Shoosmiths

About Shoosmiths

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.

Who We Are

Shoosmiths is a law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses—amazing clients making an impact. We’re not different in what we do, but in how we do it. Every client faces unique challenges, and we tailor our expertise, energy and ideas to deliver results that truly matter. We’re known for being close to our clients, listening actively and thriving on their challenges.

We have grown into a £217.2m turnover firm, a reflection of the way we work and the results we deliver. Our clients speak for us. From Mercedes-Benz and Octopus Ventures to Travelodge, FTSE 250 companies and ambitious growth businesses, our commercial client list says it all. We combine a “can-do” ethos with values that go beyond words. Whether it’s pricing, working styles or fresh ideas, we adapt to each client’s needs to make a real commercial difference.

Shoosmiths’ national teams are independently recognised for their legal expertise. In the Legal 500 UK 2025, we are ranked across over 120 practice areas with 34 top-tier rankings Chambers UK 2025 ranks 79 of our practice areas, with 17 in Band 1 and 158 of our lawyers individually recognised for their exceptional contributions.

How can I start my legal career at Shoosmiths?

We offer a variety of opportunities for school leavers, university students and graduates. Depending on where you are in your academic journey, you’ll be eligible to take part in different events and apply for a range of vacancies designed to support your development and career ambitions.

Insight Evenings at Shoosmiths

Our virtual insight evenings offer a behind-the-scenes look at life at Shoosmiths. You’ll explore our divisions, discover how we support clients, and learn about the opportunities available across our early careers pathways — including training contracts, solicitor apprenticeships, and our Discover Vacation Scheme.

Discover Vacation Placement and Mentoring Scheme at Shoosmiths

Discover is Shoosmiths’ purpose-led work experience programme designed to support high-achieving aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds. It combines a one-week in-person placement with professional mentoring, helping candidates build confidence, gain real legal experience, and prepare for the training contract assessment centre.

Before the placement begins, you’ll be matched with a mentor who will guide you through the experience and offer ongoing support — from preparation to application and beyond. During the placement, you’ll work on live case files, attend meetings, and complete a business development project to showcase your commercial awareness and creativity. You’ll be supported by your team and a dedicated trainee mentor throughout the week.

Training contract

As a trainee solicitor, you’ll work on live case files, engage directly with clients, and may even go on secondment. You’ll be supported by experienced solicitors and collaborate across a variety of legal teams, gaining exposure to both contentious and non-contentious areas of law.

Shoosmiths recruits onto its rotational training contract once a year, with a single trainee solicitor intake starting each September. We typically recruit two years in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your journey into law. Training contracts are offered in our Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester offices.

Solicitor Apprenticeship at Shoosmiths

Our six-year solicitor apprenticeship offers an alternative route into law for ambitious school leavers. You’ll work four days a week gaining hands-on experience across legal and business support teams, while studying one day a week towards your qualification. Apprentices develop technical knowledge, practical skills, and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify.