1. What drew you to this firm?

I spent 3 weeks with Simmons & Simmons LLP as a vacation student and found that everyone was genuinely friendly and keen to involve me in their work. After my scheme I was delighted to then be offered a training contract. Needless to say, Simmons has a good reputation in the City and I knew I’d have the opportunity to get involved with lots of different types of work as well as have the option to go on secondment – so far I haven’t been disappointed!

2. What areas have you worked in?

I spent my first two seats in Financial Services and Projects, and I’ve now been seconded to a Dispute Resolution client through the firm’s Hong Kong office so I’m currently seeing things from both an international and a client perspective which is interesting.

3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?

I have done quite a range of work over the last year and a bit - from helping to establish Hedge Funds through drafting clauses in big Government contracts to legal research and assisting at marketing events for the firm in general. Quite a mixed bag, which is nice as it has enabled me to get a feel for the variety of work available as a trainee and the different options available upon qualification.

4. What clients have you done work for?

I have worked for clients ranging from individuals looking to purchase shares in a small private company through international banks and high value investment boutiques to the Ministry of Defence, so the whole bundle really! The sort of clients you work for obviously varies depending on which department you’re in, but on the whole Simmons has some big names on its books and often the deals you work on are media sensitive and exciting.

5. Have you had much client contact?

I have had a fair amount of client contact, although it can depend on the department you’re in as well as the nature of the work you’re helping with. From day one I was emailing clients and talking to them on the phone, so in that sense you have client contact from the outset. In my last seat I attended lots of client meetings and got to know the individuals we were working with pretty well. Also, I’ve been lucky enough to go on a client secondment so obviously the level of contact is 100% when you’re based in a client’s offices and working for them.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Yes. One of the best things about Simmons is that there are no real limits on the work you get as a trainee. If you prove to the people you work for, that you’re capable, you can then command more responsibility!

7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

I have undertaken a real range of training at Simmons, from the SRA mandatory professional skills course to departmental sessions on specific areas of law. As a trainee at Simmons there are plenty of formal and informal training opportunities available, and obviously you’re always learning by doing, during your working day.

8. What hours do you generally work? What is expected?

It is very hard to generalise about the hours I work as they vary greatly. At best, I probably work 9.30am to 6pm and at worst I don’t get much sleep! On the whole the hours are decent, and people are pretty understanding if you do need to get out of the door at a certain time. The general expectation is that as part of a team you’ll help out when required – no different from any other job really.

9. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I have received feedback both formally and informally throughout my training contract thus far. I have had an end of seat appraisal every six months which has involved an analysis of my strengths and development areas. There’s generally a good culture of feedback at Simmons as everyone recognises that, as a trainee, it’s the way you learn and develop and that helps you to ultimately produce work to a higher standard.

10. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?

The culture at Simmons is genuinely very welcoming – everyone is professional but recognises that it is important to get on with colleagues on a personal level as well. The atmosphere is pleasant and supportive, and one of the nicest things about the firm is that there is no tangible divide between trainees, partners, and support staff in terms of how they treat people; it’s certainly a positive and vibrant place to work.

11. What do you like most about working for the firm?

That’s a hard question but I’d probably say the people. It’s fair to say that wherever you work as a city lawyer the type of work you do, the hours, the pay and the prospects are much the same, but the difference between firms comes from the culture and the attitudes that people have. As I’ve mentioned, Simmons is very welcoming and supportive as a firm and that comes from the ground up.

12. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?

Just to be yourself and try to relax. When you’re applying, the firm wants to see the real you as that’s the person who will turn up on day 1.

13. Any other comments?

Good Luck!