Introduction
COB: Welcome to the Recruiter Corner. Today we speak with Karen Manu, an LLM Legal Practice Course graduate and Graduate Recruitment Assistant at Reed Smith. Karen is also an experienced copywriter and contributor to The Student Lawyer. She supports aspiring solicitors and brings valuable insight into the recruitment process.
The Importance of Vacation Schemes
COB: How important is the vacation scheme as part of the recruitment process?
KM: The vacation scheme is extremely important, particularly where the firm does not offer a direct training contract route. It allows candidates to demonstrate their strengths and experience the firm's culture and work environment.
Work During the Vacation Scheme
COB: What kind of work can candidates expect to experience during the vacation scheme?
KM: Students participate in pro bono exercises and workshops on negotiation, cultural intelligence and business development. They sit within a practice area of their choice and receive supervision from an experienced lawyer. They also have a trainee buddy who supports them throughout the scheme and beyond.
Key Skills Reed Smith Looks For
COB: What key skills does Reed Smith look for in candidates?
KM: Commercial awareness is essential. Candidates must understand developments in society and business and explain how these affect client service. Reed Smith also values personable and adaptable candidates who communicate professionally and think on their feet. Performing well under pressure is also important.
Reed Smith and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination
COB: How is Reed Smith adopting the Solicitors Qualifying Examination?
KM: Reed Smith has developed a specific SQE placement programme. Future trainees study SQE1 and SQE2 preparation alongside Master's-level modules tailored to the firm. They undertake paid professional placements for two days each week and rotate through roles in business services teams. This provides early induction, familiarity with systems and a strong internal network before Qualifying Work Experience begins.
Diversity and Inclusion
COB: How important is diversity and inclusion to Reed Smith?
KM: Diversity and inclusion are extremely important. Graduate recruitment continually explores ways to increase representation of underrepresented groups. The firm partners with university societies and organisations focused on diversity. Reed Smith also has business inclusion groups including the Multicultural Network, LEADRS, PRISM and WINRS, each supporting different communities within the firm.
Common Mistakes in Applications
COB: What is the most common way candidates let themselves down in their applications?
KM: Weak structure is a frequent issue. Strong content becomes unclear if the answer is poorly organised. Candidates also fail to provide specific and relevant examples, which weakens their responses.
What Good Candidates Should Know About Reed Smith
COB: What key things about Reed Smith should good candidates be able to talk about?
KM: Candidates should provide personal and specific reasons for wanting to be commercial lawyers at Reed Smith. They should demonstrate knowledge of an industry group by researching the firm's website and podcast.
Assessment Centres
COB: Does Reed Smith run assessment centres?
KM: Yes. Reed Smith runs both in-person and virtual assessment centres. The assessment centre consists of three stages: a case study exercise and interview, a group exercise, and an in-tray mark-up exercise. Reasonable adjustments are available upon request.
Quick Fire Questions
COB: Favourite movie.
KM: Madea's Big Happy Family.
COB: Guilty pleasure.
KM: Any song from the High School Musical franchise.
COB: Coffee or tea.
KM: Coffee.
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