Ask Reed Smith Anything! Join Rebecca Schrod, Karen Manu and Charlotte Lear ⬇️

[ReedSmithCharlotte]

Hi everyone I hope you’re having a good morning! I have two questions if that’s okay. My first question is what does the application process look like for a first year scheme and my second is what type of attributes do you look for in applications to Reed Smith? Thank you in advance!

Hi Charlotte - great name!

To answer your first question:
The application for the first year scheme is very similar to the vacation scheme. You will submit a written application, with questions along the lines of: why you are applying to the first year scheme, and why you are interested in law. We then have a blended assessment comprised of both scenario-based and video-based elements. We do not have a case study stage for first year scheme applicants, as this is something that we workshop whilst on the scheme itself.

On your second question:
I am afraid I have the same answer for all questions like this, and that is: try not to worry too much about exactly what we're looking for and think more about what you can bring to the role. All of our trainees have lots of different attributes and this is what makes them work well together. That being said, think about the typical trainee competencies (e.g. teamwork, collaboration, creativity, leadership, time management) and start to think about some personal examples of when you've demonstrated them - doesn't have to be legal experience! This will help you start to develop a narrative around why you are right for the role.

 

[LHitchens1]

Hi @ReedSmithBecca @ReedSmithCharlotte @ReedSmithKaren (I think I spoke to one or two of you at a MPSC event at Hogan Lovells a few months ago)!

What do you think has been the key or keys in applicants being successful? What skills, experiences, etc. did you see in an application that made you think, 'I want this person to move forward' and have the move to the next stage?

Also what assistance do you provide for applicants with disabilities? Is this a question to ask prior to applying or as part of the ongoing application process?

Thank you in advance!

 

[adamsami]

Hi, I've seen how you use Rare to contextualise applications, but do you have any trainees with you at the moment who achieved a 2:2 in their first year? I achieved a lower second in my first year partly due to mitigating circumstances (about to start my penultimate year) and am wondering how realistic my chances are, even with a good application. thanks

 

[ReedSmithCharlotte]

Hi everyone good morning.
I have two questions.
Firstly how can a graduate with no legal experience use their non legal experience in TC applications?
Would you advice one applies for a vacation scheme rather than a TC if one has little legal knowledge

Hi there, great questions! Thank you

1. We have a very strong principle that you do not need to have legal experience to apply for a TC at Reed Smith. We have a potential-based application process, and potential does not necessarily equal legal experience. What you will need to do, however, is really dig deep into your non-legal experiences to pull out those transferrable skills.
> Do you work part-time in hospitality alongside your studies? This is demonstrating time management, working under pressure, sometimes having difficult conversations with clients and colleagues and working effectively within a team to deliver a high level of service, amongst other things.
> Are you on the committee for a student society? This is demonstrating leadership skills, a willingness to apply yourself to multiple different projects at one time, some all-important people and networking skills - and so much more.

2. At Reed Smith, we do not have a direct TC application. I would say, across the board however, that a vacation scheme is a really important asset to helping you decide whether that firm is right for you. A training contract is quite a big commitment!

 

[Narineh]

Hello!
I attended UK law fair and had the opportunity to learn about Reed Smith, the team are very friendly and supportive.

I would like to know if Reed Smith is currently accepting Probono work. I am a foreign lawyer, graduated LLM Master in Law in Lebanon and LLM Corporate Governance from the University of Law (Moorgate) and have more than 6 years of experience as a Paralegal (including the UK). Thank you

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Good morning!
I was wondering what are the common pitfalls to look out for when applying to the firm ?

Hi!
Don’t forget the basics like good spelling and grammar, so I always recommend drafting answers to your application form in word so that you can more easily proof read them.
Otherwise, do not discount all the valuable non-legal experience that you might have! Applicants commonly don’t write about things like part-time jobs, thinking that working in retail for example might not be relevant. But part time jobs, volunteering, student societies etc allow candidates to develop transferable skills that are hugely valuable in the application process! So do highlight this.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Good morning, thank you for offering up your time to answer our questions how can I best showcase resilience in an interview. Are you looking for specific examples? How can I stand out in the video interview?

No problem! Yes, even if the interview question doesn’t specifically ask for an example, I’d recommend including one if the question allows. Interview techniques like STAR can really help structure responses.
In terms of how to stand out, other than using relevant examples, showcasing that you have really researched the firm and understand why RS in particular rather than just why commercial law is also helpful.

 

[giseladamptey]

Hi everyone, hope you are well.
I am a graduate where I have completed LPC. Would I still be able to apply for the vacation scheme at Reed Smith?

Also what differentiates Reed Smith from its competitors ?

Many thanks

 

[ReedSmithCharlotte]

Hi everyone, hope you are well.
I am a graduate where I have completed LPC. Would I still be able to apply for the vacation scheme at Reed Smith?

Also what differentiates Reed Smith from its competitors ?

Many thanks

Hi there, you too!

Yes, LPC grads can certainly apply for the vacation scheme. As we have now made the move to the SQE, we ask our LPC joiners to complete the SQE2 with us should you accept a training contract offer. Your studies will be funded by the firm, and we will also provide you with a maintenance grant.

In terms of what differentiates us, we have some really cool industry groups that work across our practice areas which make our market offering really unique. We have specialisms in Transportation, Energy and Natural Resources, Entertainment and Media, Finance and Life Sciences. The culture of this firm is also incredibly open and welcoming, I'd encourage you to apply for an open day to see it for yourself!

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

How is best to approach a 'why do you want to attend this open day' question? I am planning on mentioning specific practice areas and why I would like to learn more about them.

That sounds like a great approach. I'd also focus on something things that are specific to the open day that you wouldn't find on the firm website, like networking with current lawyers, understanding the culture first hand etc.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi everyone, hope you are doing well! I am an international student and have just finished my undergraduate law degree in the UK. I am interested in applying for your vacation scheme and training contract. Do you have any advice on whether it is a good idea for me to self-fund the SQE at BPP in the meantime (as I understand that RS has an innovative Professional SQE programme)? Thank you!

Hi, congratulations on recently finishing your degree! We (and other firms) will also accept applications from those who have completed the SQE, although we do have our own programme for future trainees who haven't yet completed it. One advantage can be that although we are currently recruiting for 2025 training contracts, if spaces open up in earlier intakes, future trainees who have already completed the SQE can be slotted in earlier, so it can put you in a good position (although there are no guarantees!)
If you feel ready for the SQE then it sounds like it could be a good option for you.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi, I've seen how you use Rare to contextualise applications, but do you have any trainees with you at the moment who achieved a 2:2 in their first year? I achieved a lower second in my first year partly due to mitigating circumstances (about to start my penultimate year) and am wondering how realistic my chances are, even with a good application. thanks

We do have current/future trainees who got a 2.2 in their first year. If you're able to outline the mitigating circumstances and are confident in achieving a 2.1 overall then please do apply!

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi @ReedSmithBecca @ReedSmithCharlotte @ReedSmithKaren (I think I spoke to one or two of you at a MPSC event at Hogan Lovells a few months ago)!

What do you think has been the key or keys in applicants being successful? What skills, experiences, etc. did you see in an application that made you think, 'I want this person to move forward' and have the move to the next stage?

Also what assistance do you provide for applicants with disabilities? Is this a question to ask prior to applying or as part of the ongoing application process?

Thank you in advance!

Hi! Good to hear from you again
I would say one of the most impressive things is when candidates have a really clear understanding of what their strengths are, and can provide a variety of examples to evidence that. Showing that you have spent time researching the firm and incorporating that into your answers, rather than saying things that could apply to any city firm is also impressive.
We don't have a 'one size fits all' approach and take the lead from applicants in terms of what you need. Some examples include extra time for video interviews or assessment centres, offering live or in-person options for delivery of assessments and also a range of adjustments during our vacation scheme. You're welcome to outline what you require or discuss what we could do at any point during the process.

 

[Jay825]

Good afternoon!

I am looking for some clarification regarding the current application process. I noticed that you mentioned from this cycle, verbal and numerical reasoning tests will be included. I want to confirm whether there is still a video interview component as part of the application process.

Thank you in advance.

 

[F12M34L]

Good afternoon!

I am looking for some clarification regarding the current application process. I noticed that you mentioned from this cycle, verbal and numerical reasoning tests will be included. I want to confirm whether there is still a video interview component as part of the application process.

Thank you in advance.

Further to this, is it the amberjack platform assessments?

 

[Deleted member 3712]

Hi there, you too!

Yes, LPC grads can certainly apply for the vacation scheme. As we have now made the move to the SQE, we ask our LPC joiners to complete the SQE2 with us should you accept a training contract offer. Your studies will be funded by the firm, and we will also provide you with a maintenance grant.

In terms of what differentiates us, we have some really cool industry groups that work across our practice areas which make our market offering really unique. We have specialisms in Transportation, Energy and Natural Resources, Entertainment and Media, Finance and Life Sciences. The culture of this firm is also incredibly open and welcoming, I'd encourage you to apply for an open day to see it for yourself!

Hi Charlotte!

Is there a link to apply for an open day at Reed Smith as a graduate? I could not find open days for this year on your graduate recruitment website.

Thank you !

 

[NJS]

Hey guys, really appreciate you taking the time to answer our quesitons! My first quesiton is that Reed Smith is obviously known for their shipping practice, financial disputes and pro bono work, would it be advisable to really show an interest in these on the applcaiton from? And is it recommended to show commercial awareness of their areas, or are you looking, right now, for wider commercial accumen?

Also, are there any opportunites for graduates to get an insight into the firm before the vacation scheme?

And finally, I currently work as a paralegal at a firm with similar leading practices to Reed Smith? How best can I show how the skills I have gained translate to that of a trainee?

Thank you!

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hello!
I attended UK law fair and had the opportunity to learn about Reed Smith, the team are very friendly and supportive.

I would like to know if Reed Smith is currently accepting Probono work. I am a foreign lawyer, graduated LLM Master in Law in Lebanon and LLM Corporate Governance from the University of Law (Moorgate) and have more than 6 years of experience as a Paralegal (including the UK). Thank you

Hi, glad to hear this!
We don't currently have any vacancies in our Pro Bono team, although Pro Bono is very much a collaborative effort so lawyers from all departments are encouraged to get involved.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Good afternoon!

I am looking for some clarification regarding the current application process. I noticed that you mentioned from this cycle, verbal and numerical reasoning tests will be included. I want to confirm whether there is still a video interview component as part of the application process.

Thank you in advance.

Hi, yes, there is still a video interview. It is part of the blended assessment, although you can save your progress so don't have to do all of the assessments in one sitting

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Further to this, is it the amberjack platform assessments?

Yes, we will be using the Amberjack Assessments. They will be tailored to Reed Smith but if you've done assessments through Amberjack before you might be used to the style.