Simkins LLP Training Contract Profile

Simkins LLP is a London-based firm with a concentrated sector focus on media, entertainment and the creative industries, supported by a broad commercial and dispute resolution capability. Core practice areas include commercial and corporate work for creative-sector businesses, contentious work across disputes and reputation management, employment, family, property and private client work, and specialist intellectual property services. The firm's Digital & Tech group advises on NFTs, blockchain, VR/AR, cloud computing, DRM technology and music licensing, reflecting a modern, tech-aware approach to rights and platform issues.

Trainees can expect exposure to a mix of advisory and contentious matters: drafting and negotiating commercial contracts for film, TV and music projects; advising on brand and content protection and advertising compliance; guiding influencers and talent on contracts and disputes; and acting on reputation matters such as libel and privacy claims. The firm lists sport, theatre, video games and esports among its sector strengths, giving trainees opportunities to work across different creative sub-sectors and to develop sector-specific commercial awareness. Simkins also handles international facets of matters, so trainees who are curious about cross-border IP or distribution issues will see work that reaches beyond the UK. Practical training emphasises technical skill, commercial judgement and client-facing confidence in a sector-led context.

Recent firm commentary and client coverage show how Simkins combines technical IP know-how with media-focused litigation and client PR. The team published analysis of Getty v StabilityAI, unpacking the High Court decision and the secondary copyright infringement issues it raised - a useful signal of the firm's engagement with cutting-edge AI and copyright intersections.

On reputation work, the firm produced detailed coverage of the Court of Appeal's decision in the Laurence Fox libel retrial - demonstrating experience with high-profile defamation issues and damages questions. Partner-level media engagement includes a broadcast interview on BBC Radio 2 (Jeremy Vine) about social media copyright enforcement, underlining the firm's profile in public-facing commentary. On the commercial side, Simkins publicised a client success story when Recomme won a sustainability award, showing the firm's role advising brands and collaborators in fashion and content-driven industries. These matters illustrate the blend of litigation, advisory and PR-aware work trainees are likely to see.

Simkins offers up to two training contracts commencing September 2028, with trainees receiving hands-on experience across the firm's main practices: civil litigation, commercial and company, employment, family, private client and property. The firm emphasises well-rounded training in a collegiate environment rather than narrow specialism from day one, so expect seats that combine court-based litigation work, transactional drafting and advisory files relevant to media and creative clients.

A one-week work placement forms part of the selection process: candidates work-shadow lawyers and complete practical legal and analytical exercises. The placement is a genuine opportunity to observe supervision, fee-earning workflows and the firm's client-focused approach; attendance is a key part of selection and the firm reserves placement spaces (source notes up to eight places).

Mentorship is described as collegiate and supportive with day-to-day supervision during seats. Simkins will meet the cost of SQE1 and SQE2 prep and exams and the Essentials for Practice course at its preferred supplier, BPP; the source document truncates the employer's post-qualification condition, so applicants should confirm the full funding terms when applying. Specific seat lengths and formal assessment mechanics are not published; ask for the seat structure and typical trainee responsibilities at interview to understand how much advocacy, drafting and client contact you will get.

Simkins projects a compact, sector-specialist culture that prizes technical expertise and practical commercial advice for clients in media and entertainment. The firm's six core values - Excellent, Modern, Dynamic, Ambitious, Inclusive and Transparent - shape day-to-day behaviour: excellence in client work, a modern willingness to use technology and to advise on emerging digital issues, and a dynamic, growth-oriented mindset.

The firm emphasises a collegiate, supportive atmosphere where teamwork and mutual support are expected. For trainees this typically means close supervision, accessible fee-earners and a smaller cohort environment where contribution and initiative are visible. Simkins operates from London but works on matters with international dimensions, so trainees experience both local sector networks and cross-border instructions. Note that the firm indicates it cannot currently provide visa sponsorship; applicants should ensure they are eligible to work in the UK before applying.

Simkins looks for candidates who combine commercial interest in media and entertainment with collegial interpersonal skills and academic competence. Key attributes include:

• Ambitious attitude and motivation to develop a specialist media/entertainment practice.

• Considerate, team-oriented behaviour and evidence of collaboration.

• Commercial awareness and a demonstrable interest in business and creative industries.

• Commitment to qualification via LPC or the SQE (the firm funds SQE elements subject to terms).

• Strong academic record (a 2:1 degree is desirable).

Evidence that will strengthen an application includes strong performance during the one-week placement and interview, clear sector-focused commercial awareness, teamwork examples, and an understanding of how the firm's values translate into daily work.

Practical steps to maximise your chances with Simkins:

1. Ensure Availability: Be available for the specified interview week and the one-week placement - attendance is integral to selection and the firm publishes dates.

2. Build Sector Commercial Awareness: Prepare short, up-to-date examples showing why media, entertainment and digital tech matter commercially - refer to recent industry stories (e.g. AI/copyright, streaming deals, influencer regulation) rather than generic legal theory.

3. Demonstrate Values in Examples: Prepare concise examples of teamwork, initiative and transparency that map to the firm's six core values.

4. Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you are eligible to work in the UK; the firm cannot currently sponsor visas.

5. Use Resources: Use YourLegalLadder alongside BPP, SRA guidance and sector outlets (Campaign, Music Week, The Lawyer) for application tracking, SQE prep and up-to-date commercial awareness materials.

Simkins states a firm-wide commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and aims to recruit trainees solely on the basis of experience, abilities and qualifications. Its listed initiative is a partnership with ReachOut mentoring charity, which provides career mentoring and two spaces for candidates to attend the firm's placement week - a practical route to broaden access for underrepresented applicants.

There is no detailed pro bono programme disclosed in the source material. Aspiring trainees should ask about the firm's pro bono and community work during interview; comparable specialist firms often engage in creative-sector advice for charities, rights clinics and mentoring for SMEs. For tailored support during application and to check recent DEI activity, candidates may consult YourLegalLadder's firm profiles and mentoring services as part of their research.