Reed Smith early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-10-24 against Reed Smith's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Reed Smith. How we check
At a glance
- Direct Training Contract (March 2028 start)training contractNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Not published6 stages
- Solicitor ApprenticeshipapprenticeshipOpenVisa sponsorship: No6 stages
- Vacation Schemevacation schemeOpenVisa sponsorship: Not published5 stages
Direct Training Contract
How Reed Smith recruits
Direct training contracts from March 2028 (window closed; reopens spring 2027, SQE1 passers only). 6 stages, from Reed Smith's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Reed Smith names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online application form with an extenuating circumstances section; eligible candidates move to the online assessment.
“Please note that our online application form includes a section which allows you to advise us of any extenuating circumstances that are relevant for us to consider when reviewing your application form.”
Online assessment
Situational judgement test
Untimed blended assessment (situational judgement, verbal and numerical reasoning), can be saved and resumed; everyone gets a feedback report. The firm's prep page calls it the High Potential Legal test.
“This blended assessment includes situational judgement, and verbal and numerical reasoning. Our tests are potential based, so we don’t require any prior legal knowledge or work experience.”
Written questions
Motivational questions
Written motivational questions on fit with the firm, after the online assessment.
“Successful applicants will be invited to submit their responses to written motivational questions.”
On-demand video interview
Recorded video interview
On-demand (recorded) video interview with strengths-based and motivational questions, usable on phone or computer. Preparation time per question is mentioned on the prep page; timings not given.
“The penultimate stage in the process is an on-demand video interview. This will be based on the transferable skills required to be a trainee, as well as your motivations for applying to the firm.”
Assessment day
Assessment centre
Assessment centre with a timed case study reading followed by an interview on the materials. Apprenticeship and direct training contract candidates also do a group exercise and written task.
“You will be asked to participate in a case study exercise, which will help us to assess your ability to comprehend information. This will involve reading through a set of materials within a set time frame, following which you will be asked questions on the materials.”
Group exercise and written task
Group exercise
Group exercise and written task, for apprenticeship and direct training contract candidates only.
“Candidates for our apprenticeship and direct training contract roles will also take part in a group exercise and written task.”
Solicitor Apprenticeship
Same 6-stage process as the direct training contract above. Programme details
Vacation Scheme
How Reed Smith recruits
2027 vacation schemes (applications 7 September to 18 December 2026). 5 stages, from Reed Smith's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Reed Smith names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online application form with an extenuating circumstances section; eligible candidates move to the online assessment.
“Please note that our online application form includes a section which allows you to advise us of any extenuating circumstances that are relevant for us to consider when reviewing your application form.”
Online assessment
Situational judgement test
Untimed blended assessment (situational judgement, verbal and numerical reasoning), can be saved and resumed; everyone gets a feedback report. The firm's prep page calls it the High Potential Legal test.
“This blended assessment includes situational judgement, and verbal and numerical reasoning. Our tests are potential based, so we don’t require any prior legal knowledge or work experience.”
Written questions
Motivational questions
Written motivational questions on fit with the firm, after the online assessment.
“Successful applicants will be invited to submit their responses to written motivational questions.”
On-demand video interview
Recorded video interview
On-demand (recorded) video interview with strengths-based and motivational questions, usable on phone or computer. Preparation time per question is mentioned on the prep page; timings not given.
“The penultimate stage in the process is an on-demand video interview. This will be based on the transferable skills required to be a trainee, as well as your motivations for applying to the firm.”
Assessment day
Assessment centre
Assessment centre with a timed case study reading followed by an interview on the materials.
“You will be asked to participate in a case study exercise, which will help us to assess your ability to comprehend information. This will involve reading through a set of materials within a set time frame, following which you will be asked questions on the materials.”
Visa sponsorship
Direct Training Contract
Reed Smith's direct training contract route, for candidates who have already passed SQE1, is closed now and reopens in spring 2027 with no sponsorship statement published.
“Applications for our direct training contract vacancies are now closed and will open in spring 2027. This route is for candidates who have passed SQE1 and are available to commence a training contract from March 2028 onwards.”
Solicitor Apprenticeship
Reed Smith's Solicitor Apprenticeship is open only to UK nationals or people resident in the UK for at least three years before the start date.
“You must also be a UK national or resident in the UK for at least three years before starting the programme.”
Vacation Scheme
Reed Smith publishes an exact application window down to the hour but leaves its own visa sponsorship FAQ answer empty, pointing only to 'Get in touch'.
“Applications for our 2027 vacation schemes will be open from 7 September to 5pm on 18 December.”
Reed Smith on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the Reed Smith training contract application process?
- Reed Smith's own careers pages describe 6 stages: Online application form, then Online assessment, then Written questions, then On-demand video interview, then Assessment day, then Group exercise and written task.
- Does Reed Smith use a recorded video interview?
- Yes. Reed Smith lists a recorded video interview stage ("On-demand video interview").
- Does Reed Smith sponsor visas for graduates?
- Reed Smith's Solicitor Apprenticeship is open only to UK nationals or people resident in the UK for at least three years before the start date.
Related guides
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Deadlines, stages and tests for each scheme. Not affiliated with any firm.
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Reed Smith. Names are used only to identify Reed Smith's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Reed Smith's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.