Our compass programme

We want to help all our trainees become accomplished and influential legal thinkers. That’s why we set up the compass programme, our trainee skills academy. Compass runs alongside our training contracts, offering a mix of practical learning, face-to-face workshops and online tools designed to create a training experience like no other.

Here’s how it works:

Before you join

A year before your join, you’ll have an induction with us, getting a snapshot of life as a future trainee. During your studies, through manageable compass modules you’ll learn about our clients, our sectors, and a little about yourself and your capabilities too. You’ll also be introduced to the way we use technology and AI tools in our work – from research and drafting support to matter management – so you arrive with an understanding of how digital skills and legal skills come together in practice.

Before your first seat

You’ll start your training contract with a seven day induction programme that’s designed to help you hit the ground running. This includes various sessions with people across the business that will give you the support you need as you begin your journey into a new professional world. As part of this, you’ll receive practical guidance on the firm’s key technology and AI‑enabled tools, and how to use them confidently in day‑to‑day work.

From this point on, you’ll have access to our online trainee hub – a place to share ideas, learn from each other, and get vital information, such as process guides and key contacts.

During your seats

Throughout your training contract, we’ll help you develop the soft skills you need to succeed as a lawyer. Our modules will teach you how to deal with ambiguity, build time management techniques and maintain your wellbeing at work. We’ll also help you develop strong networking skills. With our help, you’ll soon become a well-rounded, dynamic lawyer. We’ll even provide modules on transitioning to associate status so that you move onto your next steps with a strong sense of direction.

While still studying on the LPC (now the SQE!), compass made me feel part of the firm before I had even arrived as a trainee. Compass sessions served as an excellent platform for connecting and becoming acquainted with partners, associates and most importantly, fellow incoming trainees prior to the start of our training contract. Compass gave me a greater insight into the sector focus at Simmons, as senior members from across all four sectors explained how different teams across the global network collaborate within their respective sectors to provide smarter solutions to clients’ most complex challenges.

During my training contract so far, compass has been instrumental in helping to develop some of the ‘soft’ skills that are essential for becoming a proficient lawyer. The firm works with Leading Minds, a consultancy which promotes human sustainability in the legal sector. These sessions, led by a lawyer who practised law in the City for more than 10 years, have been an excellent opportunity to reflect on my own working style and how to make the most of my training contract at the firm. In particular, I have been provided with an essential toolkit for developing resilience, optimising productivity and cultivating the intrinsic motivation to be the best lawyer that I can be.

Nathan Inkester | Associate

Career progression

Through the compass programme, your seats, and with support from your supervisor, you’ll develop your interests as well as the soft skills you need to qualify. But where could you go from here? If you’ve got the ambition, our world is yours to explore.

1. Newly Qualified (NQ)

You’ve completed your seats, qualified into the department of your choice, and now you’ll begin to transition from trainee to associate. And of course, we’ll keep supporting you as you do.

2. Associate

With substantial knowledge of your practice area, as well as good foundations in business development, you’ll become a key part of your team’s day-to-day. You might even support your own trainees.

3. Supervising Associate

You’re now in charge of your own work and sub-projects, as well as managing other associates and trainees. You might be part of pitches and present on your specialist areas day-to-day, and you’ll be the primary contact for clients.

4. Managing Associate

By this point, you’ll demonstrate expert understanding of your practice area. You’ll manage teams of lawyers, and coach them in their own understanding. With impressive business acumen, you’ll bring in new work, lead on pitches, and negotiate with clients.

5. Partner

You’ve helped to create a firm of capable, brilliant associates, and they’ll support you now as you lead the whole team. They’ll rely on you for guidance and sector expertise, and you’ll take overall responsibility for client relationships as well as wider firm conversations, demonstrating consummate leadership skills as you guide your practice.