This is it.
You’ve uncovered our world. Now find out how to be a part of it.
Kick start your career
We want to hear from ambitious future lawyers who are ready to leave their mark. Here, you’ll find out everything you need to know on how to apply, when to do it, and what you can do to make your application everything it should be.
We look for outstanding academic performance. Most candidates have around 120 UCAS points (or equivalent), and are on course for (or already have) at least a 2:1 in their discipline. That said, we’re committed to recruiting the best people from a variety of backgrounds. We do consider candidates who have lower scores if they show real potential and can demonstrate they’re a strong match for us.
Applications are now closed, please register your interest below to receive updates when applications reopen.
Our competencies
Whether you’re taking the online tests or completing tasks on a vacation scheme, we look for the same traits in our future trainees. We’ll focus on the following competencies during the assessment process:
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 have the resilience to overcome setbacks.
Business thinkers
We’re on the lookout for people who understand 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.
Our assessment process
The application process for our vacation schemes, evolve placement year and spring insight scheme are similar. The only difference is if your applying for the spring insight scheme you won’t attend an assessment centre.
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.
For further questions on our assessment process, see our FAQ section here.
Stage 01
Online application form
You’ve seen a little of our world, and we want to know more about yours. In the online application, we’ll ask about your academics and your key achievements.
Top tips for the application form
- Complete all parts of the form
- Make sure you check it for spelling and grammar.
- Highlight the transferable skills you’ve achieved during your experiences which make you suited for the role.
Stage 02
Blended assessment (situational judgment, applied intellect and video interview questions)
At this stage, we’ll test to see if your working style fits ours. We’ll be asking about your motivation for a career in law and your understanding of the role. And we will assess your ability to draw logical conclusions from verbal and numerical challenges.
Top tips for the assessment:
Familiarise yourself with the competencies we look for and our values.
Research the trainee role so you understand the day to day tasks, types of challenges and decisions you may face.
Ensure you complete the assessment at a time and place where you will not be distracted.
Practical tips for completing video interview questions can be found here. To prepare for the questions, consider the following:
- Why commercial law and why Simmons.
- Our competencies and examples of where you have demonstrated these in the past.
- What’s going on in the commercial world and how law firms are impacted. Be prepared to discuss why that interests you.
Stage 03
Assessment centre
Our assessment centres will continue to be virtual. During the day, you will meet some of our partners and associates, and take part in immersive exercises. The day will be full of assessments to find out if we’re right for one another. You should expect the following exercises:
- Case study exercise
- Client discussion exercise
- Competency interview
- In-tray exercise
Top tips for the assessment centre:
Before the day, make sure you have fully considered why Simmons and why commercial law.
Look at our competencies and come prepared with examples of where you have demonstrated these.
Consider the role of a trainee in detail and the types of tasks they face on a day to day basis – when completing the in-tray, you’ll be asked how you’ll manage some of these.
During all exercises, ensure you read all the instructions and all parts of the brief – if there are elements you don’t address; we can’t assess you on these.
Keep an eye on timing and plan out how you will use your time at the start.
If the exercise requires you to prepare for a meeting, ensure you set aside enough time.
Inclusive recruitment
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.
Further to this, we have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant and ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly during our recruiting and selection processes.
We want to support applicants as much as possible, so if you need us to make any adjustments during the application process (at any stage), please get in touch, and we’ll do all we can to help you. The information you provide will only be used to allow us to make the adjustments you need and will not affect your application in any way. If you have any questions or concerns about sharing a disability or want to discuss the adjustments that we can make, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@simmons-simmons.com.
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Ready to join Simmons & Simmons?
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: +44 (0) 20 7628 2020
E: recruitment@simmons-simmons.com
Simmons & Simmons
CityPoint
One Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9SS