Reed Smith

The firm

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 15 largest law firms in the world.

Our 23 offices span three continents and London is currently the largest with over 500 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.

Types of work

We are particularly well-known for our work advising leading companies in the areas of financial services, shipping, energy, trade and commodities, advertising, technology and media. We provide a wide range of commercial legal services 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.

Training and development programme

Our training programme starts with a detailed induction course and during the first couple of weeks you’ll find out how the firm works, build some vital practical skills and begin some core modules of your Professional Skills Course.

While ‘classroom’ training is very important, your practical legal training and experience is where you really learn how to be a lawyer. We offer a four seat programme in which trainees are able to exercise influence over the choice of seats and this includes secondment opportunities to clients and our overseas offices.

Throughout your training contract you will gain experience and receive training in a variety of areas including advocacy and oral presentation, case and transaction management, client care and practice support, drafting, legal research, case management and negotiation. During each seat you’ll get regular feedback from your supervisor to help you gauge your progress, including a mid seat and end of seat appraisal.

We have vacancies for training contracts to start in August 2013/February 2014 and August 2014/February 2015. We pay LPC and GDL fees and provide maintenance grants. Applications opened on 1st November 2011 and the deadline for training contract applications is 31st July 2012.

Vacation schemes

Our summer vacation programme allows delegates to spend two weeks in a department of their choice. In addition to shadowing associates and partners in the team, delegates participate in bespoke training sessions and practical exercises to build their skills and knowledge. They also enjoy a number of social events arranged for the group. The scheme is targeted at penultimate year law students and final year non-law students.

Who should apply?

We are looking for ‘players’ rather than ‘onlookers’, who work well under pressure and are happy to operate as part of a team, whether as a member or a leader.

Awards

Reed Smith named Best Legal Adviser in Legal Week’s Client Satisfaction Survey 2011

Commodity Business Awards 2011, Reed Smith have been named winner in the category of ‘Excellence in Commodities: Legal’ for the second year in a row

Reed Smith named Best Graduate Employer in Legal Week’s Law Student Report for 2011