Thank you! I really appreciate the time you put into your responses! Very helpful 😊Hi!
Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!
Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:
1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity
For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.
2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you
This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.
3. Emphasise genuine openness
Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.
You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.
I hope that helps!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thanks for such a detailed response. Do you think it would be okay to mention two practice areas/ industry groups? And then perhaps align it with the firm’s sector focused approach?Hi!
Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!
Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:
1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity
For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.
2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you
This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.
3. Emphasise genuine openness
Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.
You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.
I hope that helps!
Congrats!! Just out of curiosity, how long did they take to get back to you and what were your strengths (if you're comfortable sharing)?
Hey @Abbie Whitlock
I was wondering whether you'd have any advice on the Reed Smith VI and 'high potential assessment'? Maybe around what the firm's looking for skills/experience wise?
Thank you so much!
I was wondering whether you'd have any advice on the Reed Smith VI and 'high potential assessment'? Maybe around what the firm's looking for skills/experience wise?
Thank you so much!
Is it bad for me to mention IP as one of 3 reasons "Why HSFK?"
It's something I've got a good deal of experience in (to evidence why im interested in it), and it is something they're very strong in. They even have an IP open day. I just don't wanna take any chances of them being like "Well you might not even get a seat in it so why is it one of your top 3 reasons"
It's something I've got a good deal of experience in (to evidence why im interested in it), and it is something they're very strong in. They even have an IP open day. I just don't wanna take any chances of them being like "Well you might not even get a seat in it so why is it one of your top 3 reasons"
What benefit would you have by not mentioning it? Even if you don’t get a seat in it (which is unlikely if you show interest in), IP feeds into a lot more sectors than just the realm of an IP seat. You have to sell yourself, and if you can do so best by talking about IP then you’d be doing disservice not mentioning it.
Reed Smith AC!!! I could cry.
Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.
Just goes to show you never know I guess.
Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.
Just goes to show you never know I guess.
I’m not blaming anyone. 9 times out of 10 the firm would say. Also saying allow 50 minutes for the test with two 20 minute written pieces isn’t something I would assume is it? Your opinion on whether it’s cool or not does not affect me.
Not necessarily will it be a written question but ok. My annoyance isn’t the what the asked it’s how it was asked. I knew my motivations for the firm I didn’t expect to be writing it with a count down.
Yea, Milbank is known for its "working under pressure culture" and if other firms mention it, Milbank is another level. It shows how you can handle in an unexpected situation. If you could then you pass, it's the reasoning why they undisclosed or not mentioning it publicly, even those who attended their event earlier they haven't been told the detail. So, I call it as a fair process.
Congrats!
What were ur SJT and numerical/verbal scores too if u dont mind me asking.
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