Ask Reed Smith Anything! (2025-26)

[Blueberry26]

Reed Smith" data-source="post: 218785" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hello!

These are all great questions, and I'll tackle them one by one!

In terms of interview jitters, I don't think I had a single approach to it - I definitely still felt nervous in my Reed Smith interview! I think practice really does help with these things, and I've become more confident over the years. However, I do think that your mindset can really help. I went into my Reed Smith interview with the mindset of - 'I have done all that I can to prepare for this, and I will do my best in the interview'. It can be really tempting to spiral into the unknowns and what-ifs, but I'd focus on what you can control (preparation) and remember that you can't control the rest!

For my Reed Smith interview, I focused on highlighting my past experiences and strengths, and tried to showcase the traits that I possessed that made me a good fit for the firm. In the past, I have felt a bit 'silly' trying to sell myself in an interview - however, you should be proudly showcasing your accomplishments! It sounds like very generic advice, but I do think being yourself is the best way to sell yourself. I went into the interview with a clear idea of my past achievements, but also acknowledging the areas that I could still improve in. I think having an element of self-awareness is really important, as no-one is expecting you to be the finished product.

I'm not too sure what made me 'stand out' to Reed Smith - to reiterate the above, I think it is just really important to be yourself. There is no real point in trying to stand out by being a different version of yourself, as that firm likely won't be the right fit for you in the end. I had an interest in their Transportation section, and previous experience in those areas, and I think that definitely helped me to emphasise my motivations for working at the firm. I'd say that I reflected on my past experiences, and tried to tie the skills and traits I gained into what Reed Smith valued and what they were looking for in trainees.

I've enjoyed many things so far whilst on my PSQE year! A highlight for me, which kind of ties into your final question, is that we were able to attend a sustainability talk with the sustainability manager at the firm - this was after bumping into him by the coffee machine and arranging it! Everyone at the firm has been so welcoming and encouraging, and it's been great to learn more about the firm through speaking to different people.

Another example of how I have felt supported is that SQE interns are able to be involved in events all across the firm, and join the business inclusion groups! It's been great to feel like a part of the firm from day one, and there are so many opportunities to get involved with.

I hope that answers your questions

Thank you Abbie!

 

[jy1041405]

Hi Becca and Rik,

I hope you are well.

I am planning on applying for the vacation scheme and I was wondering if I would be automatically rejected if I had to retake the SQE exams? Not with the firm but self-funded SQE. I understand there is no such requirement on the website but I thought I would check before sending my application.

Thank you!

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Reed Smith" data-source="post: 218233" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Hi everyone!

My name is Christelle Dantziguian, and I am a future trainee and current SQE Intern in the Early Careers team at Reed Smith ☺️

If you have any questions about the application process or the PSQE placement, feel free to add them to this thread!

Hi Christelle,
I hope you are well.

I was wondering if you could perhaps share the timeline of when you handed in your application to the VS. I have submitted my application but no response as of yet.

Thank you

 

[Destiny - Reed Smith]

Hi Christelle,
I hope you are well.

I was wondering if you could perhaps share the timeline of when you handed in your application to the VS. I have submitted my application but no response as of yet.

Thank you

Hi,

Christelle is out of the office at the moment, but I am more than happy to answer your question as I am also an SQE intern!

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so response times will vary from person to person, but we aim to send out decisions within a few weeks after the deadline, (which is the 19th December).

I hope that helps - let me know if you have any more questions!

- Destiny

 

[Destiny - Reed Smith]

ANNOUNCEMENT!! 📢​

Hi all!

Abbie and I will be available today and tomorrow (05/11/25 - 06/11/2025) to answer any questions you have around the application process, SQE/SQE interning, advice etc..

To aid in directing questions to the right person:
- Abbie: entered via the direct TC route.
- Destiny: entered (via the First Year Scheme), and then VC route.

(NB: We are both SQE interns in Early Careers, and training contract holders.)

- Destiny

 

[Maddy]

Hi Destiny

I hope you are doing well!

Could you share what your experience was like as a vacation schemer. What kind of tasks were you assigned and how you prepared for both the vacation scheme assessment centre and the training contract interview?

Additionally, could you please share what a typical schedule for an SQE intern looks like specifically, how the days are usually divided between work and study?

 

[Destiny - Reed Smith]

Hi Destiny

I hope you are doing well!

Could you share what your experience was like as a vacation schemer. What kind of tasks were you assigned and how you prepared for both the vacation scheme assessment centre and the training contract interview?

Additionally, could you please share what a typical schedule for an SQE intern looks like specifically, how the days are usually divided between work and study?

Hi Maddy,

Thank you for your question!

In terms of my Vac Scheme, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process! I found that Reed Smith's VC structure was well balanced and very organised. I particularly enjoyed that a timetable of key events was provided early on. For me, the VC was structured as two days online remote induction, and five days in person in the London office. However, this has now been changed to one day remote Induction. I appreciated this structure as it meant that a lot of the admin was out of the way before we started the in person portion which left more time for VC activities!

On my VC, I was assigned my first choice seat (Real Estate) and I sat with a member of counsel. Tasks completed in your assigned group will vary between each person based on where you are seated, and even from supervisor to supervisor in the same group. For example, in the Real Estate group, I was given some contract precedents (templates) to review and fill in, as well as some research summaries to complete. However, when I was placed in FIG for the first year scheme, I was asked to complete a presentation on a key legal concept, so it really varies.

However, tasks and activities completed outside of your assigned group are pretty much the same for the entire cohort. For example, we were given a pro bono task to work on in small groups, which was then handed in at the end of the scheme, and formed part of the assessment process. We also attended a number of talks, Q&A type sessions, and internal networking events, such as meeting the Business Inclusion Groups (BIGs), or receiving an overview of the firm from a partner. In addition to this, there were external socials for the wider VC cohort organised by Graduate Recruitment. In my VC, we went to Hijingo! There are various different highlights dedicated to the sort of group tasks/activities we got up to on the VC over on our Instagram (@reedsmithgrads) if you wanted some more detail!

In terms of prep for the TC/VC interview and assessment centre, I mainly prepared by reviewing my notes about the firm, and for the TC interview, reviewing and reflecting on the week as a whole. My main advice would to be to ensure you are really well informed about the firm more generally, and why you are specifically interested in RS (e.g. practice areas of interest, unique qualities of the firm, etc..), as well as brushing up on your commercial awareness (cliché I know!).

Regarding our typical schedule as SQE interns, I can try and break this down for you, but it will differ slightly depending on the placement you choose! We come into the office two days a week to complete our placements, and the remainder of the week is spent studying independently, or with our course provider COLP. Of course, as I said, individual tasks will vary dependent on placement type.

I hope that answered all your questions! Please do let me know if you need anything else!

- Destiny