The ultimate guide to applying to Shoosmiths

Thinking about applying for a training contract, placement or solicitor apprenticeship at Shoosmiths? Your application form is your first chance to impress. In this guide, we share tips on how to craft a standout application form – from tailoring your application to Shoosmiths, addressing mitigating circumstances and even how to responsibly use AI. Ready to take the first step towards your legal career?

We understand that applying for a training contract or solicitor apprenticeship can feel overwhelming. The application form is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression, and we place a lot of weight on the details you provide. Here’s our advice on how to approach the form and give yourself the best chance of success.

Before starting your application, take time to research our firm thoroughly. Each law firm is different, and we expect candidates to understand what sets Shoosmiths apart. Whether it’s our focus on commercial law, our standout work in litigation, or our commitment to diversity and inclusion, tailor your answers to reflect why you’re excited about joining us. Avoid generic statements—be specific about what draws you to our firm and how your career goals align with what we offer. Showing a genuine understanding of our culture and values will help set you apart.

Make sure you know the role you are applying for. Double check the eligibility criteria and what is expected of you throughout the recruitment process. You can find our eligibility criteria for our opportunities as well as recruitment timelines here.

The application form is structured to give us a clear understanding of your experience and motivations. Each section plays a key role, so it’s essential to approach them carefully.

• Personal and Academic Details: Make sure that all your academic achievements and qualifications are accurately represented. Highlight any standout subjects or qualifications relevant to our practice areas. We utilise contextualised recruitment at Shoosmiths, which gives us a better indication of your academic capabilities creating a fairer measure of your academic achievements than A-Level grades alone.
• Work Experience: This section is more than just listing roles. We want to see how your experiences, whether legal or non-legal, have developed transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your work has prepared you for the challenges of being a solicitor at Shoosmiths.
• Competency-Based Questions: We use these questions to assess how you’ve demonstrated essential skills in real-world scenarios. Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity. Focus on skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, and provide real examples of how you’ve applied these in practice.

Each section is designed to reveal your strengths and motivations, so take your time and ensure your responses reflect a well-rounded, thoughtful application.

There are a few common pitfalls that can harm an otherwise strong application. First, avoid generic applications. It’s easy to spot when answers are copied and pasted from other applications, and this suggests a lack of genuine interest in Shoosmiths. Personalising your responses is key.

Secondly, always proofread your application carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes can create a negative impression and suggest a lack of attention to detail—which is a key strength we look for in trainee solicitors at Shoosmiths. Make sure to review your application thoroughly and consider asking someone else to check it for you.

Lastly, keep your answers clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured, focused responses. There’s no need for overly complex language—direct, straightforward communication is much more effective.

Before you submit your application, give it one last review. Are your answers clear and tailored to Shoosmiths? Do they highlight the skills and values we’re looking for? Ensure you’ve showcased your experience and motivation effectively. Having someone else review your application can help you spot any final areas for improvement.

Mitigating Circumstances: At Shoosmiths, we understand that life can present challenges, and we encourage applications to be open about any mitigating circumstances that may have impacted their academic or work performance There is space on the application from to provide details and we will consider this information in the context of your overall applications. We value resilience and the unique paths people tale to pursue a legal career

Reasonable Adjustments: If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, we are committed to accommodating your needs. Whether its for the application itself, online assessment or assessment centre, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our goal is to create an inclusive and accessible environment that allows everyone to perform at their best.

Utilising AI: We also support the responsible use of AI in preparing your application form, as long as it is in line with our published guidance. AI can be a helpful tool for drafting and organising your thoughts, but it is essential that any content generated is reviews and personalised by you to ensure it accurately reflect your own experiences and motivations in your own voice.

Applying for a training contract or solicitor apprenticeship at Shoosmiths is a competitive process, and the application form is your first chance to make a strong impression. By doing your research, structuring your answers carefully, and demonstrating genuine interest in our firm, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to succeed. We look forward to seeing your application—good luck!