In 2022, The College of Legal Practice began a successful partnership with Reed Smith in delivering practical legal training modules for their future trainees. In October 2024, this evolved into a updated professional SQE programme, combining a foundation year of work placements, SQE preparation and bespoke Reed Smith training modules, followed by two years of seat placements to complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
We recently spoke to Rebecca Schrod, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Reed Smith about the programme, and share her reflections on their intuitive model, created in partnership with the College, and how this process is going so far
The Reed Smith approach to legal training
The Reed Smith training method is delivered in collaboration with our team at The College of Legal Practice and comprises of three training years.
The first year at Reed Smith for trainees covers work placements, bespoke teaching modules around the work of Reed Smith, SQE preparation and exam completion, and is referred to as the ‘Professional SQE year’. Designed to prepare trainees for life as a lawyer, the year begins by delivering a module in partnership with the College focusing on legal business skills. Students then begin their first placement at Reed Smith in the professional services team (a non-legal team) in one of a variety of different business services from marketing to business development, pro bono work and legal operations. Here trainees are focused on gaining experience in office dynamics and full-time work - as for many, this is the first step in employment away from a university setting.
On completion of their first Reed Smith placement, students then head back into full time study to complete their SQE1 preparation course, with The College of Legal Practice. On successful completion of SQE1, they then repeat this process for SQE2. Reed Smith feel that keeping their study and work periods distinct allows for trainees to manage their time best as well as giving them the best chance of passing each examination. With the flexible, online first nature of the College’s offering, this really supports providers to meet the needs of their trainees in line with their preferred delivery methods while ensuring robust teaching and preparation.
On successful completion of SQE1 and SQE2, students then take their final first year placement, working in a consultancy style to create a piece of work for a paid or pro bono client. This has covered a variety of areas and focuses on tangible, impactful work with a clear business need, such as analysing a client gender pay gap, or assessing a client’s business strategies.
After year one, trainees then begin their traditional two-year ‘training contract’, which counts for their mandatory Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
How the SQE year embeds legal skills
At Reed Smith, trainees and firm employees alike have found that combining practical work experience placements with SQE preparation really embeds legal skills gained from each part of the process. The softer skills trainees gain during their first-year placements embed the more specific legal skills gained during SQE Prep and are used throughout the College’s teaching too. The regular self-reflection required by the College throughout SQE Prep is also highly useful for Reed Smith trainees in their QWE years, where constant feedback and adaptation are needed for any legal worker.
Reed Smith's top advice for applying for their trainee programme
We talked with Becca Schrod, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Reed Smith, on what Reed Smith look for in successful applicants to their bespoke training programme.
“We’re looking for a balance of skills and attributes across our team at Reed Smith, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment. My advice, instead, is to look inward and think about what your strongest skill sets and qualities are, as well as your weaknesses. Are you highly organised? A great communicator who thrives in learning from others? Sell this to us. Equally, what are your weaknesses, and how do you work to overcome them, or work around them? We’re keen to know that you’re self-aware enough to spot what you find challenging.
That being said, one thing that does stand out for us in applications is a commitment to the vision we have of being constantly innovative. We like to see trainees who are curious and want to learn new things - so that’s something to consider! We also love to see what you’re passionate about - and if that is in a particular sector or industry that we specialise in (energy, finance, transport, and entertainment) then all the better.
Finally, I’d say to keep using clear examples when you make a statement. How are you curious, or organised? What have you done that evidences that quality? Don’t feel like this has to be in a legal work experience setting. Voluntary work, working while at university or part time work all provide solid evidence of your skill set - we know accessing legal work experience can be challenging.”
This article stems from discussions with Annabelle Smith at Legal Cheek and her interview with Kathryn Newton, programme leader at The College of Legal Practice, and Becca Schrod, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Reed Smith. Thank you to all for your participation and knowledge.
You can find out more about Reed Smith’s early careers opportunities here.
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