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Shoosmiths

Discover Placement Review

at Shoosmiths

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

Manchester

Review Submitted: July 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
During the Discover Placement, I was in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation team. I had the pleasure of drafting emails, attending workshops, (my particular favourite was on D,E & I) proofreading documents and going for coffee chats with associates at the firm.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Understanding all about the business and potential roles at Shoosmiths during the Discover placement was insightful and inspiring. It gave me a clear view of the firm’s values, culture, and diverse practice areas. I learned about the variety of career paths available, the skills required for each, and how they contribute to the firm’s success.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I developed a range of valuable skills, including strong drafting and writing abilities, enabling clear and structured communication. My attention to detail improved, ensuring accuracy and quality in all tasks. I gained confidence in presenting ideas, making decisions, and adapting to challenges. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills were enhanced, alongside better time management and organization. Working collaboratively strengthened my interpersonal and teamwork skills, fostering effective communication, constructive feedback, and positive professional relationships.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture at Shoosmiths during the Discover placement was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Everyone was approachable, including senior partners and the head of office. It created a supportive atmosphere where you could comfortably ask questions, seek advice, and have meaningful conversations with anyone, fostering genuine collaboration and openness.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Shoosmiths Discover placement and found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It offered valuable insights into the firm’s work, culture, and opportunities, leaving me feeling inspired and motivated. I enjoyed engaging with the team, learning more about the legal profession, and couldn’t wait to return for the assessment centre to continue the journey.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Shoosmiths
5/5
Would you recommend Shoosmiths to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Shoosmiths
My advice for applying to Shoosmiths is to truly get to know the firm. Go beyond the website.Attend events, meet the team, and ask thoughtful questions. Understand their values, goals, and what sets them apart in the legal market. Showing genuine curiosity and aligning your motivations with the firm’s culture will make your application stand out.
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