simmons-simmons.com/graduates - TARGETjobs...Simmons & Simmons is an established firm with a...

simmons-simmons.com/graduates

Do you see the world like we do?If you like to see the world from a different angle, you’ll be in good company at Simmons & Simmons. As a leading international law firm, we’ve learned that taking a fresh perspective can throw up a host of new possibilities to explore. And because this approach plays a big part in our success, we’ve made it a central part of our culture.

We have over 1,600 people situated in key business and financial centres across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We are driven by a desire to provide a better service and greater value to our clients. This means we infuse everything we do with creative thinking and innovation to find a better way to do business.

It’s taken considerable drive and determination to get us where we are today – and there’s still plenty more to achieve. Join us and you’ll be pushing yourself from day one. Life here can be challenging. But it’s exhilarating and fulfilling too. One thing’s for sure, it’s never dull.

The following pages will give you the opportunity to get to know us a little better. We hope you find the information useful in helping to decide whether you have what it takes to be part of our future.

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CONTENTS

ABOUT US WHY CHOOSE US? – 3OUR SECTORS & KEY CLIENTS – 6OUR INTERNATIONAL REACH - 11

OUR OPPORTUNITIESVACATION SCHEMES – 12TRAINING CONTRACTS – 14BRISTOL – 16TRAINEE PROFILES – 17

DEVELOPMENTTRAINING - 18SUPPORT - 20CAREER PROGRESSION - 22

YOUR APPLICATIONHOW TO APPLY - 24HINTS & TIPS - 26BENEFITS - 28KEY DATES - 29TIMELINES - 30

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Simmons & Simmons is an established firm with a worldwide reputation, over 1,600 people and 880 legal staff including more than 250 partners. Time and time again, businesses across the world bring us their toughest commercial challenges and call on Simmons & Simmons for our international reach and expert legal advice. To get to this position we have to make sure we employ the right people in the right places; which is why we invest so much in recruiting and training the best graduates.

What do we do?In the main, we tend to advise large international organisations from our priority sectors. We’ll explore these in greater depth later. We have a broad practice base and seek to build on those areas where we have the greatest strength, with teams that focus on their own areas and clients, as well as supporting each other’s transactions. Half of our staff work outside the UK, across our bustling offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, however our reach spans much further than just offices – into emerging markets around the world. For example, we have advised on deals in all 54 African nations. This way, we can handle high level, multi-jurisdictional transactions and disputes, and provide clients with first rate integrated international services.

Our lawyers combine international experience with local knowledge. This gives us the ability to combine global reach with an insight into the intricacies of a country’s culture and customs. Our balanced teams help and advise clients on local and global matters, so you’ll have the opportunity to tap into a wealth of local knowledge on an international scale. You’ll also get to specialise in, and learn about, different aspects of the law in a high performance culture, while working for market-leading companies and taking your skills across the globe.

About us

1,600+People(880+ Legal staff)

250+Partners

why choose us?

We’re evolving all the time to meet new challenges – which is where you come in. As a graduate, your thoughts, ideas and input will steer our future course. We know that innovation will be key to where we go next – mainly because it’s been such a big part of where we’ve come from. We’re determined to foster a culture of innovation, opportunity and creativity that works for you… and for the firm.

A different approachWe continue to do all that we can to break free from the traditional legal business model to provide clients with a service that’s relevant, progressive and directly in line with their requirements. This has involved digging deep to find out what our clients really want from us, and how to provide that in the most effective way possible.

We set up elexica, a dedicated legal resource website for clients and contacts, more than fifteen years ago. Available whenever it’s needed, elexica provides a rich stream of expert commentary, legal information and services, and has grown into an impressive library of practical guides, checklists, case reports, legal analysis, training modules, podcasts and email alerts.

One such resource is the Simmons & Simmons LaunchPlus microsite. The first online product of its kind on the market, it

provides all the legal and regulatory information a start-up hedge fund manager needs to consider to start a new fund from scratch.

Then there are our market leading Simmons & Simmons navigator subscription services. A globally trusted online regulatory resource, navigator gives our clients 24/7 access to reliable and user-friendly guidance on key areas of financial services and tax regulation, at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal advice. We launched the first navigator service way back in 2007. Today, navigator includes nine different services with content spanning over 110 jurisdictions. We’re constantly looking at ways to evolve and expand our navigator offering and deliver legal solutions to our clients differently.

And it is not just online where we are working in new ways. We also offer clients the option to work with us through Simmons & Simmons Adaptive, a model which allows them to flexibly resource large scale projects or secondments with high quality lawyers at very short notice. What’s more, Simmons & Simmons Adaptive lawyers get access to our world class client base as consultants, while holding complete control over when they work and the assignments they take on.

For our graduates, this innovative way of thinking has seen us launch our pioneering Trainee Skills Academy. Starting as a future trainee, our programme brings together a wealth of client, commercial, personal and technical skill development to allow you to hit the ground running. And for those who want to, there’s even the opportunity to gain a Masters degree, MA (LPC with Business).

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We are proud of the development and ongoing success of our Young Talent initiative. The students are impressive young people and have had a powerful impact on our firm. As a trainee at Simmons & Simmons, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Pro bono workThe firm has always taken its commitment to pro bono seriously and, as with all our lawyers, you’ll be encouraged to take on pro bono projects ranging from advising on small community projects to assisting larger international charities. For our lawyers, up to 50 hours of pro bono work can count towards the annual billable hours target.

We currently provide free legal advice to over 100 different NGOs, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

It’s important to us that everyone gets a chance to participate in our pro bono efforts and – we hope – we have something for everyone.

why choose us?

The working atmosphere of a firm says a lot about its priorities and values. You’ll find Simmons & Simmons is supportive and inspiring from day one – somewhere that really brings out the best in people.

Our valuesSuccess is not just about what we achieve, it’s also about how we go about achieving it. Our values set out who we are and what we stand for as a firm. We live and breathe them every day and they are central to how we operate.

Our core values are:

¡ Ambition – we set ambitious goals and pursue them with drive. And when we achieve them, we’re not complacent, we strive for even higher standards.

¡ Challenge – we have an open and supportive environment where everyone can give and receive constructive feedback.

¡ Commitment – we all take ownership to deliver on our promises.

¡ Innovation – creativity and pioneering thinking is encouraged and supported here.

¡ Responsibility - it’s not just about the here and now. We’re committed to building a stronger firm for future generations.

¡ Collegiality – working together and embracing diversity creates an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.

A rich and supportive cultureEveryone’s voice needs to be heard, as open dialogue is a springboard for new ideas and continuous improvement. To give everyone a platform we regularly host Employee Discussion Groups. For you, the Trainee Employee Discussion Group (chaired by our Graduate Recruitment & Development Partner) provides a forum for support, guidance and feedback on trainee specific issues, and an opportunity for you to feed ideas into the management of the firm.

We also recognise that different perspectives make us stronger. That’s why we recruit from a broad range of backgrounds and

cultures. In addition to our own recruitment diversity initiatives, we work with a variety of organisations – from SEO and Aspiring Solicitors to Stonewall, Opportunity Now and Race for Opportunity to Working Families and the Timewise Foundation – to engage with the widest possible range of talent pools.

There are plenty of opportunities to get to know fellow colleagues better through networks, activities and social events. The firm’s eight employee-led networks are: Art; Christians in Simmons; International Islamic Community; Jewish Network; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network; Simmons & Simmons Multicultural Network; Straight Allies and our women’s network, The Number One Club. We were also one of the eight founding firms behind NOTICED, an inter-firm initiative aimed at promoting ‘Networking Opportunities To Integrate, Celebrate and Educate on Diversity’ across the legal sector. We’re also involved in the recently launched London Bisexual Network.

As well as a host of social groups, firmwide events and charity initiatives such as the London Legal Walk, Brighton Equality Walk and Tour de Law, we also have sports teams for activities including: chess; cricket; football; golf; hockey; netball; rugby; running; softball; squash; tag rugby; and yoga.

Taking responsibilityAt Simmons & Simmons, we seek to provide legal services according to the highest ethical and professional standards and we take our responsibilities to our clients, people, suppliers, and the local communities in which we do business seriously. We are proud of our culture of corporate responsibility, which is embedded in our firmwide objectives, aligned to our firm values and essential to the ways in which we do business.

Specifically we are committed to focus on:

Social inclusionRaising the aspirations of young people in education through access to work experience and opportunities.

Diversity & inclusionEnsuring that our organisation and profession is accessible to people from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances.

Pro bonoMaking a difference by sharing our legal expertise with those without access to justice.

Charitable giving

Giving access to funding and donations from the Simmons & Simmons Charitable Foundation to support those in pressing need.

Environmental sustainabilitySupporting environmental issues and minimising our environmental impact.

Young Talent ProgrammeIn 2012, we developed our ambitious core social inclusion programme with Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow, London. Each year, a group of twelve Year 10 students are selected, with input from both the school and the firm, to be part of a programme. We are committed to supporting each cohort of students for a seven year period during which they return to us every year to participate in a range of activities, including work experience, skills workshops, project presentations, paid internships and group mentoring.

Four years on, 62 young people are enrolled onto the Young Talent Programme. Four Year 13 students have received the Simmons & Simmons bursary, which will assist them financially through every year of university and a further two students will be awarded the bursary in 2017.

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Our client base includes a significant number of the current FTSE 100 and Fortune Global 500 companies. Of course, they are demanding and expect the best possible service; but in the course of developing and maintaining ongoing relationships we make it our business to find new ways to give our clients the edge, helping them maintain and improve their positions in the marketplace. Clients in our key sectors are often seeking new opportunities in emerging markets, and this allows us to play to our strengths. For example, our TMT expertise is helping global companies make the most of the technology boom in China.

Our sector focus is a strategy that sets us apart from the competition and has helped us build a reputation for providing tailored, specialist advice. On the following pages we provide an introduction to each of the sectors in which we work, together with a case study to give you a flavour of some of the instructions we have undertaken for our clients.

To give our clients the best possible service, we need to not only have a thorough understanding of their businesses, but also be able to adapt to their changing needs. We know that creating broad, sustained relationships over time creates a strong working dynamic that benefits both our clients and our firm.

Our team includes experts in fund formation, financial services regulation, trading documentation (including prime brokerage and derivatives documentation), litigation, taxation, corporate law and employment regulation. Our in depth understanding has seen us recognised by both legal directories and the industry as a whole as one of the leading firms in the sector. As such we advise a wide variety of hedge funds, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, real estate and infrastructure funds and institutional managers.

Case Study – BlueCrest / Systematica

BlueCrest is one of Europe’s most respected hedge fund managers. Since it was founded in 2000, we have worked with BlueCrest in a range of areas, from funds, corporate and tax, to employment and IP matters. Recently we acted for BlueCrest on the cutting-edge spin out of its systematic trading business to a separate business, Systematica – with BlueCrest retaining an ownership and economic interest.

There were two aspects to this transaction: the disposal; and the negotiation and documentation of the on-going relationship between the parties.

It was clear this transaction required in depth knowledge of BlueCrest’s business and the asset management sector. A number of different Simmons & Simmons teams, including corporate, funds, regulatory, IP, tax and employment, were involved advising on different aspects of the transaction. We also provided support to Systematica and its counsel to ensure a seamless transaction process.

Our sectors & key clients

asset management & investment funds

Some of our key clients include ¡ Allianz Global Investors

¡ Bank of America

¡ BlueCrest Capital Management

¡ BP

¡ Brevan Howard

¡ China Railway Group

¡ Citigroup

¡ Deutsche Bank

¡ Eli Lilly

¡ GlaxoSmithKline

¡ Henderson Global Investors

¡ Jupiter

¡ Morgan Stanley

¡ Samsung

¡ Telefónica / O2

What works for our clients?If you’re a generalist, you can achieve a certain level of expertise, but you’ll never really get under the skin of your subject. At Simmons & Simmons, we’ve decided to focus our efforts on a small number of priority sectors – Asset Management & Investment Funds, Financial Institutions, Life Sciences and Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT). These are all fast-moving, dynamic and international sectors. We also focus on the Energy & Infrastructure market, in particular through our international projects and construction teams. Our clients in these industries and others are typically large multi-jurisdictional organisations that require highly sophisticated legal advice.

In practice, focusing on hand-picked industry sectors means clients are dealing with a law firm well versed in their particular industry, aware of its finer nuances, day-to-day events and ongoing trends. The combination of specialist knowledge and international perspective gives us a keen insight into our clients’ worlds, helping us stay totally in tune with their needs. It also unites the firm as all of our legal practice areas and offices are engaged in our sector strategy.

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financial institutions

The Financial Institutions team advises many of the world’s leading banking and insurance institutions. We operate across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Simmons & Simmons is embedded in the international financial and regulatory community. We are known for developing new approaches to traditional financial products and act as a panel member for many of the world’s top banks helping them to navigate their ever changing legal and regulatory landscape.

Our clients typically rank among the top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and we’ve developed an unrivalled understanding of this highly specialised, rapidly evolving market.

We work with sector analysts and external industry consultants, advising some of the fastest growing biotechs, as well as household names in consumer healthcare and leading medical devices companies.

life sciences

For more case studies, visit simmons-simmons.com/graduates

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Case Study – British Business Financial Services Ltd.

We advised the British Business Bank in its consultancy role for HM Treasury under The Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations 2015.

Under the new regulations, banks will be obliged to offer any business whose loan application they reject a referral to a choice of online platforms. These platforms will put the requirements of the business in front of a range of alternative finance providers, who will have the opportunity to offer them the finance they need. Simmons & Simmons advised on the due diligence for the finance platforms.

This project is key to the UK government’s plans to help SMEs obtain financing from alternative sources and boost the UK economy. It was the firm’s market leading FinTech expertise that led to it being instructed to act as sole advisor to the British Business Bank in an area at the forefront of the UK’s fast evolving FinTech sector.

Case Study – GlaxoSmithKline joint venture investment fund, Apollo Therapeutics LLP

We advised GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the world’s sixth largest pharmaceutical company, on the establishment of an innovative joint venture investment fund.

The core objective of the joint venture was to fill a funding gap that will see academically funded biomedical research transform into mature and qualitative drug discovery projects. The projects, which will be based on research emerging from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University College London and the University of Cambridge, may then be licensed to industry partners for further development and commercialisation.

The joint venture fund was established through a limited liability partnership entity under the name Apollo Therapeutics LLP between GSK, Johnson & Johnson Innovation and AstraZeneca, Imperial Innovations, UCL Business and Cambridge Enterprise.

Our team drew on its unparalleled licensing expertise to bring together the necessary IP, regulatory, commercial, limited liability partnership and tax skills to provide streamlined support to complete this sophisticated multi-party arrangement designed to generate novel therapeutics for the benefit of patients facing unmet medical needs.

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The TMT industry grows and moves at breakneck speed and with technology transforming every business sector, it’s important to keep up. We act for many of the companies that are changing the way we live our lives, from start-ups in the FinTech sphere to some of the industry’s biggest players. We provide legal services across all of our practice areas, using dedicated TMT specialist lawyers who have industry specific legal and commercial skills.

technology, media & telecommunications (TMT)

Case Study – Samsung Electronics dispute with Apple

We acted in one of the most high profile IP disputes that has taken place anywhere in the world, between two of the world’s largest sellers of consumer electronics.

This multi-jurisdictional patent, design right, copyright and unfair competition litigation case was litigated around the world over several years. We took a lead and coordinating role in respect of the EU design right and patent issues. The legal issues were complex and involved issues of patent and design right infringement and revocation/invalidation, copyright infringement and unfair competition as well as jurisdictional issues, patent exhaustion, FRAND and competition law in various different jurisdictions including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States and the UK.

Our international reach

Emerging markets have seen some of the biggest economic growth in recent years. With many developed nations experiencing little growth, clients are increasingly looking to expand into new markets like China, Africa and the Middle East. These are regions in which Simmons & Simmons has been advising for many years, but we’re not stopping there. We have ambitious plans for the future.

That’s where you come in. Whether you speak Mandarin or understand the culture and customs in Nigeria, there’s a place for you here. From growth market groups focused on expertise within a particular region to international cross-border work, there’s plenty going on. Not only can you be yourself here, you can use it to develop your career.

We have offices in 21 locations around the world, but our global reach extends far beyond that.

Case Study – Power in Africa

Mainstream Renewable Power and its partners were looking to develop four major wind farms and two solar farms as part of South Africa’s renewable energy programme. As we regularly work on all aspects of these types of renewable power projects, we were able to advise them on landmark project financing for the development of these wind and solar farms.

Another of our teams also advised Mainstream Renewable Power on structuring its US$1.9bn co-investment joint venture with pan-emerging markets investor Actis. This joint venture will see the delivery of up to 900MW of wind and solar projects across Africa by 2018.

These strategically important projects in one of the world’s fastest growing regions fit well with our growth market focus and it’s exciting to play a role in ‘powering’ Africa.

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The schemes we offer will give you the perfect opportunity to get to know us as an organisation and give you a flavour of the development and support you can expect from us to start building your career in law. We know that today’s trainees represent our future. That’s why we do everything in our power to make sure you have the support, expertise and infrastructure around you to make it to the very top.

When I attended an open day at Simmons & Simmons I was impressed by the supportive and approachable environment the partners promote. This, alongside the unparalleled training available and secondment opportunities, convinced me to apply to the firm.

The Simmons & Simmons vacation scheme provided me with the chance to participate in high quality work and experience the demanding but rewarding life of a trainee. I sat in the intellectual property group, where I saw first-hand how lawyers counteract claims and protect clients’ IP rights. The work I completed included drafting documents, undertaking legal research and attending strategy meetings.

We also attended a number of networking events, including a Christmas dinner overlooking Tower Bridge. We met solicitors from different parts of the firm and everyone was happy to answer our questions openly and honestly. I really felt I gained a genuine insight into working at the firm.

My time at Simmons & Simmons convinced me that the firm more than warrants its exceptional reputation and I am excited to be joining as a trainee.

vacation schemes vacation scheme profiles

Jennifer O’Kane, future trainee, Sheffield University, Biology Participated in a winter vacation scheme with Simmons & Simmons

Mohamed Omer, future trainee, King’s College London, Law Participated in a summer vacation scheme with Simmons & Simmons

During my vacation scheme at Simmons & Simmons, I felt I really got to know the firm well and gained a real insight into what working at the firm could be like. I sat with the Banking and IP departments and immediately noticed that my supervisors made a genuine effort to involve me in the work that they were doing. This ranged from drafting a research note for a partner to attending a Case Management Conference and to reporting to my supervisor on a commercial insurance policy. It was challenging and extremely rewarding to see my supervisors actually use my work to help their clients.

There were plenty of activities arranged for interns to get to know people from all levels, such as a street art tour in Shoreditch, speed networking with solicitors from different departments and playing softball on Primrose Hill. These experiences showed me that the social side of the firm is very much alive.

Aside from having excellent quality work and supervisors that put an emphasis on learning, the main thing I noticed was that Simmons & Simmons is the only firm in which I felt I fit in completely. That wasn’t because there was a particular mould I happened to match, but because there was none. I met different personality types and people from different backgrounds, which made for a particularly inclusive culture.

Getting along so well with the trainees, partners and the other vacation scheme interns, made me really look forward to working with them again when I begin training at the firm.

We want you to know that you’re making the right career choice. That’s why we believe it’s so important to give future trainees a real taste of what lies ahead in their careers through our vacation schemes.

We have 80 vacation scheme places across our different schemes:

¡ Winter vacation scheme (London): our one week scheme for final year students and graduates, during which you’ll spend time in one department.

¡ Spring insight scheme (London): our two day workshop is designed to equip you with a range of key skills and commercial knowledge to help you make your first steps towards your career in law. This scheme is specifically for first year law and non-law students and penultimate year non-law students.

¡ Summer vacation schemes (London): our two week schemes, aimed at penultimate year law and non-law students, final year students and graduates. During these schemes, you’ll spend time in two departments.

¡ Summer vacation scheme (Bristol): our one week scheme for penultimate year law students, final year students and graduates looking to pursue a long term career in Bristol.

These structured schemes mean we can get to know you, and you can see for yourself whether life at Simmons & Simmons will suit you. If you’re interested, make sure you apply as soon as possible as places fill quickly.

You’ll receive £300 per week for our winter and summer vacation schemes in London, £250 per week for our summer vacation scheme in Bristol and £120 for our spring insight scheme.

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We are currently recruiting 35 future trainees to commence their training contracts in London in September 2019 and March 2020 and three future trainees to start in Bristol in September 2019.

All of our trainees, whether based in London or Bristol, are able to apply to go on either a client or international secondment as one of their seats.

Our training contracts are open to all graduates, no matter what course you studied at university, where you studied or when you graduated. Once you’ve graduated however, you’ll need to complete the Simmons & Simmons Legal Practice Course (LPC) before you join us. And if you have a degree in a subject other than law, you’ll need to take the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as well. We’ll pay all your law school fees and provide you with a maintenance grant.

All future trainees must study the GDL if applicable, and the LPC at BPP Law School in London. These two years are vitally important and, because you’ll be based nearby, you will have access and contact with the firm, preparing you for what’s to come.

Secondments are a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills while also experiencing a different working environment or culture – adding another dimension to your training.

Thanks to our international presence we can offer international secondments in Simmons & Simmons offices throughout our network in everything from technology related work in Dubai to corporate deals in Singapore. While locations rotate, secondments are typically based in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Not only will you get the chance to become fully immersed in a different culture and all the excitement that brings, you will also benefit from a different, often smaller, working environment allowing you to build connections with colleagues right across our network.

If you’re looking for something closer to home, our client secondments offer an insight into the world of our clients. As an integral part of our client’s team your role truly becomes one of a legal advisor in a business world. You live and breathe their commercial drivers and challenges and get a deeper understanding of what quality legal advice really means to our clients and their businesses.

Our client secondment list is regularly updated but includes clients such as BP, Moody’s and some of the leading international banks.

During your training contract in London or Bristol, you’ll complete four six-month seats in our different practice areas to familiarise you with our teams, clients and the type of work. We offer a broad menu of self-sufficient practice areas, so you’ll get the chance to spend time in a practice area that particularly interests you.

You’ll complete one contentious seat in one of our employment, intellectual property or litigation groups. You’ll also complete a corporate and commercial seat in one of corporate, ICT or projects, as well as a financial markets seat in one of banking, capital markets or financial services. There are further optional seats in competition & regulatory, pensions & incentives, real estate and tax.

training contracts SECONDMENTS

CONTENTIOUS CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL

FINANCIAL MARKETS

OPTIONAL SEATS

Employment

IP

Litigation

Corporate

ICT

Projects

Banking

Capital Markets

Financial Services

Competition & Regulatory

Pensions & Incentives

Real Estate

Tax

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All the benefits of an international law firm in the heart of Bristol.

Training contracts in BristolWe are currently recruiting three future trainees to start their training contracts in Bristol in September 2019.

During your training contract in Bristol you’ll complete four six-month seats in different practice areas to familiarise you with the teams, clients and types of work. You’ll complete one contentious seat, one financial markets seat and one seat in our corporate and commercial departments.

There’s also the opportunity to experience client and international secondments as one of your seats.

The quality of work, clients and our teams is everything you would expect from an international law firm and our starting salary is one of the most competitive in the market. What’s more, smaller teams and an open plan office create a really collegiate atmosphere, meaning you’re at the heart of our best deals. Whether you cycle to work, take part in sports groups or take your lunch break by the quayside, you’ll quickly feel at home here.

To help all our trainees integrate and to enable you to have regular contact with us, all Bristol future trainees study the LPC at BPP in London. We’ll pay all your law school fees and provide you with a maintenance grant.

At the end of your training contract, you will be considered for a qualified solicitor position in Bristol as part of our qualification process.

We’re proud of our reputation as a firm that champions value for our clients and we consistently look for new ways to deliver legal services without compromising on quality. We opened our second UK office in Bristol in 2012 to allow us to improve efficiencies, while continuing to undertake complex, high value work for clients. For our graduates, this means high quality work, international clients and excellent training are all on offer right in the heart of the vibrant city of Bristol.

Quality. No compromises.Lawyers based in Bristol are fully integrated with our London practices and provide the same high quality advice to the same top clients, often working in conjunction with international colleagues in other jurisdictions. The work is challenging and rewarding. You certainly won’t find low-cost churn here.

Our Bristol office has teams advising on a broad range of work in areas such as banking, capital markets, corporate, employment, financial services (funds), ICT, litigation, projects and real estate. The office is expanding rapidly, meaning you’ll find everything you need for a challenging and rewarding long term career in Bristol.

BRISTOL trainee profiles

Megan Flynn University of St Andrews, Geography

I was keen to ensure I chose a firm which engaged in top-quality work whilst retaining a supportive culture. It became clear during my vacation scheme that Simmons

& Simmons is one of very few firms to achieve this. Combined with a smaller trainee intake and often smaller teams, the firm’s sector focus ensures trainees are given huge responsibility on the most exciting deals, both in the UK and internationally. The firm’s collaborative culture means support is offered whenever it is needed; however trainees

are really pushed to achieve the most from their training contracts.

I have made some excellent trainee friends thanks to the firm’s collegiate nature. Working with some of my best friends was not something I had

envisaged from my training contract!

Katherine Lam King’s College London, Law

I was drawn to Simmons & Simmons because of the firm’s collegiate atmosphere and supportive training environment, global vision and the range of work I knew

I would get to experience. A great vacation scheme experience cemented my decision to train here. I am currently in my first seat in Financial Services and have already experienced a lot. I work mainly with hedge funds, drafting and amending various key fund documents and I often liaise with Cayman Islands and US counsel. In addition to the legal work I do, I am part of various vibrant

communities within the firm such as the TNOC women’s network and the Multicultural Network and also enjoy playing softball and field

hockey with my colleagues.

Jonathan Sharples University of Cambridge, Law

After originally starting a career as a management consultant, I decided to retrain as a lawyer at Simmons & Simmons. My training contract has involved a very diverse range of work

from a cross-border transactional matter for a nickel mine in Madagascar one month to a lead-zinc mine in Macedonia the next! I also attended all of the contract negotiation meetings for a very large

public-private partnership (PPP) deal, meaning a lot of client contact and immersion in the commercial issues at stake. My current seat, intellectual property, has already included a hearing in the Court of

Appeal on a trade marks case for a major Hollywood studio, as well as a patent trial in the High Court, with large international companies on both sides. Outside of my legal work, I am co-chair

of the firm’s Art network, and very much enjoy assisting in the curation of our internationally renowned contemporary art collection, as well as

promoting the firm’s engagement with the wider art world.

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We have high expectations here. Soon after you join us as a trainee, you’ll be in the thick of things, assisting first-rate lawyers on high profile projects for the world’s leading businesses. And we’re confident that your training at Simmons & Simmons will give you the knowledge, experience and thirst to succeed.

Trainee Skills AcademyIn a business such as ours, talented people are crucial to our success. That’s why we focus so much attention on your training from the outset. Through our innovative Trainee Skills Academy, you’ll get access to the best training and support across a broad range of essential skills. And because our Trainee Skills Academy is the first step on our career path, you can clearly see how your skills will develop at each stage all the way through to partner.

Here’s a flavour of what to expect:

¡ Client – understanding our clients and sectors is one thing, but how do you build client relationships that last, develop your network and engage with clients confidently?

¡ People – become self-aware, understand your own working style and that of others, learn how to manage expectations, delegate and prioritise effectively.

¡ Commercial – how does a law firm make its money and how might that be different to our clients? Understand the legal market and how the economy might impact this.

¡ Technical – it goes without saying that legal skills like drafting, advocacy and negotiation are essential, but presentation skills and IT skills are also important.

Starting at law school and continuing throughout your training contract, our structured Trainee Skills Academy will help you discover where your strengths lie and push you to develop new ones. And because everyone learns in different ways, you can expect a blend of high energy face-to-face sessions, self-study and online learning. There’s also the option of further study to achieve a MA (LPC with business) qualification, if you want to extend yourself further. Your career really is in your hands and we’ll provide you with a platform to help you realise your goals.

To monitor your development we’ve defined a series of key competencies, which you’ll be graded against after every seat rotation. You will track your progression against each skill to see where you’re doing well and where you need to develop further. You should be hitting a set level each year, so your expected progression is mapped out, and you can see the trajectory you need to maintain.

Continuous learningOur high performance culture means we support the development of our lawyers at each stage of their careers, from trainee through to partner. All newly promoted lawyers and partners attend a promotion school at the point of promotion. Promotion schools outline our expectations alongside developing critical non-technical skills and knowledge. There is a focus on business development, management, leadership and commercial and financial awareness. As our schools are international they allow you to meet peers from across the network and build valuable relationships, which will aid your career progression. We realise that learning does not only happen in formal training sessions, which is why we support our people to develop on the job. From setting stretching objectives to getting exposure to clients, understanding profitability or to receiving regular feedback, our high performance culture supports our people to take ownership of their careers and to progress.

What can you expect when you join?We’d like you to get familiar with each of our key business areas, but if you’re set on specialising in a particular area of law, we’ll do our best to help. Choice and flexibility have their place alongside breadth and depth.

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We appreciate that joining a large organisation like Simmons & Simmons can be daunting. So it’s really important to have a support network to help guide you through those first whirlwind weeks and the two years ahead.

To make the most of your period as a trainee, you’ll work closely with a supervisor who’s on hand to give you guidance on day-to-day tasks and to answer any questions you might have. You’ll also have the option to request a mentor from a particular background (e.g. a female, a member of the LGBT network, a member of the Christian network) during your time at law school and throughout your training contract here. These are partners or senior lawyers with considerable legal experience and a deep understanding of the firm, so they make ideal sounding boards for advice.

As well as this support, there are other key people who are here to make sure you settle in and start contributing to the firm as soon as possible.

Our Graduate Recruitment & Development Partner gets involved early on with attracting and assessing candidates for training contracts. Once you’ve started, they will be responsible for your training and development over a two-year period. The partner also oversees the seat change and qualification processes, will listen to your feedback as you undergo your training and facilitate discussion groups.

A long-term post, the Graduate Recruitment & Development Partner is the voice for trainees among the firm’s partners.

Before you come on board, you’ll be paired with a ‘buddy’ – a fellow trainee who already knows the ropes and can tell you

who’s who and what’s what. Once you’ve joined the firm, you’ll also have contact with a Trainee Review Representative (TRR), an appointed person in each department who is there to look out for you, make sure

you’re getting involved in the right kinds of projects and getting regular work alongside partners and fee earners.

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Our Trainee Solicitor Support Network is there to provide you with the support and back-up you may need when facing new responsibilities.

SUPPORT NETWORK

Trainee Review Representative (TRR)

¡ One per department

¡ Frequent contact with trainees to ensure exposure to legal work and fee earners in the group is at appropriate level

¡ Encourage supervisors to give feedback throughout trainee’s seat (includes monitoring trainee performance review process)

¡ Point of contact for trainees to raise informal concerns

Mentor

¡ Consistent point of contact for trainee throughout law school and training contract

¡ A sounding board for trainee concerns

¡ Provides trainee with advice and guidance where necessary e.g. advice on career and training

¡ A senior fee earner who in most cases does not work directly with trainee

Group Head

¡ Overall responsibility for training experience in practice group

¡ Gives guidance and support to TRRs

¡ Makes final decisions on trainee resourcing and manpower planning for practice group

Graduate Recruitment & Development Partner and HR

¡ Overall responsibility for the resourcing and development of trainees

¡ Certifies that trainee has met required standards at end of training contract period

¡ Organises seat change, qualification and performance management and provides support to trainees

¡ Runs Trainee Skills Academy

Supervisor

¡ Provides trainee with day-to-day work and training

¡ Gives trainee appropriate opportunities to develop legal skills and knowledge

¡ Offers legal advice and guidance to trainee

¡ Provides an environment that encourages trainee to take responsibility for their own development in line with trainee competencies

¡ Appraises and gives feedback to trainee

Trainee

Buddy

¡ Answers future trainee questions on trainee experience

¡ Informal peer-to-peer contact for guidance and support

Alan Gar, Partner Banking Group, London and Graduate Recruitment & Development Partner

I joined the firm in September 2009 as a partner within the Banking team and became Graduate Recruitment &

Development Partner in 2013. It has been a very positive experience to meet so many talented and bright individuals at the assessment centres and on campus this year. Our aim is to recruit ambitious trainees, regardless of background, who are

committed, prepared to challenge and who are able to adapt and progress with the ever changing nature of our business. I truly

believe that our trainees are the future of this firm and will take Simmons & Simmons from strength to strength.

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Your training contract is just the start of your career journey. Wherever you want your career to take you, you will find countless opportunities for progression.

If you have the drive, ambition and commitment we will support you in achieving your goals.

Where will your ambition take you?

Career progression

Trainee

During your training contract you’ll not only learn the key technical skills needed to be a

lawyer, such as drafting, research and matter management – you’ll also start to

develop key behavioural skills such as self-management and prioritisation,

communication, client relationship building, networking and self-

awareness through our Trainee Skills Academy.

Newly Qualified (NQ)

You’ve qualified into the department of your choice and now

the transition from trainee to associate really begins. As you might expect,

there’s less supervision than at trainee level, but there’s still plenty of support

available. As an NQ you will develop a broad understanding of your

practice area and clients.

Associate

A key member of any team, an associate will often be involved in the day-to-day details of matters such as

drafting complex documents and liaising with clients. At this point you will now have a solid

foundation of knowledge of your practice area and can build on your existing business development skills. You will

likely support more junior colleagues in their work. Supervising

Associate

As your career progresses, it’s no surprise that expectations also increase. As

a supervising associate, you will manage work and sub-projects within agreed parameters and will likely be the primary day-to-day contact for

clients. You may also get involved in pitches, draft and review complex documents, and present on

areas of your specialism. You can also expect to develop your people management skills

by supervising junior associates or trainees.

Managing Associate

By the time you become a managing associate you will already be an expert in

your area of specialism and a confident team leader and manager. In this role you will

manage teams of lawyers, both in terms of the work the team does and in coaching and

developing individuals. You will have excellent business development skills and will

generate new work, lead on pitches and negotiate with clients. You will be

a role model for others.

Partner

Making partner will see your role shift again. You will be well supported by a team of capable

associates who will be relying on you to generate work and lead the team. You will have overall responsibility for matters, be involved in major conversations and meetings and sign off on deals. You will be a sector expert and leader

in your practice, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients,

negotiating fees and managing risk.

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We want trainees who have great intellectual abilities, but who can also show that they have initiative and drive. So while we’re interested in your academic successes, we want to see how you get on with people and how well you work in a team. We want to find out just how motivated and ambitious you are.

We’re looking for applications from candidates with strong academics (likely to be around 340 UCAS points or equivalent) who are headed for, or already have, at least a 2:1 (or equivalent) in any degree discipline. But we’re also looking for potential. That’s why our assessment process focuses on the raw skills you have now, not just on what you have achieved and means we’ll get a comprehensive insight into your suitability for a training contract.

Depending on which scheme you apply to, our assessment process is split into the following stages.

If you are successful in applying to our winter or summer vacation scheme and would like to be considered for a training contract, there is no final assessment at the end of the scheme. We decide whether to offer training contracts to our interns based only on the feedback we collect during the scheme. That’s why the application process for our vacation schemes and training contracts is exactly the same.

Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect from our application process.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of our process, please get in touch to let us know. We’ll gladly do all we can to help you perform to the best of your ability.

Once we’ve received your application for a vacation scheme or training contract, we’ll consider it carefully, and get back to you as soon as possible. If we feel you have the potential to become part of Simmons & Simmons, we’ll invite you to the next stage of the process.

We review all applications on a first come first served basis, so we strongly recommend applying early to avoid missing out.

Analytical skillsYour ability to use logical reasoning to analyse information and solve problems.

AmbitionWhether you’re motivated and driven to achieve success, and energetic in pursuing new opportunities.

CollegialityYour ability to build successful long-lasting relationships with a variety of colleagues and clients from different backgrounds.

Commercial awarenessShow us you understand the current global commercial issues and what this means for businesses.

ChallengeYour ability to think creatively, challenge others and communicate with impact.

CommitmentYour ability to plan and manage work effectively and get the job done whilst adapting to differing and changing needs and circumstances.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM & JUDGEMENT TEST

ONLINE VERBAL & LOGICAL TESTS & VIDEO INTERVIEW

ASSESSMENT CENTRE

TRAINING CONTRACT

WINTER VACATION SCHEME

SPRING INSIGHT SCHEME Video interview only

SUMMER VACATION SCHEMES

OPEN DAYS Application form only

HOW TO APPLY OUR APPLICATION PROCESS

STAGE 1 Online application form We want to know about your academic achievements so far as well as your motivation for law and Simmons & Simmons.

Online judgement test We all have our own preferred working style and strengths. Our judgement test looks at how you like to work to see if you’re a good match for us.

STAGE 2 Online verbal and logical ability tests Two short ability tests on verbal and logical reasoning.

Video interview This is our chance to get to know you a little better. Competency questions allow you to demonstrate your skills and you can complete the recorded video in your own time.

STAGE 3 Assessment centre Our assessment centres are held in our London office and are made up of three exercises:

• Document exercise and competency interview • Written exercise • Interactive exercise

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Our assessment process will test you on key competencies including:

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FeedbackWe hope you’ll be successful should you attend an assessment day. But if you’re not, ask for feedback – it will help you in the future.

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We set out to hire the best graduate talent, regardless of background. So we’ve designed our recruitment and assessment process to be as rigorous, fair and open as possible. Below you’ll find a handy at-a-glance checklist of hints and tips.

HINTS & TIPS

1 Apply early We recruit on a first come first served basis, so we strongly recommend you apply early to avoid missing out.

Give yourself enough timeWhen it comes to taking online tests, don’t leave it to the last minute. Find a quiet spot, make sure you’re free from distractions and give the test your full attention.

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Be yourselfWe need to know who you are. So make sure your personality shines through and don’t try to be someone you’re not.

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It’s a two-way processRemember to ask pertinent questions and show interest.

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3 Understand what we’re looking for Check the competencies you’ll need under the ‘how to apply‘ section.

2 Preparation is key Think about the various law firms to which you’re applying. Consider how they are structured, their international scope and the type of clients with which they deal.

4 It’s not just about the academics Clearly tell us what it is about a career in law at Simmons & Simmons that excites you.

Stay calm We know video interviews can be daunting but stay calm. Take a deep breath, smile and look at the camera. Imagine you are talking to a real interviewer. And take a moment to make sure that both you, and the background behind you, are presentable.

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Answer the question Firstly, understand what’s being asked of you. Then formulate a response that’s clear and detailed, but still succinct.

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Future trainee maintenance grantGDL: £7,000

LPC: £7,500

Trainee salary package London£40,000 (first year)

£45,000 (second year)

£68,000 (on qualification)

Bristol£36,000 (first year)

£37,000 (second year)

£49,000 (on qualification)

¡ 25 days’ holiday entitlement¡ Life assurance¡ Income protection insurance¡ Medical insurance¡ Gym subsidy¡ Free GP visits¡ Assistance if working late¡ Back up care service

¡ Employee assistance programme

¡ Music/singing lessons¡ Payroll giving scheme¡ Season ticket loan¡ Subsidised staff restaurant¡ Travel insurance¡ Pension contributions

Other benefits include:

BENEFITS

A £2,000 interest free loan is available up to two months before the start of your training contract.

MEET US

We visit a number of universities to give presentations, attend law fairs and host other events. These are great opportunities for you to meet our people and find out more about a career at Simmons & Simmons. Details of our events can be found on our website

www.simmons-simmons.com/graduates

2016/17 KEY DATES

DATES WHO CAN APPLY? APPLICATIONS OPEN

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

TRAINING CONTRACT (LONDON)

Sep 2019Mar 2020

Penultimate year law students, all final year students and graduates.

01 Nov 2016 15 Jan 2017

TRAINING CONTRACT (BRISTOL)

Sep 2019 Penultimate year law students, all final year students and graduates.

01 Nov 2016 15 Jan 2017

WINTER VACATION SCHEME (LONDON)

12 – 16 Dec 2016 All final year students and graduates.

01 Oct 2016 01 Nov 2016

SPRING INSIGHTSCHEME (LONDON)

11 – 12 Apr 2017 First year law and non-law students and penultimate year non-law students.

01 Jan 2017 01 Feb 2017

SUMMER VACATIONSCHEMES (LONDON)

19 – 30 Jun 201703 – 14 Jul 2017

Penultimate year law and non-law students, final year students and graduates.

15 Oct 2016 15 Jan 2017

SUMMER VACATION SCHEME (BRISTOL)

17 – 21 Jul 2017 Penultimate year law students, final year students and graduates.

15 Oct 2016 15 Jan 2017

OPEN DAYS (LONDON)

07 Oct 201611 Oct 2016 29 Mar 2017 05 Jul 2017

Open to anyone of undergraduate level or above.

15 Aug 2016 Varies

OPEN DAYS (BRISTOL)

19 Oct 2016 30 Nov 2016

Open to anyone of undergraduate level or above.

15 Aug 2016 Varies

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We accept applications from undergraduates, graduates, international students and those looking for a career change. The below timelines show what you can apply for and when.

YOU ARE STUDYING A LAW DEGREE

TIMELINESYOU ARE STUDYING A NON-LAW DEGREE

1ST YEAR OF UNI

AUG Applications open for open days (15 Aug 2016)

OCT Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

JAN Applications open for spring insight scheme (01 Jan 2017)

FEB Applications close for spring insight scheme (01 Feb 2017)

MAR Open day – London (29 Mar 2017)

APR Spring insight scheme (11 – 12 Apr 2017)

JUL Open day – London (05 Jul 2017)

PENULTIMATE YEAR OF UNI


OCT Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Applications open for London and Bristol summer vacation schemes (15 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Applications open for London and Bristol training contracts (01 Nov 2016) Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

JAN Applications close for London and Bristol summer vacation schemes and training contracts (15 Jan 2017)


JUN Summer vacation scheme – London (19 – 30 Jun 2017)

JUL Summer vacation scheme – London (03 – 14 Jul 2017) Open day – London (05 Jul 2017) Summer vacation scheme – Bristol (17 – 21 Jul 2017)

FINAL YEAR OF UNI & GRADUATES


OCT Applications open for winter vacation scheme (01 Oct 2016) Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Applications open for London and Bristol summer vacation schemes (15 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Applications open for London and Bristol training contracts (01 Nov 2016) Applications close for winter vacation scheme (01 Nov 2016) Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

DEC Winter vacation scheme (12 – 16 Dec 2016)





1ST YEAR OF UNI


OCT Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

JAN Applications open for spring insight scheme (01 Jan 2017)




JUL Open day – London (05 Jul 2017)

PENULTIMATE YEAR OF UNI


OCT Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Applications open for London summer vacation schemes (15 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Applications open for London and Bristol training contracts (01 Nov 2016) Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

JAN Applications open for spring insight scheme (01 Jan 2017) Applications close for London summer vacation schemes and London and Bristol training contracts (15 Jan 2017)




JUN Summer vacation scheme – London (19 –30 Jun 2017)

JUL Summer vacation scheme – London (03 – 14 Jul 2017) Open day – London (05 Jul 2017)

FINAL YEAR OF UNI & GRADUATES


OCT Applications open for winter vacation scheme (01 Oct 2016) Open day – London (07 Oct 2016) Open day – London (11 Oct 2016) Applications open for London and Bristol summer vacation schemes (15 Oct 2016) Open day – Bristol (19 Oct 2016)

NOV Applications open for London and Bristol training contracts (01 Nov 2016) Applications close for winter scheme (01 Nov 2016) Open day – Bristol (30 Nov 2016)

DEC Winter vacation scheme (12 – 16 Dec 2016)





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elexica.com is the award winning online legal resource of Simmons & Simmons© Simmons & Simmons LLP 2016. All rights reserved, and all moral rights are asserted and reserved.This document is for general guidance only. It does not contain definitive advice. SIMMONS & SIMMONS and S&S are registered trade marks of Simmons & Simmons LLP.Simmons & Simmons is an international legal practice carried on by Simmons & Simmons LLP and its affiliated practices. Accordingly, references to Simmons & Simmons mean Simmons & Simmons LLP and the other partnerships and other entities or practices authorised to use the name “Simmons & Simmons” or one or more of those practices as the context requires. The word “partner” refers to a member ofSimmons & Simmons LLP or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications or to an individual with equivalent status in one of Simmons & Simmons LLP’s affiliated practices. For further information on the international entities and practices, refer to simmonssimmons.com/legalrespSimmons & Simmons LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with number OC352713 and with its registered office at CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9SS. It is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A list of members and other partners together with their professional qualifications is available for inspection at the above address.

The Graduate Recruitment TeamT +44 (0) 20 7628 2020F +44 (0) 20 7628 2070E [email protected] Simmons & Simmons CityPoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9SS simmons-simmons.com/graduates

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