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Reed Smith 
Beaufort House 15 St Botolph Street London EC3A 7EE
Lex 100 winner
Favoured by 7 users (Register to add this entry to your favourites)

The trainee verdict

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The lowdown (in their own words...)


Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'International offices, reputable clients, varied practice areas'; 'friendly culture'; 'specialising in areas I wanted to practise in, a big international firm, but fewer trainees than most other large firms'; 'positive attitude, the people are professional but down-to-earth, responsibility given to trainees'; 'good work/life balance for firm of this stature'; 'good and lasting impressions from vac scheme'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Greater variety of work, more responsibility for individual transactions, friendlier firm'; 'I have had excellent client contact, including a seat at MTV'; 'shorter hours, more varied workload'; 'less competition between trainees'; 'good training opportunities'; 'in keeping with firms of equal market position'

Best thing about the firm? 'The friendly culture and open door policy give it a genuine, approachable and welcoming feel'; 'opportunities to work abroad and secondments. The new building!'; 'the social life, the people, the type and variety of work'; 'the international dimension'; 'trainees are valued' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'Two offices in London so trainees are divided'; 'lack of brand identity - this will definitely change over the next couple of years'; 'an unnecessarily complicated IT helpdesk system'; 'the Friday Treat (I'm talking Kitkats and other naughty delights) has now changed to the Friday Fruit. I was a bit put out by that to be honest'; 'US management'

Best moment? 'Going to New York for a diversity conference'; 'completing a major refinancing transaction, getting a secondment to Hong Kong'; 'interviewing a technical witness by myself only a few months into my training contract'; 'being given my own active file to run in my first seat'; 'client meetings, working on a Microsoft deal'

Worst moment? 'Quiet days due to market conditions'; 'having work coming back covered in red ink by my supervisor'; 'staying late to prepare bundles for trial'; 'getting endless know-how tasks in a niche seat which doesn't have much trainee-level work'; 'a couple of all-nighters (but in two years that's not bad!!)'



The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Reed Smith's absorption of Richards Butler in 2007 significantly enhanced its UK capabilities, as well as rounding out its international presence. It now has over 1,500 lawyers worldwide and quality practices across a wide range of areas, notably M&A, commodities, shipping, media and litigation.


The star performers

Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Commodities; Corporate and commercial; Debt recovery; Employment; Insurance; Intellectual property; Media and entertainment; Mergers and acquisitions; Shipping.

The deals

Advised Bank of New York Mellon on Basel II developments; advised McDonalds on its £350m sale of a 33% interest in Pret a Manger; advised Bunge SA on the monetisation of a portfolio of 18 dry-bulk vessel charters; advised Universal Pictures on Mamma Mia!; advising the European Broadcasting Union and the BBC on copyright law reforms.

The clients

Airbus; Bank of Ireland; Barclays Bank; Footprint Films; Glencore Grain BV; HSBC; Prescience Film Finance; RBS; Singapore Airlines; Vertical UK LLP; Warner Brothers.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2008: $878.8m (+37% from 2007) Profits per equity partner: $1,007,00 (+5%)


The Lex 100 verdict

Reed Smith is praised by trainees for its positive attitude, friendly down-to-earth culture and open, fair recruitment process. It is a Lex 100 Winner in the vacation scheme category and many trainees comment on their 'lasting impressions' of the firm from the scheme. One in particular remarks: 'during my vacation scheme I came to understand that Reed Smith maintained and promoted a diverse workforce, thus playing to the strengths of each individual'. Other trainees comment on the same theme - 'my workload is varied and plays to my strengths while challenging me to overcome my weaknesses'. Trainees here appreciate this focus on the individual and feel the broad range of seats and secondment opportunities keeps many options open for their future careers. They also comment favourably on their training and supervision - 'we get plenty of responsibility and supervisors are very friendly and knowledgeable - I am in awe of my supervisor's intelligence and knowledge of the law - I feel lucky to be able to learn from him'. The supportive and 'less corporate' atmosphere is mostly appreciated - 'good for lack of pretension but bad for lack of all-expenses paid glamorous parties!' Complaints here tend to focus on the different working practices between different departments and the American influence worries some (still having to speak to someone in Pittsburgh for IT problems, increasing pressure on chargeable hours and the move to 'overpriced new offices' - although most trainees are happy with this move to 'one, smart new building'). In fact overall trainees are very happy with their experiences here, so if you're looking for a broad training with a medium-sized trainee intake, in a firm with a true international dimension then consider Reed Smith.

A day in the life of.....

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About the firm

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