Employer in Focus: Shoosmiths
Our client list speaks volumes for the quality of our lawyers and the experience they provide. From Hewlett-Packard to Krispy Kreme and property developers to some of the UK’s largest banks, we work with a growing number of the FTSE 250 and some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious growth businesses.
Shoosmiths has been providing legal services for over 160 years. Today, it is in the top three of the best law firms to work for in the UK, as voted by graduate employees. In a sector that can be highly demanding in terms of average working hours, Shoosmiths’ employees report having an excellent work/life balance, scoring the company 4.3/5 in this category. Graduates also frequently note the benefits of working in a smaller firm, praising Shoosmiths for its “fantastically supportive working culture”.
Click below to hear Shoosmiths graduate employees speak for themselves…
1. The Best and Worst things about working for Shoosmiths
Best: The people are all friendly and fun to work with. The work/life balance is really good too – I have never had to come into the office on weekends and have only needed to stay very late on rare occasions. As a trainee, I have worked for and been seconded to some really interesting clients.
Worst: The location of the office is a little inconvenient.
Paralegal within Corporate at Shoosmiths
Best: The culture of the company. From day one (and even before, on the vacation scheme and at social events I was invited to) I have been made to feel part of the team. There is no sense of hierarchy in the office or across the firm in other offices. Everybody, regardless of role or their duration at the firm is made to feel like a key and integral part of the team. The level of support given is also second to none. Everybody has or makes time for everyone else should they need it.
Worst: Honestly, so far I cannot think of anything bad to say!
Trainee Solicitor within Employment at Shoosmiths
Best: The people and the support you get from everyone in the team. The training contract is well structured with continuous support from your supervisor who ensures you get a wide and varied selection of work. The firm really values its employees. It makes you feel more motivated to work to your best potential.
Worst: The London office is still quite small and does not cater for trainees or junior solicitors.
Trainee within Real Estate at Shoosmiths
2. Average Working Hours
9:00am – 6pm
3. Average Graduate Salary
£23,000 – £25,000
4. Interview Tips
Application Advice: Think about whether the Shoosmiths culture fits with your personality. If so, then try to get across your best self. Demonstrate why you want to work at Shoosmiths; demonstrate why you’d personally be a great fit for the firm.
Interview Advice: Be as relaxed as possible, but still ensure you are professional and composed. Try to provide answers that will stand out – create a story in the interviewer’s mind. Mirror the interviewer’s behaviour so that you can demonstrate you are right for the firm and the team.
Paralegal within Corporate at Shoosmiths
Application Advice: Make sure that you truly fit the firm’s culture and values. Shoosmiths really does live the values it promotes, and employs people who share those values.
Interview Advice: Build a rapport with your interviewer. It is important for them to know that you will be able to get on with a range of people, integrating yourself into their business seamlessly and confidently.
Trainee Solicitor within Employment at Shoosmiths
Application Advice: Do your research on the firm. Make sure that you understand the firm’s core values and goals. Try and tailor your CV and application to what the firm is looking for and not just as a general application to any firm.
Interview Advice: Be yourself. Be confident and personable. The firm will be looking for someone who is professional yet approachable, who they can trust to put in front of a client from the outset.
Trainee within Real Estate at Shoosmiths
Interested in finding out more about graduate life at Shoosmiths? Click here for their full range of graduate reviews.
