The Legal Cheek View
US law firm Reed Smith is set to welcome its first-ever solicitor apprentices in September 2026. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the firm has expanded through a series of mergers to become a major global player, with London now its largest office and home to more than 350 lawyers.
The firm works across five main sectors: financial services, life sciences and healthcare, energy and natural resources, transportation, and media and entertainment. Its client list includes all top 10 banks in the US, UK and EU, as well as major tech companies and even global pop stars. Last year, Reed Smith raked in over $1.5 billion worldwide, with London revenue up 15% to $247 million.
The new solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme designed to give school leavers both legal and commercial experience. Unlike some schemes that focus purely on law, this one mixes legal work with exposure to business and tech functions, helping apprentices develop the commercial awareness and digital skills needed in today’s profession. The idea is to create not just lawyers, but rounded professionals ready for the future.
The programme is split into stages. In years one and two, apprentices rotate through business services and legal tech teams. By years three and four, they step into paralegal-level roles in practice groups while completing their law degree. At this point, they can either stay on the solicitor route — progressing to the equivalent of a training contract with four seat rotations and potential client or overseas secondments — or move into legal tech or operations roles instead.
Support is a big focus at Reed Smith. Each apprentice is assigned a mentor and given a structured learning and development plan, with 20% of their time ring-fenced for study. Starting salaries are £26,500 with yearly increases, plus a £2,000 sign-on bonus to help with travel and housing. Perks include 25 days’ holiday, firm-wide benefits, and a lively social calendar organised by the Apprentice & Trainee Committee.
Reed Smith’s London base has recently relocated to Blossom Yard & Studios near Spitalfields Market, a sleek open-plan space in converted Georgian and Victorian warehouses. There’s an art gallery in collaboration with Chelsea College of Arts, co-working areas, and even an office bar known as the “Gem”.
Applications are open to school leavers with ABB at A-level (or equivalent) and at least seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English. Candidates must also have lived in the UK for at least three years. The recruitment process focuses on potential rather than prior legal know-how, starting with an online application and scenario-based assessment, followed by a video interview, an informal chat with Early Careers, and then an assessment centre in London.
As the early talent team member to us: “Please apply, even if you think you lack experience! We want to see your potential and how you will thrive as a Solicitor Apprentice at Reed Smith.”
For those looking to kick-start a legal career, the programme offers top-tier client exposure, structured training, financial support, and international opportunities — making it one of the most exciting new options out there for future lawyers.