Tanya is a Senior Emerging Talent Advisor, who has been hosting Shoosmiths’ virtual Insight Events to hundreds of aspiring solicitors. In this article, Tanya answers some of the most commonly asked questions we received from this popular event.
Published: 16 February 2026
Author: Tanya Mumford
Starting your legal career is an exciting step and choosing the right firm matters. At Shoosmiths, we want you to feel informed and confident about your decision. That is why we have gathered the most commonly asked questions by future candidates at a recent insight evening and turned them into practical advice for you.
Whether you are exploring our culture, preparing your application, or wondering what life as a trainee is really like, these insights are here to help.
Ready to explore opportunities? Visit our careers page to find out more.
What makes Shoosmiths unique?
Shoosmiths is a full-service commercial law firm with a proud heritage dating back to 1845, operating across 14 locations and working with clients from household names to cutting-edge innovators. But what truly sets us apart is our people-first culture. We are known for being approachable, collaborative, and inclusive. Our values - focusing on what matters, making a difference, delivering together, and being ourselves - shape everything we do.
We celebrate diversity and individuality, encouraging you to bring your unique self to work. We work hard because we care about delivering the best outcomes for our clients and supporting each other to succeed. Making a difference is at the heart of our approach – whether that is helping clients achieve their goals, contributing to our communities, or creating an inclusive workplace. Striving for excellence means we never stand still; we look for smarter, better ways of working and invest in innovation, especially in legal technology and AI, so you will join a firm that is always looking ahead.
How do I stand out in the application process?
We assess your application holistically; it is never just about academics or work experience. We want to understand your motivations, passion for law and Shoosmiths, your strengths, and your potential to thrive. Be authentic and prepared. Tailor your application to show why Shoosmiths is the right fit for you. Use examples that highlight your skills and experiences, and do not underestimate the importance of commercial awareness. Research our clients, sectors, and the challenges shaping the legal market.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and universities, and you do not need legal experience to apply. Applications are screened during the window of time applications are open, but decisions are not made until the deadline date has passed. If you require any adjustments or have mitigating circumstances, please let us know - supporting you to perform at your best is important to us.
What is life like as a trainee?
Life as a trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths is exciting, challenging, and full of opportunities to learn. You will rotate through different practice areas, gaining exposure to varied work and clients, including real estate, commercial, corporate, and litigation.
Early responsibility is a reality here but so is support. Our trainees benefit from structured development, mentoring, and regular feedback. Our current trainees describe a supportive environment where you are encouraged to get involved in pro bono work, internal networks, and innovation projects. You will never feel like you are navigating your career alone.
What work will I be involved in?
Shoosmiths is known for its strength in areas such as real estate, commercial, technology, and litigation, but our work spans many sectors. As a trainee, you will contribute to real client matters, gaining hands-on experience and seeing the impact of your work.
Innovation is part of our DNA, so expect exposure to legal technology and new ways of working. We work hard to deliver exceptional results for clients, and you will be part of that effort from day one. Making a difference means supporting clients on matters that shape industries and communities, while also contributing to initiatives that improve how we work and the world around us. Striving for excellence is about more than technical skill – it is about curiosity, collaboration, and finding smarter solutions, which is why you will be encouraged to challenge ideas and embrace innovation.
Our divisions are focused on growth, innovation, and international expansion, with opportunities to get involved in high-value deals and sector expertise in technology, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and mobility.
One of our current trainees Tazmin Clements, was staffed on the acquisition of The Lawyer. The workstreams Tazmin took ownership on during the deal included drafting and negotiating ancillary documents, getting the specific disclosures in final form for inclusion in the disclosure letter, running the signing process, and assisting with completion mechanics and completion deliverables. Tazmin’s work on the transaction was featured in The Lawyer's Partnerless and the whole deal was featured in The Lawyer.
Shoosmiths is also leading the way in legal innovation as the first major UK law firm to embed Microsoft Copilot across its operations. This means you will gain hands-on experience with AI tools that help lawyers work smarter and deliver better outcomes for clients. Our ambitious target of one million Copilot prompts reflects how deeply technology is integrated into our culture.
How will my career develop?
We invest in long-term development through training, mentoring, and opportunities to take on responsibility early in your career. Whether you come from a law or non-law background, you will find support to build confidence and progress. Networking and collaboration are key, and you will have access to a strong internal community.
Our strengths-based recruitment process looks for qualities like adaptability, credibility, attention to detail, and effective communication - traits that help you thrive here.
To help hone those strengths even further, all trainees are supported by an internal skills-based development programme called Elevate throughout the duration of your training contract. Elevate complements your technical training by focusing on personal and business skills critical for success as a qualified solicitor – such as developing self-confidence, creating a compelling personal brand, and maintaining peak performance during busy times.
You will also benefit from Inclusive Learning Circles – peer-led discussion groups that create a safe, collaborative space to share experiences, learn from others, and explore topics around diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. These circles are part of Shoosmiths’ commitment to embedding inclusion into everyday learning and development, helping you become a well-rounded and inclusive colleague and legal advisor.
How does Shoosmiths stay ahead?
Commercial awareness is vital for every lawyer. At Shoosmiths, we combine legal expertise with commercial insight, adapting to market trends and embracing innovation. Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the legal landscape, and we are committed to staying ahead – which means you will be too.
We encourage you to use AI responsibly in your applications, as a tool to refine your ideas, not replace them. Integrity and originality matter, and we have published guidance to help you navigate this evolving space.
At Shoosmiths, innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. We work within a secure network of generative AI and follow clear internal rules on its use, such as not using it for image generation. Being a responsible and sustainable employer is central to our approach, as we aim to meet the ambitious net zero goals we have set for ourselves. For us, progress does not mean choosing between innovation and responsibility – it means working responsibly with the tools we have.
As a trainee, you will benefit from this mindset. You will learn how to harness cutting-edge technology while upholding the highest ethical standards, preparing you to advise clients in a world where innovation and sustainability are inseparable.
Is Shoosmiths the right fit for me?
Your career journey starts with understanding what matters most to you. Think about your goals, your values, and the kind of environment where you will thrive. If you are looking for a firm that celebrates individuality, champions collaboration, and invests in your growth, Shoosmiths could be the perfect place to begin.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our opportunities, connect with us at events, and start your journey with confidence. Your future in law begins with the choices you make today – and we are here to help you make the right one.
Want to learn more? Watch this recording of one of our Insight Events.
Our Insight Events run throughout the year, and we’d recommend you also come along live. They are scheduled ahead of our placement and training contract deadlines, giving you the chance to hear our top tips and ask questions in the moment before you apply.
Each Insight Event is designed to showcase our current opportunities, including training contracts in England and Scotland, solicitor apprenticeships, and diversity initiatives such as our Discover Vacation Placement. You are welcome to join as many sessions as suit your interests.
If this article has sparked any questions, you can get in touch with our Emerging Talent Team at joinus@shoosmiths.com