Hana's success story: Securing a training contract at Reed Smith LLP

Hana is a LLB Law with Business with a Year in Practice graduate from Queen Mary University of London. She secured a Trainee Solicitor role at Reed Smith LLP in London, through Bright Network.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“Growing up, I always aspired to pursue a path where I could make a meaningful impact and be a catalyst for change. As a Muslim woman from an ethnic minority background, I saw a legal career as an opportunity not only to challenge norms but also to open doors and break barriers for others in similar positions.

I was drawn to university because from a young age, I was taught the value of education, the importance of building a network, and the power of learning from those around me. My time at university proved invaluable as I was able to grow both professionally and personally while equipping myself with the tools to transition into working life.

I chose commercial law because it is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. I enjoy being challenged and thrive in environments where no two days are the same. I am passionate about continuous learning and take pride in applying new knowledge to my work. As a commercial trainee solicitor, I’ve been able to do exactly that and I am excited for what lies ahead in my career.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“I applied to Reed Smith because I really value the firm’s inclusive culture and the chance to get involved in meaningful pro bono work. I also like how the firm trains lawyers to not just be commercial lawyers but to be commercial lawyers in the industries their clients operate in.

This factor in particular is important to me because I want to build both strong legal skills and a good understanding of the businesses my clients operate in so I can work to make a real difference for clients throughout my career.”

What was the application process like?

“My application process was slightly different as I managed to secure a placement year during my third year at university at Reed Smith.

To secure the placement year, I went through an application process which involved a written application, a situational judgement test, and a case study interview.

Having secured the placement year, the placement students were offered training contracts based on two factors: feedback from their practice groups on the work they had been involved in and their overall performance; and a presentation on an innovative tool that the placement students were asked to work on for their practice teams to help create more efficiency when working on matters.”

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

“Bright Network helped me secure my role because of the profile they had on Reed Smith. Through the profile, I was able to find out more about the firm and consider the different opportunities that were available for students to apply to.”

What are you most proud of about your journey?

“I’m most proud of the challenges I was able to overcome with the right support and resources.

Securing a role with a city law firm was quite difficult but with the help of my support system, I was able to work towards an end goal, which was securing and subsequently starting my training contract.”

What have you learnt from going through the process?

“Going through the process taught me the importance of preparation and staying adaptable. While the interviewers wanted the right answers, they were really focused on my train of thought and whether I was commercially minded.

They encouraged me to ask questions when I was unsure, which made the experience feel more like a conversation than a test. Even when I felt I had not done well, I received positive and encouraging feedback.

The overall process was as expected but I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful and accommodating the interviewers were. They genuinely wanted me to succeed.”

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“My advice would be to consider the type of law firm you want to work at before choosing which law firms to apply to. This helps filter out options and allows you to tailor your applications to the specific firms you have a genuine interest in.

I’d recommend spending time researching the work that these firms do, attending their offices through open days and insight schemes, and building a network. You can then use these resources to add value to your application.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“As I approach qualification next September, I’m really looking forward to progressing in my career and choosing a team where I can truly showcase my talents and contribute meaningfully.

I’m excited to take on more responsibility and apply the skills I have developed during my training to add real value to the team and the work we do.

Moving forward, I am excited to continue learning both from my colleagues and through new challenges so I can grow into a confident and well-rounded solicitor.”