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    There's no secret to our growth over recent years to become a £181.8m+ turnover firm. Clients, whether individuals or organisations, love working with Shoosmiths people because of the way we work and the results we consistently deliver for them.

    Evidencing independent recognition of our national teams’ legal expertise, Shoosmiths is currently ranked by the Legal 500 UK 2021 across 115 practice areas with 31 top tier rankings. Chambers and Partners 2021 UK Guide ranks 65 of Shoosmiths practice areas with 18 as Band 1 and an additional 10 awarded as National Leaders.

    The placement

    W/C 22nd May 2023 - Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Leeds & Manchester

    W/C 5th June 2023 – Birmingham, Nottingham, Solent, Thames Valley and London

    We offer a one-week paid placement during the summer which is an opportunity to try out some real trainee-level work. You’ll join a firm of individuals working in a positive, professional and cooperative culture, in an environment that actively allows you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. It's direct but down-to-earth as we believe that the best way for you to get real value from the placement is to see what really goes on and get involved.

    During the week you'll get ‘buddied up’ with a current trainee who will provide an invaluable source of information on what it's really like to work at Shoosmiths as they guide you through the work and anything else that you would like to find out about.

    We want to challenge you, but not overwhelm you, and work is pitched at a level that you feel comfortable with and which takes account of which stage of your legal studies you have reached. You will be given real responsibility and real case files. You will also be set a non-law related project to complete which will help you to get to know people, our clients and the firm’s strategy.

    Who should apply?

    We’re looking for great people who will work hard and be proud of who they are and what they do. Ambitious people thrive at Shoosmiths because of the enterprising and innovative way we work. You'll be expected to make things happen and take initiative from day one. You will need a strong academic background and proven ability to apply your intellect in the real world. But we know there’s more to amazing solicitors than academics alone, which is why we take a holistic view when we assess you throughout our selection process.

    We welcome applications from all degree disciplines and universities, and value the wealth of experience that a non-law student or career-changer can bring to the firm.

    Key strengths we’re looking for in placement applicants

    Our values guide our behaviour, and our behaviour defines our culture. They're the bedrock of how we behave at Shoosmiths. We focus on what matters to make a difference by delivering together and being ourselves.

    We’ve identified eight core strengths that we’re looking for placement applicants to demonstrate in their application. These are being a critical thinker, being adaptable, having a growth mindset, taking personal responsibility, being detail oriented, being an effective communicator, being a relationship builder, and trustworthy.