Early careers at Shoosmiths
Many people are surprised to find that there are various different career paths which involve law. Instead of becoming a solicitor there are a range of other options from legal journalists, legal secretaries, paralegals and legal executives to solicitor advocates, coroners, lecturers and court clerks. There are also roles to support the business itself in areas such as finance, IT, HR and projects and innovation.
If you have good commercial awareness (stay up to date on developments in the business and commercial world), great interpersonal skills and a keen interest in how a law firm operates as a business, then this could be the first step into the industry that you’ve been looking for.
If you’re just starting to look at your options for a career in law, we recommend reading the beginners guide to a career in law by lawcareers.net. In this guide you’ll find information about what a job in law involves, the differences between the three main types of lawyer (solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives), and the courses and training you need to complete to qualify into the profession. Whilst traditional routes are still an option, a university degree is not necessarily required and apprenticeships are now a possibility to access the profession.
Level 1 -6 apprenticeships
Shoosmiths is committed to nurturing talent and developing expertise through providing relevant vocational and professional apprenticeships across all its divisions and directorates.
Our apprenticeship opportunities provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn and grow while gaining experience in a specific job role.
Through our apprenticeships, you’ll gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills you need for your immediate job and future career all whilst gaining a professional qualification.
Level 1 – 6 apprenticeships are advertised here:
To learn more about our level 7 solicitor apprenticeship, see our dedicated information page here.
Early careers – your first steps into a law firm
If you are starting out in your career, take a look at our entry-level roles. Entry-level roles can support you to develop workplace skills, build your confidence and provide inspiration for your career ambitions. At Shoosmiths, we have many early careers opportunities (not just legal roles) across all of our divisions and directorates.
By joining us at the start of your career you will benefit from:
- Skill Development: Training and mentorship opportunities, helping you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for your specific job function.
- Career Inspiration: Working with us will expose you to a professional environment, allowing you to observe and learn from experienced colleagues. This exposure can help inspire you to set ambitious career goals.
- Career Progression: Shoosmiths offer internal growth opportunities. Starting in an entry-level role could be your stepping-stone to advancing within the firm and taking on more challenging and rewarding positions.
- Networking: Joining Shoosmiths can provide access to a network of professionals, including mentors and colleagues, which can be beneficial for your career growth and personal development.
Read more about what to expect an at interview here.
Join us to start to develop an inspiring career at Shoosmiths.
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Careers blog
Visit Shoosmiths' careers blog, dedicated to sharing helpful tips and stories to support your journey into a career in law.