Ask Reed Smith Anything! (2026-27)

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi Rebecca and Rik,
Hope you're well.

I attended Reed Smith’s London Open Day in 2023 and am currently completing my application for the 2026 Open Day. Could you please confirm if reapplying after previous attendance might affect my application in any way?

Thank you very much!

Hi Phoebe, no, we'd still consider your application equally. However, I'd recommend addressing why you'd like to attend again and what you're hoping to learn this time.

 

[Reehan23@]

I am writing about my previous application to Reed Smith for the training contract in 2025. I would be grateful if the firm could consider mitigating circumstances in relation to that application. During the process, I experienced technical issues where the online assessment platform freezing/failing to submit my answers. I also have a disability that affected my ability to complete the assessment on an equal footing, and I did not have appropriate adjustments in place at the time. As a result, I do not believe my application was assessed in a way that fairly reflected my abilities.

I would also like to ask whether the firm could review its policy limiting candidates to three applications. Where an application is affected by technical failure or by the absence of reasonable adjustments for a disability, counting it towards a fixed limit can disadvantage candidates for reasons unrelated to their ability. I would be grateful if the firm could consider introducing a way to exclude attempts affected by verified technical issues or accessibility barriers, and I would welcome the chance to share my experience if that would be helpful. I would also like to know if you could give me some more information on how my experiences and answers could be tailored to Reed Smith.

I look forward to a positive reply from your end.

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hi! Two questions.
1) Rik, could you explain the firm's PSQE, or direct me to somewhere where I could read more about it? Thanks!
2) What typically distinguishes successful candidates? How do they stand out?
Thanks

Hi Kit - Thanks for you message

Our PSQE is fairly unique in that your integration to the firm begins a year before your TC. Alongside studying your SQE prep courses and our additional courses we have work placements. These are part-time roles embedded in the firm (Hollie and Grace are current PSQE in Early careers). This allows you to get comfortable in the office and make connections, join our social and inclusion groups, attend socials and other things.

A successful candidate is someone who really understands the firm, the way it works and its clients and what we do for them. "standing out" is something you don't need to worry about until later on (such as an assessment centre) at the early stages we want to see good research, and an understanding of the fundamental skill sets required of a trainee.

 

[supernovna]

Hi, has RS started sending out invitation to send written responses?

 

[singingcanary46]

Good morning,

I’m really interested to hear more about the SQE programme at the firm.

As I understand you’re placed with business support teams through the year while studying with the College of Legal Practice.

I’m curious what business teams does this include? Is it year round placement, or shorter placements of a few weeks? How much study leave is there for exams?

Many thanks

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

I am writing about my previous application to Reed Smith for the training contract in 2025. I would be grateful if the firm could consider mitigating circumstances in relation to that application. During the process, I experienced technical issues where the online assessment platform freezing/failing to submit my answers. I also have a disability that affected my ability to complete the assessment on an equal footing, and I did not have appropriate adjustments in place at the time. As a result, I do not believe my application was assessed in a way that fairly reflected my abilities.

I would also like to ask whether the firm could review its policy limiting candidates to three applications. Where an application is affected by technical failure or by the absence of reasonable adjustments for a disability, counting it towards a fixed limit can disadvantage candidates for reasons unrelated to their ability. I would be grateful if the firm could consider introducing a way to exclude attempts affected by verified technical issues or accessibility barriers, and I would welcome the chance to share my experience if that would be helpful. I would also like to know if you could give me some more information on how my experiences and answers could be tailored to Reed Smith.

I look forward to a positive reply from your end.

Hi Reehan,
This is a general Q&A so we're not able to talk about specific applications. If you'd like to discuss further, please contact: [email protected]
Kind regards

 

[Grace - Reed Smith]

Good morning,

I’m really interested to hear more about the SQE programme at the firm.

As I understand you’re placed with business support teams through the year while studying with the College of Legal Practice.

I’m curious what business teams does this include? Is it year round placement, or shorter placements of a few weeks? How much study leave is there for exams?

Many thanks

Good morning @singingcanary46

We started our SQE 1 studies with College of Legal Practice on the first week of August and studied full time for one month from August to September. From September till end November, we spend 3 days a week on our SQE studies and 2 days in office with business teams including Early Careers, Responsible Business, Learning and Development, Practice Innovation, Sustainability and Business Development teams of practice/industry groups like Finance and Global Commercial Disputes. This runs for 12 weeks before we go on study leave in December and January for SQE 1. We come back for the month of February and do our SQE 2 studies 4 days while spending 1 day a week in our business placements. We go on study leave for SQE 2 exams from March to May.

I personally have found such a programme extremely beneficial in getting acquainted with the office and meeting people at the firm even before starting my training contract while still having sufficient time to prepare for SQE 1.

Hope this helps!

 

[aspiringsolicitor02]

Hi, I hope you are all having a great day!
I'm a non-law degree graduate, and I wanted to know if this would disadvantage my application in any way.
If yes, what can I do to improve my chances?
Thank you for your time!

 

[Grace - Reed Smith]

Hi, I hope you are all having a great day!
I'm a non-law degree graduate, and I wanted to know if this would disadvantage my application in any way.
If yes, what can I do to improve my chances?
Thank you for your time!

Hi @aspiringsolicitor02,

Applying with a non-law degree does not disadvantage your application in any way! Reed Smith has many current and future trainees who graduated with non-law degrees and undertook the PGDL after, so please do apply!

 

[TCEnthusiast]

Hi! I’m a first-year LLB student, I had personal & family issues which resulted in poor A level results but achieved a high mark during my foundation year. Does the firm accept people in my position/people who’ve completed foundation years?