Our apprenticeships

Starting out

From day one, you’ll be immersed in life at Simmons & Simmons. Four days a week will be spent gaining practical work experience and one day a week studying with BPP University. By combining work and study, you’ll be able to put what you learn into practice through a variety of tasks and projects.

What our apprentices have to say

“One of the main reasons I applied to Simmons & Simmons is due to their innovative outlook towards the future of the legal industry. As an upcoming lawyer in this field, it’s fascinating to be part of an innovative and futuristic culture that Simmons have adopted. My decision to accept my apprenticeship offer at Simmons was made easier upon seeing the inclusive work culture and how friendly everyone was, making a very daunting assessment day feel much more comfortable and enjoyable. These are a few of many reasons that excites me about starting my career in law at Simmons & Simmons.”

- Rishley Permalloo, Apprentice

Work experience

You’ll spend time across multiple practice groups discovering the innovation we’re known for. Your journey will start with three months in Business Services, getting to know the firm and our clients. With close support and guidance, you’ll go on to spend 15 months each in three different groups. In year’s five and six of the programme, you’ll rotate around four legal practice groups for six months each, alongside our trainee solicitors, gaining a broad perspective of the firms work and where your career might lead.

Study

In years one to four, you’ll complete your LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice. Each term you’ll study toward a different law module and focus on a new legal skill. In years five and six you’ll study towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). On successful completion of the SQE, you will qualify as a solicitor at the end of the programme.

Benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £27,000 per annum in Bristol or £29,000 per annum in London which will be reviewed annually throughout the programme. You will also be given a £1,500 starting bonus to support you as you get set up.

We will cover all of your tuition and exam fees.

Our supportive, collaborative culture

You will be supported throughout the programme by a mentor, buddy, and member of our HR team. In addition, when working within each practice group you will have a dedicated supervisor.

Your dedicated practice group supervisor will provide you with guidance and support. They’ll monitor your progress and make sure you’re gaining all the skills needed to become a well-rounded lawyer and business leader of the future.

Your mentor will be a senior lawyer who will provide additional support throughout the programme. They’ll give you advice and guidance on whatever you need as you move around the different practice groups and progress through the apprenticeship.

Your buddy will be a junior lawyer, allocated to you as soon as you accept an offer with us. They will answer everything you need to know about joining the firm and will be on hand as you settle into your role.

A member of our HR team will work closely with you, your practice group supervisors and a dedicated skills coach at BPP University to ensure you’re gaining the right skills and opportunities throughout your work experience.

In addition to Simmons & Simmons support, you will have academic support at the BPP University helping you through your studies.

A culture of inclusion

What makes a law firm a great place to work? We think it’s about the quality of work, and the impact and outcomes we can make on the future of our people, our clients and the world around us.

Simmons & Simmons is a firm full of ambition. Of thinking differently. Of taking action, and delivering smarter solutions.

Where dynamic minds come together, working with premium clients, to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.

An international melting pot of ambitious and talented individuals, with different perspectives and experiences, united in helping to shape a better future for our people, clients, society and the world around us.

We’re a firm where you can be free to be you. Where inherent curiosity leads to positive enquiry, challenge and question; where a commitment to continuous learning enables you to deliver quality work for our clients and make an impact on the world.

We champion innovation and excellence, driving professional challenge and personal growth. We power success through trust, respect, integrity and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In a complex, demanding world, Simmons is where dynamic minds come together to create a better future.

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. We know that by embracing people with different mindsets, experiences and backgrounds, we’ll build a law firm where everyone can thrive. All kinds of interests come together here – cricket fans and avid readers, netball players and football fans – and our social groups and sports teams are always looking for like-minded people. You’ll find that in our nine networks too, including the LGBTQ+, Gender balance, Race and ethnicity, Social mobility and Neurodiversity at Simmons networks. . It’s a vibrant team, wherever you are, all ready to share in each other’s interests and explore new ones.

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at Simmons & Simmons.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from ambitious future lawyers, who are ready to leave their mark. Throughout the assessment process we will look for:

Analytical minds: Clients rely on us to solve their most complex legal problems. We’ll be checking if you pay attention to details. And if you can use logical reasoning skills to find solutions.

Adaptive collaborators: We look for evidence that you can communicate well and develop trusting relationships with colleagues and clients, no matter their background. Can you adapt your approach to new situations?

Resilient achievers: Project management is a critical skill for Simmons’ lawyers. We want to see that you’re committed to delivering what needs to be done and that you can overcome setbacks.

Business thinkers: We’re on the lookout for people who are interested in how businesses operate and the challenges they face. Show us that you’re able to think independently and can come up with creative ideas for improvements and solutions.

School/College leavers require GCSE grades 4 or above with at least a 6 in Maths and English, plus A-Level grades at ABB (or equivalent).

Our assessment process

Find out about how to apply and the four stages of our assessment process. We’ve also included some top tips on how to succeed.

Inclusive recruitment

If you need any special arrangements during your application process, please contact us (recruitment@simmons-simmons.com) and we’ll do our best to help meet your needs.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That’s why we partner with Rare to ensure we take a contextual approach to recruitment and with Aspiring Solicitors to support applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds during the recruitment process.

We also have a CV blind approach to interviewing and our interviewers are trained on unconscious bias.