Reed Smith DTC

[boredpanda0707]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock / Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith ,

Sorry for a lengthy post, but I just had a few questions re the RS DTC and was hoping you could give me some advice.

Firstly, how important is it to have VS experience there? I have some uni soc roles, as well as open days to help, but nothing substantial for a DTC

Also, I have secured a 4-day internship with a high street firm, but don't start that until a few days before the potential deadline (which I'm assuming will be the 3rd Friday of June, as it was similar last year). So I was wondering, should I hold off on sending my app until after completing the internship, or will that put me at a disadvantage given that RS is on a rolling basis?

Lastly, could you break down the application process for a DTC a bit more, as I keep seeing conflicting information regarding what it would entail? From my understanding, it is an online written application, followed by an SST + video interview, then an assessment centre. Would you please be able to break down what happens in the assessment centre (i.e. what type of exercises) and how to best prepare for them, especially in terms of commercial awareness- new story exercise which I saw on the RS grad team IG page. How would I analyse the legal trends and discuss broader market trends if I haven't read up on the topic?

Thank you very much

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock / Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith ,

Sorry for a lengthy post, but I just had a few questions re the RS DTC and was hoping you could give me some advice.

Firstly, how important is it to have VS experience there? I have some uni soc roles, as well as open days to help, but nothing substantial for a DTC

Also, I have secured a 4-day internship with a high street firm, but don't start that until a few days before the potential deadline (which I'm assuming will be the 3rd Friday of June, as it was similar last year). So I was wondering, should I hold off on sending my app until after completing the internship, or will that put me at a disadvantage given that RS is on a rolling basis?

Lastly, could you break down the application process for a DTC a bit more, as I keep seeing conflicting information regarding what it would entail? From my understanding, it is an online written application, followed by an SST + video interview, then an assessment centre. Would you please be able to break down what happens in the assessment centre (i.e. what type of exercises) and how to best prepare for them, especially in terms of commercial awareness- new story exercise which I saw on the RS grad team IG page. How would I analyse the legal trends and discuss broader market trends if I haven't read up on the topic?

Thank you very much

Hey!

No problem at all! My advice might be slightly limited (as I'm not sure how much I am allowed to share in relation to the process), but I can definitely share some more general advice in relation to the sort of tasks that might come up (based on the IG post).

On your first point, it is definitely not essential to have VS experience to secure a TC through the direct route. Whilst I had a few VS' experiences by the time I completed my DTC AC, I know plenty of people in my cohort who didn't. What matters more is how you use what you do have (e.g. your society roles, open days, and any legal exposure) to show the sorts of traits that are valuable in trainees. As long as you can clearly articulate why commercial law and why the firm, you are still in a strong position.

In terms of timing, I don't necessarily think there is one right answer here and I'd say either is likely to be fine. Whilst it is a rolling deadline (+ getting your application in as early as possible is recommended), Reed Smith review any application submitted by the deadline. You could mention the internship as "upcoming" in your application, and then draw on it later in interviews if needed - this is what I did with my summer vacation schemes. An experience like that will definitely be helpful for your application, but it is unlikely to be the deciding factor, so I'd try not to worry too much!

For the process, I believe that is how it was last year: written application -> strengths test + VI -> assessment centre.

Whilst I'm not too sure what would be involved in the DTC AC, I can see that the IG post highlights group exercises, written tasks, a commercial awareness news story discussion, and a commercial awareness case study.

For the commercial awareness focused tasks, they aren't usually expecting you to know every detail about a topic on the spot. It is much more about how you think and approach the information that you are given, and showing that you can discuss it in a logical and structured way. I would personally approach it as:

1. What has happened?
2. Who does it affect (clients, industries, the firm)?
3. Why does it matter commercially?
4. Are there any risks or opportunities?
5. How could the firm help mitigate the risks and maximise the opportunities?

Even if the topic is unfamiliar, you can still build a strong answer by working through those steps logically and applying your wider commercial knowledge. They're testing your ability to engage with new information, not just recall facts! I'd also focus on the practice areas/sectors that are relevant to the firm, as that shows you have tailored your commercial research to the specific firm and demonstrates an interest in their work.

I have written a few previous posts on the other tasks listed - I have quoted them below! I hope they are a useful reference point, and just shout if you have any follow-up questions.

I would focus on being clear, structured, and commercially aware in a practical sense, and you definitely don't need lots of prior legal experience to do well!

Best of luck with your application - it is a great firm (though I might be slightly biased )!!

Hi @LegallyBrunette_ !

Huge congratulations on being invited to AC - what a fantastic achievement!

In the AC that I completed for my TC, I had to complete both a group exercise and a case study interview, so I can understand wanting to do all you can to prepare in advance. I can share what worked best for me!

Group Exercise

• In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
• Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
• Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
• If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.

Case Study Interview

• You'll usually be given a business / legal scenario with background documents. I would start by reading quickly to understand the big picture, and then go back to confirm the smaller details.
• Structure your response clearly - identify the client's goals, outline the key issues, and suggest practical next steps.
• They won't expect you to know black-letter law. Focus on logic, prioritisation, and showing that you can think commercially.
• Talk the interviewer through your thought process - even if you get stuck or seem confused, they can see how you reason.
• If given a contract to assess, make a note of the exceptions and calculations in the contract. You might be asked how your stance would change if X event occurred, and it's useful to be mindful of when it might fall under any exceptions.

I would also brush up on Jones Day's structure (e.g. their non-rotational training system and international work) just in case it comes up. They're assessing potential, not perfection - so as long as you stay calm and do your best, you'll be fine.

At the end of the day, they want to see the real you - someone who can think clearly, work well with others, and stay composed under pressure. If you go in with a collaborative mindset and a clear structure for approaching problems, you'll put yourself in a strong position.

Best of luck - you've already done the hard part by getting to this stage!

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

Of course, no problem at all!!

Since client emails are such a common format in written exercises, it's definitely worth getting comfortable with how to approach them! A few things that I kept in mind when preparing:

Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before you start writing, clarify who you are writing to (e.g. a client, supervisor, or a colleague) and what information they need from you. The tone, level of formality, and structure will vary depending on whether it's an internal email or an email to an external client.

For example, if you are emailing a client, you want to ensure that they are able to understand any legal principles that you are outlining in your email. As such, it's important to make sure you write it in layman's terms and don't just recite the information given in the materials. However, if you are emailing a supervisor, I would focus on highlighting the most important pieces of information as you are effectively trying to save them time in going through the materials themselves. I would always aim to write in a professional way, and frame it like you would an actual email - such as a subject line and a closing sentence.

Use a Clear and Logical Structure

The main thing that I changed when approaching written exercises was making sure that I had a clear and logical structure. A good client email should be easy to follow. A simple structure could look like:

1. Opening: A brief, polite greeting and context for why you're writing (and what you'll be discussing in the email). If you're emailing a supervisor, it might be useful to include a short summary of your findings at the top (i.e. an early conclusion), and then go into more detail below.
2. Main Body: Summarise the key points or advice clearly and concisely, using short paragraphs. It might be appropriate to use headings and subtitles, especially if there is a lot of information. The goal is to make sure that the client can follow along, and that it isn't just a massive wall of text that is difficult to read.
3. Closing: End with next steps, an offer of assistance, or a polite sign-off (e.g. "Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further"). These elements distinguish an email exercise from a general report or memo, and shows that you are following the brief exactly! If you are emailing a supervisor, I would try to show some proactivity in the closing parts - such as offering to write a first draft of a document or client email.

Keep your tone professional and approachable

I would aim for clear, confident language without being overly formal (but still professional). This can be tricky, but phrases such as "I'd recommend..." or "It may be helpful..." strike a nice balance. Avoid overly technical language or long-winded phrasing - simplicity often conveys professionalism! As stated above, I would definitely avoid legal jargon if you are writing to a client, unless you are certain that a client would understand it.

Also remember that tone can shift slightly depending on the client's relationship with the firm. If you are told this information, a longstanding client might suit a warmer tone, whilst a first-time contact may call for a more formal approach. However, if in doubt, I would always go for a more formal approach - especially in a professional context!

Be precise and client-focused

Remember the purpose for why you are actually writing to the client, and tailor your response to the client's actual issue. I would avoid copying large chunks of background information from the brief (as the client will already have this information!) - instead, demonstrate understanding of their issue by reframing the key points in your own words and applying them directly to the client's situation. Make sure to keep your advice practical - clients care more about what they should do next than about the legal theory behind it. You might find it useful to use signposting phrases such as "In summary..." or "Based on the information provided..." to make your reasoning easy to follow. If there are uncertainties, I would make sure to address them but be reassuring - e.g. "Further details would be needed to confirm this position, but at this stage...".

Check for clarity and tone at the end

Before your time runs out, take a moment to review your email. I always found it helpful to read it aloud (if possible) or follow along with my finger - this helps you catch sentences that are too long, unclear, or sound abrupt. Look for opportunities to simplify, and if a sentence takes more than one breath to read, it's probably too long! Make sure your sign-off fits the context (things such as "Kind regards" or "Best wishes" usually work best). The graduate recruitment team / assessors will be looking for professionalism in formatting and presentation - consistent spacing, clear paragraphing, and correct spelling and grammar will all make a strong impression.

As a practical tip to practice: You could start by taking short case studies and draft sample emails that summarise your advice in 200-300 words. This helps you get used to organising your thoughts quickly and writing in a professional, accessible way.

I hope that helps!

Hello!

Congratulations on reaching the AC! Sounds like you've already put in a solid amount of preparation - great work so far! Since you've covered your motivational and competency answers and are keeping up with the FT for commercial awareness, you can use the final week to polish and practice application of everything rather than cramming new content. A few suggestions that might help:

1. Written Exercise
You've absolutely done the right thing by learning the formats of the different document types. I would now focus on practicing under timed conditions - find sample exercises online (there are quite a few generic ones if you search for "assessment centre written exercise examples", or we offer some paid options at TCLA) and practise analysing information quickly, identifying key points, and prioritising recommendations. It's important to make sure you can write your ideas in a clear and coherent way, detailing your thought process throughout - this is often how you score the biggest marks! I've also quoted below a previous post that may be helpful to have a think about, particularly if the written exercise involves writing a client email.




2. Group Exercise

For the group task, it's less about technical knowledge and more about how you interact with others. The assessors will want to see teamwork, communication, and how you contribute to the discussion overall. I would:

• Try to focus on listening actively and building on others' points rather than dominating the discussion. This can be a really tricky balance - you want to aim to be neither the quietest nor the loudest!
• Be structured - help the group early on and keep everyone on track. If you feel the discussion is getting sidetracked, or you are stuck on one point and under timed conditions, try to encourage the group to move onto the next point so you can cover the most ground.
• Summarise key points at intervals and check for agreement - this was one of the main things I found really helpful! Every so often, make sure that everyone is on the same page. It shows that you are listening, and demonstrates leadership and organisation!
• Invite people into the discussion if they are quiet - this shows awareness of the others in your group, and highlights your collaborative qualities.

You don't need to be the loudest - being calm and focused on reaching a balanced conclusion is the way to make a good impression

3. Case Study Interview

If it is business or deal focused, I would try to practice breaking down problems logically into different components. It might help to structure your answers as: issue -> analysis -> recommendation. There are some case study examples online that you could have a look at to get a feel for how to talk through a problem clearly and commercially. Remember that you may be challenged on your viewpoints, and it's completely fine to change your mind if the assessors / interviewers bring up a point or insight you hadn't considered. However, it's also find to stick to your original answer and explain your reasoning if you are confident in it!

I hope that assists - you're in a great place already, the final stretch is about making sure everything sticks and you feel confident going into the AC!

Best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll smash it!

Hi!

Huge congratulations on receiving the AC invite for Reed Smith!!

Whilst I can't share any specifics, I'm happy to share some general tips for case studies, motivational interviews, and proof reading exercises! Across all of the exercises, I would say that structure and clarity are really key. The assessors are usually less focused on you having the "perfect" answer and more on how you approach the task, prioritise issues, and explain your reasoning as you go along.

For the case study, I would absolutely make good use of the preparation time. What helped me was to read through all of the documents first to get a sense of the overall scenario, and then go back over it to familiarise myself with the finer details. If there is anything that is unclear or confusing, I would try to work it out during the prep time so that, if it comes up in the interview discussion, you are able to explain your understanding confidently (or at least explain your thought process in working it out if you are still not 100% sure!). One piece of advice that my mentor gave me that I found really helpful was to become comfortable with what contracts actually look like in practice - i.e. understanding common clauses, what they mean, and the effect they can have (and whether they are favourable / less favourable to your client). I would also try not to overcomplicate it - this is something I really struggled with at first, but if the answer feels like it is relatively straightforward, I would go with your gut! If the interviewers / assessors require more information, they might be able to ask follow-up questions that you can then address.

For the motivational interview, I would make sure that you have researched the firm (which I'm sure you have!) and can clearly articulate why Reed Smith specifically. Think about how your experiences and interests align with the firm's distinctive features (e.g. its sector focus or initiatives like the Professional SQE Placement Year). For example, I linked my previous vacation scheme experience at a firm with shipping expertise to Reed Smith's expertise in the area, as I could explain how my interest in the area had developed and why Reed Smith's practice stood out to me (compared to the other firm). As with any interview, it also helps to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end - although if any questions naturally arise due to things discussed in the interview, I'd always encourage you to ask those! Importantly (and I know this is the most annoying advice ever), be yourself! They're assessing your fit to the firm as much as motivation and experience, so I'd try to be friendly and match the atmosphere in the room as this really does go a long way.

For the proofreading exercise, I would encourage you to work slowly and methodically. One practical tip that I found helpful was to use your finger to guide yourself through the text and make note of anything that stands out. While I didn't personally do a proofreading exercise at my Reed Smith AC, I have done similar ones elsewhere and always looked for things such as defined terms (and whether they're capitalised consistently), spelling / grammar, and whether dates and deadlines match throughout the document. These are things that you might not necessarily think to check in a proofreading exercise, but are always important in the legal context!

Above all - stay calm, be structured, and try to explain your thinking clearly wherever you can. It sounds silly to say, but I did really enjoy my Reed Smith AC and I felt that the partners and graduate recruitment team wanted me to do well, rather than trying to catch me out.

I'm sure that you will smash it, and best of luck!

Hey!

Congratulations on receiving the AC invite!! I've collated some general advice from a few of my previous forum posts which will hopefully offer some guidance - just shout if you have any follow-up questions.

Motivational Interview

When preparing for the motivational interview, I'd encourage you to have a think about the following beforehand:

• Be clear on why a US firm (e.g. lean teams, responsibility early on, client exposure, etc.)
• Then narrow it down to why this US firm - practice strengths, the type of deals that they work on, the office culture, and any recent matters that interested you
• Expect follow-up questions that test the depth of your knowledge on the firm / work (e.g. why corporation litigation vs disputes, why the London office, etc.)
• Be prepared to back up your motivations with examples from your past experiences - for example, if you discuss wanting to have a lot of responsibility early on, you can strengthen your answer by discussing a past experience where you found that you enjoyed this aspect.

Overall, I'd try to create a narrative that links your interests to the firm and its work, as well as your long-term career goals.


Written Exercise

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I've also previously created a post on client emails as a written exercise format - I have linked that here as well!


Group Exercise

• In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
• Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
• Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
• If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.

I hope that helps - wishing you the best of luck with the AC, and I'm sure you'll do great!!

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[boredpanda0707]

Hey!

No problem at all! My advice might be slightly limited (as I'm not sure how much I am allowed to share in relation to the process), but I can definitely share some more general advice in relation to the sort of tasks that might come up (based on the IG post).

On your first point, it is definitely not essential to have VS experience to secure a TC through the direct route. Whilst I had a few VS' experiences by the time I completed my DTC AC, I know plenty of people in my cohort who didn't. What matters more is how you use what you do have (e.g. your society roles, open days, and any legal exposure) to show the sorts of traits that are valuable in trainees. As long as you can clearly articulate why commercial law and why the firm, you are still in a strong position.

In terms of timing, I don't necessarily think there is one right answer here and I'd say either is likely to be fine. Whilst it is a rolling deadline (+ getting your application in as early as possible is recommended), Reed Smith review any application submitted by the deadline. You could mention the internship as "upcoming" in your application, and then draw on it later in interviews if needed - this is what I did with my summer vacation schemes. An experience like that will definitely be helpful for your application, but it is unlikely to be the deciding factor, so I'd try not to worry too much!

For the process, I believe that is how it was last year: written application -> strengths test + VI -> assessment centre.

Whilst I'm not too sure what would be involved in the DTC AC, I can see that the IG post highlights group exercises, written tasks, a commercial awareness news story discussion, and a commercial awareness case study.

For the commercial awareness focused tasks, they aren't usually expecting you to know every detail about a topic on the spot. It is much more about how you think and approach the information that you are given, and showing that you can discuss it in a logical and structured way. I would personally approach it as:

1. What has happened?
2. Who does it affect (clients, industries, the firm)?
3. Why does it matter commercially?
4. Are there any risks or opportunities?
5. How could the firm help mitigate the risks and maximise the opportunities?

Even if the topic is unfamiliar, you can still build a strong answer by working through those steps logically and applying your wider commercial knowledge. They're testing your ability to engage with new information, not just recall facts! I'd also focus on the practice areas/sectors that are relevant to the firm, as that shows you have tailored your commercial research to the specific firm and demonstrates an interest in their work.

I have written a few previous posts on the other tasks listed - I have quoted them below! I hope they are a useful reference point, and just shout if you have any follow-up questions.

I would focus on being clear, structured, and commercially aware in a practical sense, and you definitely don't need lots of prior legal experience to do well!

Best of luck with your application - it is a great firm (though I might be slightly biased )!!

Thank you so much for this! it is very helpful