This is it. Your first step towards becoming a qualified lawyer. It’s an exciting time. But with so many firms out there, how do you make the right choice?
At Simmons, we want to make your decision as easy as possible. So, if you’re looking for an unexpected career – one where you can learn so much more than the practice of law – take a look inside our graduate programme and discover where we can take you.
Application process
We want to hear from ambitious future lawyers who are ready to leave their mark.
We look for outstanding academic performance. Most candidates have around 120 UCAS points 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 consider candidates who have lower scores if they show real potential and can demonstrate they’re a strong match for us.
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
Are you a thinker or a doer? 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.
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
Are you a thinker or a doer? 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
We value diversity of thought and experiences, so the assessment platform we use has been designed with the support of inclusivity, diversity and neurodiversity specialists. We want all candidates to have equal access to our opportunities, applications, and schemes. We are actively removing barriers to succeed – that’s why none of our assessments are timed.
Please get in touch with us if there are any reasonable adjustments you would like us to make to support your application by emailing recruitment@simmons-simmons.com.
Check out our 2023/2024 programmes and application windows
Winter vacation scheme (London)
Dates: 4-8 December 2023
Open to: Final year students and graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 25 September 2023
Applications close: 25 October 2023
Spring insight scheme (London)
Dates: 3-4 April 2024
Open to: First year law students and non-law students and penultimate year non-law students
Applications open: 01 December 2023
Applications close: 31 January 2024
Summer vacation scheme (London)
Dates: 1-12 July 2024
Open to: Penultimate year students, final year students and graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 02 October 2023
Applications close: 31 December 2023
Summer vacation scheme (Bristol)
Dates: 17-28 June 2024
Open to: Penultimate year students, final year students and graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 02 October 2023
Applications close: 15 February 2024
Evolve placement year
Dates: September 2024
Open to: Undergraduate students of all disciplines who will complete a year in industry
Applications open: 02 October 2023
Applications close: 15 February 2024