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The key to our success is our ability to build lasting relationships: with clients and with each other. United through a culture defined by commitment to professional development, teamwork, diversity, pro bono and community support, we have grown to become one of the largest law firms in the world. Our 30 offices span three continents and London is currently the largest with over 600 people. Our offices benefit from an international framework, but each one retains key elements of the local business culture. The team in London is based in the Broadgate Tower, which boasts fantastic views of the city.

We are particularly well known for our work advising leading companies in the areas of financial services, life sciences, shipping, energy and natural resources, advertising, technology and media. We provide a wide range of commercial legal advice for all these clients, including a full spectrum of corporate, commercial and financial services, dispute resolution, real estate and employment advice. Much of our work is multi-jurisdictional.

Our vacation schemes are either one or two weeks long where delegates spend time in either one or two departments of their choice, shadowing associates and partners. In addition, delegates participate in bespoke training sessions and practical exercises to build their skills and knowledge of the law. They also enjoy a number of social events where we encourage engagement with current Reed Smith trainees.

The closing date for our vacation scheme applications is 17 December 2021.

We offer a four-seat programme and our approach to training means trainees are given access to real work and the option to take part in community projects or pro bono work. Our departments are structured across offices so that trainees are regularly in touch with colleagues and clients in different offices.

There are also opportunities for secondments to clients and our overseas offices. Trainees also benefit from being able to take a wide range of training courses offered by our learning and development team.

We have developed a new version of the LPC that fully integrates legal and business learning and leads to a unique LLM qualification, the LLM Commercial Legal Practice course. Our bespoke programme is the first of its kind and allows students to study commercial and legal aspects in parallel, not separately, so that they complete the course before entering the training contract with us.

The changes brought about by the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) provide us with an exciting opportunity to truly innovate and transform the route to qualification in the legal profession. We offer you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn – to work with us in an innovation, knowledge, business services, pro bono or a client-facing capacity; while also engaging in a commercially-focused legal education and training course that includes the knowledge and skills needed to pass the SQE examinations.

After graduation you will study for the SQE1 examination remotely from wherever you are in the world. The following nine months you will work part time at Reed Smith for two days per week, spending three days a week studying to complete SQE2 and the advanced knowledge and skills that are vital to your success as a trainee. This concurrent studying and working will allow you to complete an applied masters-level professional project related to the work you are doing, and have the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in business skills and the elements of an innovative and “O Shaped” lawyer. During your time working with us, you’ll likely 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, business processes and a network of contacts throughout the firm before starting your Qualified Work Experience (QWE). You’ll be fully confident in talking to senior leaders, how to work with and influence your colleagues, and how to navigate 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.

GDL funding: Fees paid plus £6,000 maintenance.

SQE fees are paid plus £7,000 maintenance along with two paid working days per week.

• Corporate
• Real estate
• Employment
• Financial services
• Commercial disputes
• Tax
• Energy & natural resources
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• Entertainment & media

• Corporate & Commercial

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• A4ID
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• Aspire Foundation
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Fair Trials International
• LawWorks
• Lawyers Without Borders
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• PILnet (Public Interest Law)
• Prince’s Trust
• ProHelp
• Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre
• Reprieve
• The National Pro Bono Centre
• The Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau
• TrustLaw Connect

• Aspiring Solicitors
• Black Lawyers’ Directory
• Bright Network
• Brokerage Citylink
• DiversCity
• Law Society Diversity Access Scheme
• MyPlus Consulting
• PRIME
• Stonewall
• Urban Lawyers Careers Conference