Early Careers Assistant

The role:

We are looking for a Early Careers Assistant to join our HR department in London.

You will assist in the attraction and recruitment of the highest calibre trainee lawyers, vacation interns and solicitor apprentices for the London, Bristol and Dublin offices and other offices when required (circa 70 annually). You will assist with the tasks necessary to enable the Early Careers team to deal with the recruitment and application process for trainee lawyers, vacation interns and solicitor apprentices including marketing and events, selection and running of vacation schemes.

You will also assist the Early Careers team in effectively managing all key early careers recruitment activity and early careers development processes as required.

What will you do:

• Assist with the application and selection process for trainee lawyers, vacation interns and solicitor apprentices including the screening process and organisation of assessment days and vacation scheme interviews.
• Assist in the planning and organisation of vacation schemes, open days and workshops run throughout the year. Attend all events when required.
• Ensure our online and print publications and graduate recruitment website is kept up to date. Maintain publicity at universities and careers services. Assist with updating our annual marketing campaign materials.
• Liaise with external organisations (e.g. law societies, careers services, diversity organisations and suppliers) where appropriate, to ensure we attract the highest calibre of applicants. Work with the Early Careers Advisor (Recruitment) to ensure our on-campus ambassadors are promoting our brand on campus.
• Take responsibility for the planning, organisation and co-ordination of campus events (internal and external) run throughout the year, with guidance from the Early Careers Advisor (Recruitment). Attend all events internally and externally when required.
• Ensure our social media channels are regularly updated and assist in producing content for these.
• Manage the offer paperwork process with support from Early Careers Advisor (Recruitment).
• Manage the post acceptance process following training contract offers and acceptances and ensure a seamless handover of future trainee candidates to the Early Careers Development team.
• Assist with other ad hoc recruitment for all offices when required, including office juniors and work experience recruitment.
• Deal with routine telephone calls and manage the recruitment inbox, dealing with candidate enquiries promptly and efficiently.
• Any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Early Careers Advisors or Early Careers Manager.
• Liaise with the Early Careers Advisor (Development) and other Early Careers Assistant to involve future trainees and trainees in early careers recruitment events and to support Early Careers Development in the planning and running of their events.
• Provide support on any Early Careers Development and broader HR projects as required and assist with any Early Careers recruitment initiatives and projects as required.

What we are looking for:

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively and confidently and adapt communications styles to different audiences.
• Able to adapt to shifting priorities and adjust plans appropriately.
• An ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Possesses a client-centred ‘can-do’ attitude.  Is relationship focused and understands the importance of building networks both internally and externally.
• Uses initiative, thinks creatively and has good problem-solving skills.
• Can work effectively as part of a team and on one’s own.
• Can delegate effectively and demonstrate good time management skills.
• Previous HR or Early Careers experience preferable
• Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Willingness to use software packages that are unfamiliar.
• Comfortable monitoring budgets.
• Willingness to work extra and on occasion unsociable hours when required.
• Able to travel around the UK when running events.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information: 

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. 
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. 
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. 
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.