable)

We will pay your full course fees for both the GDL and SQE, plus a maintenance grant of £15,000. In addition, whilst studying the SQE and working on a part-time basis, you will also be paid the London Living Wage. 

Reed Smith Alumni Network

Another key benefit of joining Reed Smith is that current and former members of the firm are able to join the Reed Smith Alumni Network. Through this programme, you will get access to an extensive international network of current and former members of the firm, along with support, coaching, and future career opportunities that you can access throughout your career.