Training Contract (Trainee Solicitor) Reed Smith LLP

Job description

Key to Reed Smith’s success is our ability to build lasting relationships with clients and each other. United through a culture committed 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 23 offices span three continents and London is currently the largest with over 500 people (112 partners and 54 trainees). 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.

At Reed Smith we value cultural differences. We continuously explore ways to enhance the inclusiveness of our firm and consistently evaluate our own diversity efforts in-line with best practice.

We are particularly well-known for our work advising leading companies in the areas of financial services, shipping, energy and natural resources, 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.

Types of work include

Financial Services
Shipping
Energy and Natural Resources
Advertising, Technology & Media
Commercial Disputes
Real Estate
European & Middle East
Corporate
Commercial Restructuring & Bankruptcy
Life Sciences
Environmental
Employment & Labour
Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning

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 2015/February 2016. We pay LPC and GDL fees and provide maintenance grants.

Person requirements

We are looking for candidates to demonstrate that they have the skills and behaviours we would expect from our trainees and these are as follows:

Legal Skills
Practice Skills and Knowledge - learns the basics
Research and Analysis - approaches research and analysis logically
Written and Oral Communication Skills - communicates clearly and concisely; is a good listener

Citizenship
Developing Self and Others - actively makes use of opportunities to further own development
Teamwork and Collaboration - works co-operatively with colleagues

Business Skills
Leadership - understands Reed Smith's strategy, values and policies
Matter and Financial Management - manages own time commercially

Clients
Client Relationships - seeks to understand and meet client needs
Business Development - builds knowledge of the firm's capabilities and establishes relationships

Qualification and experience requirements

We are looking for candidates to be on target for or have achieved a 2.1 or above degree (or the equivalent qualification). We accept applications from both law and non-law students.

Funding for training

GDL and LPC course fees paid along with a maintenance grant whilst studying (£7000 for the LPC and £6000 for the GDL)

We have developed a new version of the Legal Practice Course that fully integrates legal and business learning and leads to a unique Master's qualification, the MA (LPC with Business). The bespoke programme allows the study of commercial and legal aspects in parallel and not separately.

How to apply

We offer:

• 25 days’ annual holiday
• Permanent health insurance
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare (with associated discounts on gym memberships)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Cycle to work bicycle purchase scheme
• BPP GDL/LPC course fees and financial support

Applications will open on 1st November 2012 and the deadline for training contract applications is 31st July 2013.

Advert posted: 24 September 2012