Simkins LLP

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

• Commercial Contracts
• Corporate & M&A
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• Employment
• Family Law
• Intellectual Property
• Private Client & Wealth
• Real Estate
• Data Protection & Privacy
• Media & Entertainment
• Technology & Digital
• Sports Law

Geographic Focus: UK (London-based) with international work and contacts; practice works on matters reaching beyond the UK

Training Contract

Training contracts: up to two training contracts to commence September 2028. Trainees receive well-rounded, hands-on training across the firm's practices (civil litigation, commercial and company, employment, family, private client, property). Application deadlines, interview weeks and a one-week in

• Application Deadline: 2026-04-30

SQE Support

We will meet the cost of the SQE1 prep & exam, the SQE2 prep & exam and the Essentials for Practice at our preferred supplier, BPP, provided that if you subsequently choose not to join us, you will be

Mentorship

Collegiate and supportive environment; work-shadowing during the one-week work placement where candidates work-shadow lawyers and participate in practical legal and analytical exercises.

Notable Matters

What Simkins LLP Looks For

Key Competencies

• Ambitious
• Motivated
• Considerate and collegiate
• Commitment to the law
• Proven interest in business and commerce
• Commercial awareness
• Alignment with the firm's core values
• Strong academic record (2:1 degree desirable)

Evidence Signals

• Performance in interview and one-week work placement (work-shadowing and practical exercises)
• Clear sector interest and commercial awareness (especially media & entertainment)
• Academic attainment (2:1 or above desirable)
• Commitment to qualify via LPC or SQE and acceptance of firm funding conditions
• Demonstrable teamwork and collegiality

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are fully committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion and we aim to recruit our trainees on the basis of their experience, abilities and qualifications alone.

• Partnership with ReachOut mentoring charity (provides career mentoring and two spaces for candidates to attend the firm's placement week)
• Firm-wide commitment to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion; recruitment on the basis of experience, abilities and qualifications

Innovation

Firm states it makes full use of technology and keeps on top of legal developments (core value 'Modern'). The Digital & Tech group advises on NFTs, blockchain, VR/AR, cloud computing, DRM technology and other emerging tech areas.

Quick Application Angles

• Ensure you are available for the specified interview week and the one-week work placement (dates are published) — attendance is a key part of the selection process.
• Demonstrate clear interest and commercial awareness in media, entertainment and digital sectors (the firm's core market).
• Show alignment with the firm's core values (Excellent, Modern, Dynamic, Ambitious, Inclusive, Transparent) and be prepared to give examples of collegiate/team behaviour.
• Be eligible to work in the UK (the firm cannot currently provide visa sponsorship) and be aware training offers are limited (up to two training contracts; up to eight placement spaces).