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Shoosmiths

Insider reviews

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Get the inside view from graduates at Shoosmiths

8.8 / 10 Overall Satisfaction
(based on 11 ratings in 2019)
"An approachable firm that is diligent in its work."
Culture
9.5 / 10
 
Formal Training
8.4 / 10
 
Informal Training & Mentoring
8.2 / 10
 
Offices & Dress
8.1 / 10
 
Hours
8.7 / 10
 
Salary
7.1 / 10
 
Green Initiatives
8.0 / 10
 
Diversity
8.8 / 10
 
Satisfaction with Work
7.9 / 10
 
Pro Bono
8.3 / 10
 
Trainee Retention
8.0 / 10
 

Pros

  • The firm is very sociable with a relaxed and friendly environment.
  • Trainees get a good amount of responsibility and client interaction from an early stage.
  • The work/life balance of trainees is treated with importance.
  • Very strong mentoring and detailed feedback is given regularly.

Cons

  • There’s relatively low remuneration compared to other firms.
  • Some trainees would like to have more secondment opportunities.
  • While the firm is flexible, some departments can have demanding hours.
  • Retention rates can vary a lot between departments.

What insiders say about...

Interview: Tips & Advice

"I believe the firm is looking for people with the same beliefs as it has and a good..."
Culture

"There's a friendly culture. People are always happy to help and good teamwork is..."
Formal Training

"There are personal development courses available throughout the year to supplement..."
Informal Training & Mentoring

"Varies from department to department but on the whole very good. I have never had..."
Offices & Dress

"The office is open plan and right in the centre of Edinburgh. It has grown in terms..."
Hours

"There's usually a great work/life balance. I tend to be out of the office by 6.30..."
Salary

"Decent but unexceptional salary. You work at the firm for more than just the money...."
Perks

"The firm give us free conveyancing for one property per year, the right to buy and..."
Interview Process

"I initially applied for the one week vacation scheme. If you do well on the scheme,..."
Interview Questions

"Be prepared for one or two left-field questions where they will look for you to either..."
Green Initiatives

"We just participated in Climate Week and there is a big push to ensure all computers..."
Diversity

"There is a LeanIn committee that promotes women. The LGBT community is well accepted..."
Career Prospects

""
Satisfaction with Work

"Dependant on the department you work in there is usually only one trainee meaning..."
Pro Bono

"Currently working on a boundary dispute pro bono project in the Real Estate Department...."
Pluses

"Exposure to clients and a high level of responsibility."
Minuses

"The hours can be unforgiving, especially in certain departments."
Why your firm?

"The working environment and the quality of work/training that the firm had to offer..."
Trainee Retention

"It is dependent on the team you want to qualify into and whether there are any jobs..."
Fun Facts

"We have an amazing annual ski trip attended by partners through to trainees/paralegals..."
In a few words

"Friendly and approachable firm providing high quality advice."
Social Mobility

"Our firm funds the GDL (if applicable) and LPC for future trainees who are about..."
Level of Stress

"Depends on workloads."
One Small Change

"Improve the Birmingham office's facilities."
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