At Simmons, you’ll discover a training experience like no other. That’s because our uniquely designed compass programme runs alongside our training contracts.
Our compass programme
We want to help all our trainees become accomplished and influential legal thinkers. That’s why we set up the compass programme, our trainee skills academy. Compass runs alongside our training contracts, offering a mix of practical learning, face-to-face workshops and online tools designed to create a training experience like no other.
Here’s how it works:
Before you join
A year before your join, you’ll have an induction with us, getting a snapshot of life as a future trainee. During your studies, through manageable compass modules you’ll learn about our clients, our sectors, and a little about yourself and your capabilities too.
Before your first seat
You’ll start your training contract with an induction programme that’s designed to help you hit the ground running. This includes various sessions with people across the business that will give you the support you need as you begin your journey into a new professional world.
From this point on, you’ll have access to our online trainee hub – a place to share ideas, learn from each other, and get vital information, such as process guides and key contacts.
During your seats
Throughout your training contract, we’ll help you develop the soft skills you need to succeed as a lawyer. Our modules will teach you how to deal with ambiguity, build time management techniques and maintain your wellbeing at work. We’ll also help you develop strong networking skills. With our help, you’ll soon become a well-rounded, dynamic lawyer. We’ll even provide modules on transitioning to associate status so that you move onto your next steps with a strong sense of direction.
Before you join
A year before your join, you’ll have an induction with us, getting a snapshot of life as a future trainee. During your studies, through manageable Compass modules you’ll learn about our clients, our sectors, and a little about yourself and your capabilities too.
Before your first seat
You’ll start your training contract with a three-week induction programme that’s designed to help you hit the ground running. This includes a two-day session that will give you the support you need as you begin your journey into a new professional world.
From this point on, you’ll have access to our online Trainee Hub – a place to share ideas, learn from each other, and get vital information, such as process guides and key contacts.
During your seats
Throughout your training contract, we’ll help you develop the soft skills you need to succeed as a lawyer. Our modules will teach you how to deal with ambiguity, build time management techniques and maintain your wellbeing at work. We’ll also help you develop strong networking skills. With our help, you’ll soon become a well-rounded, confident lawyer. We’ll even provide modules on transitioning to associate status so that you move onto your next steps with a strong sense of direction.
Harry Speak
Supervising Associate
During the LPC, Compass helped me to develop my understanding of how Simmons operates as a business and how the sector focus applies in practice. This meant that when I started my training contract I already understood how Simmons differentiates itself in the market. Compass sessions were also a great opportunity to meet with and get to know all the other future trainees from my cohort before the training contract began.
Throughout the training contract, Compass has helped me to develop more than just technical skills. I’ve learnt the importance of building strong relationships with those around me and I’ve been encouraged to reflect on my own personal working style. I've also learned techniques to build resilience and I've had the chance to develop my networking skills. Compass has allowed me to share my experiences from across the firm with my fellow trainees, further developing my knowledge of areas of the business I haven’t experienced personally. Most importantly, Compass has given me a strong support network that’s been invaluable as I progressed through the training contract.
Career progression
Through the compass programme, your seats, and with support from your supervisor, you’ll develop your interests as well as the soft skills you need to qualify. But where could you go from here? If you’ve got the ambition, our world is yours to explore.
