Ask Reed Smith Anything! (2025-26)

[Chrij]

Good morning! I applied for a vacation scheme last year and made it to the video interviews. My motivations and circumstances have not changed hugely since then and I was wondering if I reapplied, for the written questions if it is ok to adapt my previous answers or would I need to write something completely new? Particularly for the third question on current issues impacting an industry sector.

Thank you for your time!

 

[MDixon02]

Hi all - thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

I just wondered if there was anything in particular that really makes Reed Smith stand out compared to competitors; a culture within the firm, some novel legal AI, a particular focus on a practice area etc...
I know lots of firms like to boast about being welcoming and I'm sure this is often the case, but is there something in particular about Reed Smith that you think really makes them shine/stand out?

Additionally, on a more practical note, what is Reed Smith's stance on sponsoring the SQE for successful vac schemers? Further, do you reimburse for a self-funded PGDL?

Thanks so much!

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hi there!
In your trainee cohorts, do you ever have "older" trainees? I'm a career changer and just completed my LL.M. but I am not the typical fresh out of university graduate. I have a ton of work experience. Thank you!

Hi there - Yes we do. Law if a common career changer route and we have a range of people on our TCs. The commercial awareness and practical skills you will bring from work experience will also hopefully be an advantage to some of the application process.

 

[Lizziebot]

Hi Becca and Rik,

I hope you are well. I have achieved AAB on a levels and 1st with distinction in my degree but have not passed sqe2 on the first sit (with mit circs). Would this exclude me from the application process? I am due to resit sqe2 again the following year but would also like to ask if you recommend completing the sqe2 first before making an application or would be open to receiving an application this year either way?

Thank you

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hello,
I am currently in my penultimate year of studying biomedical sciences. I achieved a first on all modules with a commendation from the exam board in the previous years, and currently on track to graduate with a first or a very high 2:1. I had good GCSEs, but I fell short with my Alevels. Is an application like mine, one you would consider?

NB: I am also a mature student

Hi There - Yes of course. the entry requirement is a 2:1 or above in any discipline. We have a lot of non-law applications and make sure the process is equally fair for those candidates.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hello,
I am currently in my penultimate year of studying biomedical sciences. I achieved a first on all modules with a commendation from the exam board in the previous years, and currently on track to graduate with a first or a very high 2:1. I had good GCSEs, but I fell short with my Alevels. Is an application like mine, one you would consider?

Thank you!

NB: I am also a mature student

Hi, we don't have an A level requirement so yes, we would.

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Good morning! I applied for a vacation scheme last year and made it to the video interviews. My motivations and circumstances have not changed hugely since then and I was wondering if I reapplied, for the written questions if it is ok to adapt my previous answers or would I need to write something completely new? Particularly for the third question on current issues impacting an industry sector.

Thank you for your time!

Hi there - Congrats on last year, its competitive to get to each stage. Do feel free to adapt and review your previous application. . My advice is that A). A lot happens in a year so updating is important. B). We review our benchmark each year, so when talent increases the benchmark could be higher, C). A Re-draft will always improve something, even if its already good!

 

[T.E.R.]

Hi there - Yes we do. Law if a common career changer route and we have a range of people on our TCs. The commercial awareness and practical skills you will bring from work experience will also hopefully be an advantage to some of the application process.

Thank you Rik!

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hello Becca & Rik,

I am interested in Reed Smith Direct TC, I’m aware it opens May 2026. I have already completed a vac scheme and currently working as a paralegal. What are some practical steps I can take from now till the opening date to ensure I can submit a successful application and secure a training contract ? Many thanks.

My best advice is to keep regularly up-to-date with the firm. You can do this with their social media, industry news and website. This will mean when you get onto an AC you will have a more developed understanding of the firm. Rather than just the snap shop view if you start your research near the date of the assessments

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hi all - thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

I just wondered if there was anything in particular that really makes Reed Smith stand out compared to competitors; a culture within the firm, some novel legal AI, a particular focus on a practice area etc...
I know lots of firms like to boast about being welcoming and I'm sure this is often the case, but is there something in particular about Reed Smith that you think really makes them shine/stand out?

Additionally, on a more practical note, what is Reed Smith's stance on sponsoring the SQE for successful vac schemers? Further, do you reimburse for a self-funded PGDL?

Thanks so much!

Hi there. There are a few bits that I believe make us stand out. For our work approach - we are industry focused. So we have a lot of cross group collaboration.

For welcoming nature - I think our Professional SQE is a unique experience in that you join the firm around a year before the TC and get integrated during your SQE year. We also really invest in our people to make sure we have a good working environment and supportive colleagues (regardless of level)

With regards to sponsorship and reimbursement. Check the website for the T&Cs but in a nutshell we sponsor those who haven't sat the SQE. This would cover course and exam fees as well as a grant. We also in some cases reimburse some previously studied PGDL courses (This is depending on factors such as the time it was studied, type of course, etc)

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi,
Thank you for your time today.
For your 2.1 requirement, is it a 2.1 in every module or a yearly average of 2.1?
Also when are your AC's for the winter vac scheme, is it too late to apply?
Thanks!

 

[apap]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca and @RikPalmer-ReedSmith

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I have three questions:

a. If one made it past application stage for DTC in the last cycle, how different should one's written application be for the vacation scheme given the questions are identical? Aside from gaining more experiences, should the motivations be changed or is it safe to keep the motivations more or less the same?

b. What is Reed Smith's approach to business development? I am aware that firms host events for prospective clients, the typical relationship building with clients through entertaining them (to an extent and in a professional way of course) and through the firm publishing insights. Is there any other way Reed Smith goes about finding new clients and retaining them? As a bonus question, and if you are aware of this, how has business development changed for Reed Smith over the last 15-20 years?

c. I did not make it past the video interview stage and the online assessment - I cannot tell whether my online assessment score was what stopped me from moving past this stage or my video interview. In terms of the video interview, are you looking for answers that are more trainee level? I am a career changer with leadership experience so sometimes I answer from my experience and seniority. When assessing VIs, do you assess them in terms how aligned they are with early talent level or is the context of the candidate's experience taken into consideration?

Thank you in advance for your time!!

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hello Reed Smith,

Good morning and thanks for your time.

Please could you confirm whether there is a preference for my work experience to be written in a particular way: either in prose or through bullet points? As I am aware that some firms have a preference, I thought it would be worth clarifying this, in order for my work experience section to be received in the best possible way by the firm.

Many thanks!

I would always advise bullet points. With work experience the detail is important, not the style. So focus on the skills gained and tangible "facts". Rather than too many opinions and superfluous adjectives

 

[fatimaanjum56]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca and @RikPalmer-ReedSmith,

Thank you for your time today.

How does Reed Smith differ in terms of the work they do and culture from other US firms?

Also, are trainees mainly involved in contentious or transactional work?

Thanks again for your time!

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca and @RikPalmer-ReedSmith

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I have three questions:

a. If one made it past application stage for DTC in the last cycle, how different should one's written application be for the vacation scheme given the questions are identical? Aside from gaining more experiences, should the motivations be changed or is it safe to keep the motivations more or less the same?

b. What is Reed Smith's approach to business development? I am aware that firms host events for prospective clients, the typical relationship building with clients through entertaining them (to an extent and in a professional way of course) and through the firm publishing insights. Is there any other way Reed Smith goes about finding new clients and retaining them? As a bonus question, and if you are aware of this, how has business development changed for Reed Smith over the last 15-20 years?

c. I did not make it past the video interview stage and the online assessment - I cannot tell whether my online assessment score was what stopped me from moving past this stage or my video interview. In terms of the video interview, are you looking for answers that are more trainee level? I am a career changer with leadership experience so sometimes I answer from my experience and seniority. When assessing VIs, do you assess them in terms how aligned they are with early talent level or is the context of the candidate's experience taken into consideration?

Thank you in advance for your time!!

Hi there - A few bits to cover here so will speak more broadly. You ask about BD and your leadership roles previously. For the application I would make sure you really focus on the role you are applying to. This is as a Trainee. If you make sure to always come back to the question being asked, you should hopefully stay on track, as we ask strength and motivation based questions. So these are asking you "Why ... a trainee?". For BD, Commercial awareness and attention to detail are the main concerns. More advanced BD will come with further experience and time with the firm.

You also asked about the reuse of previous assessments. My advice is to always review, refresh and redraft. We would expect a lot has happened in the last year and we want to hear about it, plus the benchmark of previous years is not guaranteed to stay the same if we have higher level talent every cycle. For reapplications you will be able to come into the process with a little more experience and context, so this will hopefully help you progress further next time. Best of luck with your application.

 

[Hanzeeb]

Hi there - We don't have any Trainees on today but I can share some info from the conversations I've had. I know they like the responsibility level they are given from the start. They also like the range of work we receive. A big part of choosing a firm would be the alignment with the practice/Industry groups. Our SQE training is also fairly unique and offers earlier access to the firm.

With regards to the culture, we are proudly non-hierarchical and are in constant review and improvement to be as collaborative as possible, not just in the practice groups but as in the firm as a whole.

Finally, if you’ve previously reached the online stage and weren’t successful, please don’t be discouraged. You’ll have received a feedback report from our online test—take time to review this and focus on areas for improvement. For the video interview stage, we often see candidates worry about things that don’t impact our decisions, such as moving too much or having a messy background. Instead, focus on the content of your answers and how you communicate them. You’re able to pause and plan your response, so before you press record, ask yourself: “Am I actually answering the question I was asked?”

This is great! Thank you so much!

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi,
Thank you for your time today.
For your 2.1 requirement, is it a 2.1 in every module or a yearly average of 2.1?
Also when are your AC's for the winter vac scheme, is it too late to apply?
Thanks!

Hi, it's an average 2.1. If you received a 2.1 in your 2nd and 3rd year but not 1st, we would also accept that.
Our Winter Vac Scheme isn't until February and the 19th December deadline applies for both our Winter and Spring scheme.

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi, it's an average 2.1. If you received a 2.1 in your 2nd and 3rd year but not 1st, we would also accept that.
Our Winter Vac Scheme isn't until February and the 19th December deadline applies for both our Winter and Spring scheme.

Thank you!

 

[RikPalmer-ReedSmith]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca and @RikPalmer-ReedSmith,

Thank you for your time today.

How does Reed Smith differ in terms of the work they do and culture from other US firms?

Also, are trainees mainly involved in contentious or transactional work?

Thanks again for your time!

Hi there - We see ourselves as a global firm, with a strong presence across numerous jurisdictions—not just in the United States. This international mix allows us to operate in a more blended and collaborative way.

From my personal experience, the culture here is fantastic. Regardless of level, we work together and interact openly, fostering a genuinely collaborative environment. We also have a wide range of social initiatives that reflect our values, such as our new(ish) sustainability-focused London office, our pro bono and responsible business work, and our active Business Inclusion Groups.

In terms of the trainee experience, our seats offer exposure to both transactional and litigation work. When selecting your seats, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas, and by the end of your training contract, you’ll have gained experience across both types of work.

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca and @RikPalmer-ReedSmith,

Thank you for your time today.

How does Reed Smith differ in terms of the work they do and culture from other US firms?

Also, are trainees mainly involved in contentious or transactional work?

Thanks again for your time!

Hi! I can't really speak to culture at other US firms as I haven't experienced it myself. But I'd say that our culture is friendly, collaborative and non-hierarchical. It's a genuinely nice place to work - people generally want to get to know each other outside of work and get along well.

It's a mix - we have slightly more transactional than contentious seats, but we do require Trainees to do at least one litigation seat during their TC.