This is it. Your first step towards becoming a qualified lawyer. It’s an exciting time. But with so many firms out there, how do you make the right choice?
At Simmons, we want to make your decision as easy as possible. So, if you’re looking for an unexpected career – one where you can learn so much more than the practice of law – take a look inside our graduate programme and discover where we can take you.
Application process
We want to hear from ambitious future lawyers who are ready to leave their mark.
We look for outstanding academic performance. Most candidates have around 120 UCAS points and are on course for (or already have) at least a 2:1 in their discipline.
That said, we’re committed to recruiting the best people from a variety of backgrounds. We consider candidates who have lower scores if they show real potential and can demonstrate they’re a strong match for us.
Whether you’re taking the online tests or completing tasks on a vacation scheme, we look for the same traits in our future trainees. We’ll focus on the following competencies during the assessment process:
Insight
We’re looking for people who can apply critical thinking and judgement to understand problems and make informed decisions – whether that’s getting to the heart of a client’s commercial challenge or choosing the right tools and technology to support your work.
Excellence
We want to see that you maintain high standards of accuracy, structure and attention to detail in all work produced, so that we consistently deliver quality outcomes for clients
Impact
We look for evidence that you can communicate clearly and collaborate effectively to move work forward and build trust – with clients, with colleagues, and when engaging with new ways of working.
Ownership
Ownership is a critical skill for Simmons’ lawyers. We want to see that you take responsibility for your work, use your initiative, and reliably drive tasks through to completion.
Our assessment process
Online application form
You've seen a little of our world and we want to know more about yours. In the online application we'll ask about your academics and your key achievements.
Blended online assessment and video interview
At this stage we'll test your potential to succeed as a trainee through a mix of situational judgement, applied intellect and video interview questions.
Virtual assessment
centre
Our assessment centres take place virtually. During the day, you will take part in a full range of assessments to find out if we're the right for one another.
We value diversity of thought and experiences, so the assessment platform we use has been designed with the support of inclusivity, diversity and neurodiversity specialists. We want all candidates to have equal access to our opportunities, applications, and schemes. We are actively removing barriers to succeed – that’s why none of our assessments are timed.
Please get in touch with us if there are any reasonable adjustments you would like us to make to support your application by emailing recruitment@simmons-simmons.com.
Check out our 2026/2027 programmes and application windows
AI Internship (London)
Dates: 5-16 April 2027
Open to: Students and graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 15 October 2026
Applications close: 15 December 2026
Spring insight scheme (London)
Dates: 20 – 21 April 2027
Open to: First year law university students, and first year and penultimate year non-law university students
Applications open: 10 December 2026
Applications close: 31 January 2027
Summer insight scheme (London)
Dates: 28 June – 9 July 2027
Open to: Penultimate and final year university students, or graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 15 October 2026
Applications close: 15 December 2026
Summer vacation scheme (Bristol)
Dates: 14 - 25 June 2027
Open to: Penultimate and final year university students, or graduates of all disciplines
Applications open: 15 October 2026
Applications close: 5 February 2027
Evolve placement year
Dates: September 2027
Open to: Undergraduate university students of all disciplines, who will complete a year in industry
Applications open: 15 October 2026
Applications close: 5 February 2027