Firm Profiles
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons
An international law firm known for financial services, life sciences, and technology
An international law firm known for financial services, life sciences, and technology
Year 1 Trainee
£54,000
Year 2 Trainee
£59,000
Newly Qualified
£120,000
About the firm
About the firm
TC Number
±20
Seats
4
Secondments
Yes
Offices
21
Simmons & Simmons was founded in London in 1896 and today operates from 21 offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm focuses on three core sectors, namely financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and technology, media and telecommunications. It offers advisory, transactional, and dispute resolution work within those sectors. Revenue in 2025 exceeded £400 million.
The firm recruits approximately 20 trainees per year across its London and Bristol offices. Training contracts must be secured through the vacation scheme and there is no open direct TC route for 2028/2029 starts. The four-seat training contract is supported by the firm's Compass training programme, which is described as a "full career journey" from trainee through to associate and beyond.
In September 2025, Simmons launched the UK's first dedicated AI law internship, a two-week programme placing eight students into Simmons' London AI team to gain experience in AI law and governance and in the deployment of AI in legal services.
The firm funds SQE preparation and provides a maintenance grant. Trainees are also supported by a trainee buddy and a supervising partner or associate during the vacation scheme and subsequent training contract.
Practice areas and rankings
Practice areas and rankings
Rankings in Chambers
42
Category
International
Simmons & Simmons achieved 42 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026. In January 2025, the firm raised Bristol NQ salaries by 25% to £96,000 — a record for Bristol. In September 2025, the firm launched the UK's first AI law internship. In 2025, the firm achieved an 89% retention rate for qualifying trainees.
Top practice areas:
Financial services and regulatory
Simmons' deepest practice globally. The firm advises banks, asset managers, insurers, and financial market infrastructure on transactions, regulation, and disputes. Particularly strong in derivatives, structured finance, and financial services regulation. The financial services practice is consistently ranked across multiple sub-categories in Chambers UK.
Life sciences and healthcare
A leading life sciences practice advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers on transactions, regulatory matters, IP, and disputes. A key differentiator versus other international firms of comparable size.
Technology, media and telecommunications
A major technology practice reflecting the firm's explicit sector focus. Covers data protection, digital regulation, technology transactions, AI governance, and IP. The AI internship reflects the firm's investment in this area.
Corporate and M&A
A solid corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A across the firm's three core sectors. Recent work includes advising JP Morgan Asset Management on the construction of its new 400,000 sq ft offices at 65 Gresham Street and advising on the L'Oréal acquisition of a majority stake in Medik8.
Disputes and arbitration
A significant disputes practice handling complex commercial litigation and arbitration for financial services, life sciences, and technology clients.
The application process
Written application
The online application asks about academic background and key achievements. All parts of the form must be completed, checked for spelling and grammar, and should highlight transferable skills from past experiences that make the candidate suited for the role. Applications are open to students and graduates of all degree disciplines. A minimum of BBB at A-level is required.
Psychometric Testing
Candidates who progress are invited to complete a blended online assessment covering three elements: situational judgment questions testing professional decision-making; applied intellect questions including verbal and numerical reasoning challenges; and video interview questions covering motivation for a career in law and at Simmons & Simmons specifically. For the video interview elements, candidates should prepare by considering: why commercial law and why Simmons specifically; examples of the firm's core competencies they have demonstrated; and current commercial developments and how law firms are impacted.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre is conducted virtually. Candidates meet partners and associates and take part in four immersive exercises:
Case study exercise
Candidates analyse a commercial scenario and present their conclusions and recommendations. No legal knowledge is required — the assessment tests structured thinking and commercial reasoning.
Client discussion exercise
Candidates engage in a discussion simulating a client-facing scenario. This tests communication, listening, and the ability to advise clearly under questioning.
Competency interview
A structured interview covering motivation for Simmons & Simmons specifically and examples of the firm's core competencies demonstrated in the past. Candidates should come prepared with specific examples and have fully considered why Simmons and why commercial law.
In-tray exercise
Candidates are presented with a series of tasks reflecting the day-to-day workload of a trainee solicitor and asked how they would manage and prioritise them. Timing and planning are important — candidates should read all instructions carefully at the start.
The application process
Written application
The online application asks about academic background and key achievements. All parts of the form must be completed, checked for spelling and grammar, and should highlight transferable skills from past experiences that make the candidate suited for the role. Applications are open to students and graduates of all degree disciplines. A minimum of BBB at A-level is required.
Psychometric Testing
Candidates who progress are invited to complete a blended online assessment covering three elements: situational judgment questions testing professional decision-making; applied intellect questions including verbal and numerical reasoning challenges; and video interview questions covering motivation for a career in law and at Simmons & Simmons specifically. For the video interview elements, candidates should prepare by considering: why commercial law and why Simmons specifically; examples of the firm's core competencies they have demonstrated; and current commercial developments and how law firms are impacted.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre is conducted virtually. Candidates meet partners and associates and take part in four immersive exercises:
Case study exercise
Candidates analyse a commercial scenario and present their conclusions and recommendations. No legal knowledge is required — the assessment tests structured thinking and commercial reasoning.
Client discussion exercise
Candidates engage in a discussion simulating a client-facing scenario. This tests communication, listening, and the ability to advise clearly under questioning.
Competency interview
A structured interview covering motivation for Simmons & Simmons specifically and examples of the firm's core competencies demonstrated in the past. Candidates should come prepared with specific examples and have fully considered why Simmons and why commercial law.
In-tray exercise
Candidates are presented with a series of tasks reflecting the day-to-day workload of a trainee solicitor and asked how they would manage and prioritise them. Timing and planning are important — candidates should read all instructions carefully at the start.
Firm history
Firm History
Ready to Apply?
Ready to apply?
The Future Trainee Academy covers the full application, including written applications, online assessments, interviews, and assessment centres.
For situational judgment and reasoning practice, the Watson Glaser Practice Hub gives you unlimited free timed tests with worked explanations.
Firm Profiles
Simmons & Simmons
An international law firm known for financial services, life sciences, and technology
Year 1
Trainee
£54,000
Year 2
Trainee
£59,000
Newly
Qualified
£120,000
Practice areas and rankings
Rankings in Chambers
42
Category
International
Simmons & Simmons achieved 42 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026. In January 2025, the firm raised Bristol NQ salaries by 25% to £96,000 — a record for Bristol. In September 2025, the firm launched the UK's first AI law internship. In 2025, the firm achieved an 89% retention rate for qualifying trainees.
Top practice areas:
Financial services and regulatory
Simmons' deepest practice globally. The firm advises banks, asset managers, insurers, and financial market infrastructure on transactions, regulation, and disputes. Particularly strong in derivatives, structured finance, and financial services regulation. The financial services practice is consistently ranked across multiple sub-categories in Chambers UK.
Life sciences and healthcare
A leading life sciences practice advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers on transactions, regulatory matters, IP, and disputes. A key differentiator versus other international firms of comparable size.
Technology, media and telecommunications
A major technology practice reflecting the firm's explicit sector focus. Covers data protection, digital regulation, technology transactions, AI governance, and IP. The AI internship reflects the firm's investment in this area.
Corporate and M&A
A solid corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A across the firm's three core sectors. Recent work includes advising JP Morgan Asset Management on the construction of its new 400,000 sq ft offices at 65 Gresham Street and advising on the L'Oréal acquisition of a majority stake in Medik8.
Disputes and arbitration
A significant disputes practice handling complex commercial litigation and arbitration for financial services, life sciences, and technology clients.
About the firm
TC Number
±20
Seats
4
Secondments
Yes
Offices
21
Simmons & Simmons was founded in London in 1896 and today operates from 21 offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm focuses on three core sectors, namely financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and technology, media and telecommunications. It offers advisory, transactional, and dispute resolution work within those sectors. Revenue in 2025 exceeded £400 million.
The firm recruits approximately 20 trainees per year across its London and Bristol offices. Training contracts must be secured through the vacation scheme and there is no open direct TC route for 2028/2029 starts. The four-seat training contract is supported by the firm's Compass training programme, which is described as a "full career journey" from trainee through to associate and beyond.
In September 2025, Simmons launched the UK's first dedicated AI law internship, a two-week programme placing eight students into Simmons' London AI team to gain experience in AI law and governance and in the deployment of AI in legal services.
The firm funds SQE preparation and provides a maintenance grant. Trainees are also supported by a trainee buddy and a supervising partner or associate during the vacation scheme and subsequent training contract.
The application process
Vacation Scheme Deadline
TBD
BBB
A-Levels Reqs.
Degree Reqs.
2:1
Written application
The online application asks about academic background and key achievements. All parts of the form must be completed, checked for spelling and grammar, and should highlight transferable skills from past experiences that make the candidate suited for the role. Applications are open to students and graduates of all degree disciplines. A minimum of BBB at A-level is required.
Psychometric Testing
Candidates who progress are invited to complete a blended online assessment covering three elements: situational judgment questions testing professional decision-making; applied intellect questions including verbal and numerical reasoning challenges; and video interview questions covering motivation for a career in law and at Simmons & Simmons specifically. For the video interview elements, candidates should prepare by considering: why commercial law and why Simmons specifically; examples of the firm's core competencies they have demonstrated; and current commercial developments and how law firms are impacted.
Assessment Centre
The assessment centre is conducted virtually. Candidates meet partners and associates and take part in four immersive exercises:
Case study exercise
Candidates analyse a commercial scenario and present their conclusions and recommendations. No legal knowledge is required — the assessment tests structured thinking and commercial reasoning.
Client discussion exercise
Candidates engage in a discussion simulating a client-facing scenario. This tests communication, listening, and the ability to advise clearly under questioning.
Competency interview
A structured interview covering motivation for Simmons & Simmons specifically and examples of the firm's core competencies demonstrated in the past. Candidates should come prepared with specific examples and have fully considered why Simmons and why commercial law.
In-tray exercise
Candidates are presented with a series of tasks reflecting the day-to-day workload of a trainee solicitor and asked how they would manage and prioritise them. Timing and planning are important — candidates should read all instructions carefully at the start.
Firm History
Ready to apply?
The Future Trainee Academy covers the full application, including written applications, online assessments, interviews, and assessment centres.
For situational judgment and reasoning practice, the Watson Glaser Practice Hub gives you unlimited free timed tests with worked explanations.