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Training Contract

So much more than law.

We’re reimagining what a career in law looks like. It’s all part of our long-term strategy to change the way we work, so we can deliver smarter solutions – to our people and our clients. It means that when you join our firm, you’ll discover so much more than the practice of law. We’ll give you all the experiences you need to become a business leader of the future.

Start your career with Simmons & Simmons

Are you ready to join the world of law for the long-term, and start a lasting career with us? We’ve laid out this map of how your training contract will progress, but to make sure it’s right for you, there’s just one thing we need to know.

Four seat rotations

Then, you’ll start on your training contract. Over the two-year programme, you will do four seats across our practice groups, including Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, and/or Financial Markets. That way, you get a broader perspective of the firm’s work and where your career might lead.

Continuous support

Throughout everything you do from this point on, you’ll have your buddy beside you. And don’t forget, as part of a host of trainees – not to mention an engaged global team - you’ll find a firm support network wherever you look.

Secondment

The world of law isn’t just about what you do inside the office. It’s about understanding how our clients work, and how our broader team works. That’s where secondments come in, with the chance to spend one of your six-month seats with either a client or in one of our international offices. It’s the chance to see our work from a new perspective, to understand new aspects of the legal sphere, and to become a more rounded lawyer as a result.

Qualification

At the end of your training contract, you’ll officially qualify as a practising lawyer. As an NQ (Newly Qualified), you’ll move into the department of your choice, beginning the transition from trainee to associate. And of course, we’ll keep supporting you as you do.

Becoming an associate - and beyond

Associate status is the next goal after your training contract, and many of our trainees will find permanent associate roles with us. As a key member of the team, you’ll build on your specialist skills in your area of choice, working on day-to-day client work, business development, and mentoring younger members of your team. Now, you’ll start to aim higher, moving towards Supervising Associate, Managing Associate, and even making Partner, when you’re ready.

Benefits

There are plenty of steps on your journey, and your salary will change as you move through the programme and beyond:

Trainee salary package:
Hong Kong
HK$49,000 (first year)
HK$51,000 (second year)

Probono

Clients come to us for our commitment to forward thinking, and you can expect nothing less in our CR work.

Those efforts take a variety of forms - including pro bono legal advice, environmental sustainability, and charitable giving . In Hong Kong, we have Charity of the Year selection every year. We now partner with Sunshine Action which serves target groups such as low-income families, elderly people, and even families in the slum areas of Asian countries. Throughout the year, we have charity events including monthly Jeans Day, Christmas lunch and Valentine’s day bake sale. All donations will go to Sunshine Action. We also participated in a number of events organised by Sunshine Action to physically support the underprivileged groups, such as Blessing Bag Packing for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Apart from partnership with charitable organizations, we also work with local schools in student development. A group of students visited our office this year to learn how an international and professional workplace was and explore different types of roles within a law firm.

Culture

Diversity will always be a huge part of who we are. So, every day, we embrace different mindsets, experiences and backgrounds, and keep building a law firm where everyone can thrive.

We want everyone to feel welcomed, valued and heard. All kinds of interests come together here – cricket fans and chess experts, netball players and evening yoga fans – and our social groups and sports teams are always looking for like-minded people. You’ll find that in our eight networks too, including the LGBT network, the women’s Number One Club, and our International Islamic Community. It’s a vibrant team, wherever you are, all ready to share in each other’s interests and explore new ones.

Ready to join Simmons & Simmons?

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Contact Us

Do you have a problem or a question we haven’t answered? Need to know more about special arrangements for your application? You can contact our team below:

T: +852 2868 1131
E: graduate.recruitmentasia@simmons-simmons.com

Simmons & Simmons
30th Floor, One Taikoo Place
979 King’s Road
Hong Kong

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