Simmons & Simmons LLP

The diversity of our practice means that our teams have the ability to handle the full range of deals and transactions. Focused and flexible, the exceptional performance of our lawyers is key to our success.

At Simmons & Simmons we recognise that the firm is only equal to the strength of its people. Whatever area of our business interests you, whether as a fee-earner, member of one of our support departments or secretary, we value the contribution of all our employees to maintaining and strengthening our position as a leading international law firm.

Our trainees sit with either a partner or a lawyer and you will quickly find yourself at the centre of the action and that your legal and overall professional skills are growing daily.  We offer our trainees high quality international experience and provide training, which equips you with the insight and ability to deal with the legal and commercial issues relevant to our clients.

Pushing Boundaries

We have done all we can to use innovative approaches to provide clients with a service that’s relevant, progressive and effective.  This has involved digging deep to find out what our clients really want from us, and how to provide that service.  For example, elexica is our dedicated legal content website for clients and contacts.  It provides a rich stream of free legal information, service and resources, which can now also be accessed via updates on twitter and facebook.

All our trainees have the option to choose to complete an MBA course a year before they start with us. This unique initiative recognises that there’s more to being a good lawyer than merely knowing the ins and outs of case law or litigation. At Simmons & Simmons, we aim to nurture and develop well-rounded individuals who can think for themselves, take the right decisions at the right time, and have an aptitude for business.

Ultimately, this adds value for our clients, who will be dealing with lawyers better equipped to provide them with commercially focused advice, who have stronger leadership skills, and are more effective practitioners on every level.

Simmons & Simmons believes it is who we are and our unique approach to work that sets us apart from the competition

Simmons & Simmons are looking for ambitious, focused individuals with law or non-law degrees. We are interested in finding out about your academic successes but we will also explore your ability to form excellent interpersonal relations and work within a team environment, as well as your levels of motivation, drive and ambition.

Show us evidence of a rich ‘life experience’ as well as examples of your intellectual capabilities and we will provide you with everything you need to become a successful member of our firm.

Trainee Profile

Name: Victoria Channing

Date Graduated: June 2006

Degree Studied: Law with European Study

Why did you choose Simmons & Simmons?

I chose Simmons & Simmons because of the cultural ‘fit’ and the international opportunities. I was always very keen to work abroad and knew that I would have this opportunity at the firm. I got on very well with the other Simmons & Simmons candidates (now trainees), indicating that the firm would be a great place to work and that I would always have a large amount of peer support.

What was your route before starting at Simmons & Simmons?

I love to travel and took advantage of the long holidays to visit Central America and tour around Europe. Since university, I have worked in France, worked for another City firm as a trainee trade mark attorney and have travelled through South-East Asia and Australasia.

I started at Simmons & Simmons in September 2010 after completing the GDL, LPC and the MBA at BPP Law School in London. 

What Seats have you done so far?

My first seat was in Information Communication Technology in London. I have just completed my second seat in the Corporate department in Abu Dhabi and will be returning shortly to London to the Commercial Litigation department.

What do you do on a day to day basis?

Whilst in these two seats, I have been involved in business development, recruitment activities and taken advantage of the opportunities to attend client events. On a day to day basis I review and mark up a range of agreements; carry out research and draft notes of advice to send to clients; liaise with clients and run my own, smaller matters. I also meet other trainees and associates for lunch or after work drinks on a regular basis.