At Shoosmiths, we are more than a law firm. We are a team of forward-thinking professionals using innovation, insight and collaboration to deliver exceptional results for clients and meaningful careers for our people.

With offices across the UK and an international presence, we support some of the world’s most ambitious organisations, from global brands to fast-growing businesses. What sets us apart is not just what we do, but how we do it. Innovation sits at the heart of our approach. We combine deep legal expertise with fresh thinking, new technologies and smarter ways of working to help our clients unlock opportunities and navigate complexity with confidence.

We are proud to be recognised as one of Europe’s most innovative law firms, and we continuously challenge ourselves to improve how legal services are delivered. From integrating legal, consulting and digital solutions to creating more seamless client experiences, we are always looking for better, more effective ways to make an impact.

Our culture reflects this mindset. We encourage curiosity, creativity and a willingness to think differently. Our people are collaborative, inclusive and driven, working together to find practical, innovative solutions that deliver real value. We believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, valued and able to thrive.

At Shoosmiths, innovation is not just about technology. It is about how we think, how we work and how we empower our people to grow. You will work alongside talented individuals who care about delivering excellence, challenging the status quo and making a positive impact for our clients, our communities and each other.

Starting your career at Shoosmiths means becoming part of a firm that is invested in your development from day one.

As a trainee solicitor, you will gain real responsibility early on, working on live matters with real clients. This hands-on experience helps you build confidence quickly and develop the commercial awareness needed to succeed as a lawyer.

Your training is designed to give you breadth and depth. Over two years, you will gain exposure to a wide range of work, helping you discover where your strengths and interests lie.

You will be supported every step of the way. From expert supervision and mentorship to structured learning and development, you will have access to the guidance and resources you need to grow into a well-rounded solicitor.

Just as importantly, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive culture. We prioritise wellbeing alongside performance, and you will work in teams that value collaboration, open communication and individuality.

At Shoosmiths, we look for people who are curious, collaborative and motivated to make an impact. If you are ready to challenge yourself, develop your skills and build a rewarding legal career, you will find a place where you can truly thrive.

To find out what it is like to work at Shoosmiths read the firm's Meet the Lawyer profile.

If you receive a training contract offer for one of our English offices, and you are a law candidate you will need to complete either the LPC or SQE before your training contract (QWE) commences. 

If you receive a training contract offer for one of our English offices, and you are a non-law candidate who has not yet completed the GDL/LPC, you will need to complete the PGDL and the SQE before your training contract (QWE) commences.

If you would like to include the LLM element into your LPC or SQE, then we are supportive of this.

Our ambition is to build a diverse workforce that reflects all backgrounds and identities, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. We use three pillars to plan and execute our strategy; accountability, opportunity and community and have included examples of how we deliver against these aims. Our annual impact report shows more detailed measures of our progress.

Shoosmiths will offer financial support towards your future postgraduate studies (PGDL, LPC or SQE or equivalent). Full details are provided with your offer of a training contract.

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial
• General Practice
• Niche

• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Birmingham
• London

• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester

• Aspire Foundation
• Birmingham Legal Advice Centre
• Business in the Community
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Communicare (Reading)
• LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group)
• Legal Advice Centres
• London Legal Support Trust (LLST)
• University of Manchester Legal Advice Centre

• #10000BlackInterns
• Aspiring Solicitors
• Black Lawyers’ Directory
• Black Solicitors Network
• Bright Network
• GROW Mentoring
• Legal Apprenticeships
• Mindful Business Charter
• Pathways to Law
• PRIME
• Social Mobility Business Partnership
• Social Mobility Foundation
• Stonewall