Reed Smith has successfully moved away from the typical and rigid post-qualification progression method to a more dynamic and successful competencies based system, called CareeRS. The purpose of CareeRS is two-fold: to provide the firm's lawyers with the transparency, development opportunities and support they need to achieve career satisfaction and success at Reed Smith, while at the same time allowing the firm to provide the best legal representation to its clients. The CareeRS programme has three key components: Competencies, Development Options including a competency-based curriculum, and CareeRS Advisors.

The programme provides a framework to develop and reward associates from NQ level through to senior associate. Each associate is appointed a CareeRS Advisor to act as an independent mentor. Associates also benefit from comprehensive performance reviews, which results in a real understanding of how to manage and develop their careers. To help associates progress against the competencies, CareeRS provides a wide variety of development opportunities, from training programmes mapped to the nine core competencies, to on-the-job development, pro bono opportunities, client and intra-firm secondments, online resources and more. Learn more about CareerRS.

The firm places a great emphasis on providing associates with high-quality work both in terms of the clients it acts for and the type of work undertaken. Client secondment opportunities are readily available both in the UK and sometimes overseas.

As demonstrated by our continued growth, in size, revenue and profit, Reed Smith is a firm that is driven to achieve – but it’s also part of our relationship philosophy that people need a balanced life. The chargeable hours targets we set for our lawyers are intended to be sensible, not exhausting. Those who outperform expectations are rewarded for their additional contribution.