Training Contract at Simmons & Simmons
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
About Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is a leading international law firm with particular strength in asset management, financial markets regulation, and intellectual property. The firm operates from over 20 offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Simmons & Simmons has a collaborative and relatively relaxed culture compared to Magic Circle peers. The firm is known for a strong IP and TMT practice, attracting trainees with technology and innovation interests. Trainees report accessible partners and genuine involvement in client work.
Training contract at a glance
Simmons & Simmons funds SQE preparation - Simmons & Simmons funds SQE preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover personally.
Preferred provider: BPP University Law School
What Simmons & Simmons looks for
Academics
2:1 or above in any subject. Science or technology backgrounds are valued given the firm's IP and fintech practices.
Core values they screen for
Experience
Tech, finance, or science backgrounds are particularly valued. Vacation scheme experience at S&S preferred.
Application timeline
Both vacation scheme and direct TC applications accepted.
Verbal, numerical, and situational judgement testing.
Group exercise, written exercise, and partner interview.
Primary TC pipeline.
Application tips for Simmons & Simmons
Reference the asset management or fintech practice explicitly if these interest you - these are genuine differentiators for the firm.
Technology and science backgrounds are actively valued here; use relevant STEM experience as a positive.
The firm is strong in continental Europe - international experience is a plus.
Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Online application
- 2Psychometric tests
- 3Video interview
- 4Assessment centre
Interview tips
- •Prepare commercial examples from financial services or technology.
- •Show awareness of regulatory trends in financial services.
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The IP team is one of the best in the City - candidates with science degrees are genuinely sought after here.
International secondments are available, particularly to Amsterdam and Paris.
SQE funding at Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons funds SQE preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam fees. The firm uses BPP as its primary appointed SQE provider. A maintenance grant is paid during the study period prior to starting the training contract.
Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE - here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot - but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted directly via Simmons & Simmons's official graduate recruitment portal.
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