About Simmons and Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is an international law firm that offers expertise in finance, technology, healthcare and life science, and asset and investment management. The institution is more than 120 years old and has teams all over the world. The idea is for lawyers to “collaborate daily to share everything they know, from local knowledge to sector expertise".
Simmons and Simmons have been recognised by The Times as a Top 50 Employer for Women for the sixth time; and are ranked as one of the top 14 Stonewall Top Global Employers.
With an impressive portfolio, Simmons & Simmons work with top FTSE100 and Fortune 500 companies as well as advising many of the top investment banks. If you're looking to land your dream job, our useful guide helps explain the application process and how you can pass your tests successfully.
Simmons and Simmons Application Process
Being such a prestigious law firm, Simmons & Simmons has a high-performance culture which means they are looking for top people who can progress using their strong and clear career path.
That means you will need to do plenty of preparation to do well in the application process.
Simmons and Simmons Online Application Form
Just like most jobs, you'll need to complete an online application with detailed information about your education, work experience and current achievements. Make sure you do this before the application deadline and give yourself plenty of time.
In addition to completing your application form, you'll be sent a situational judgement test. The test and application form is to help shortlist the high volume of applications Simmons & Simmons receive.
Simmons and Simmons Aptitude Tests
Simmons and Simmons use Talent Q aptitude tests in their selection process:
Simmons and Simmons Situational Judgement Test
Situational judgement tests (SJT's) assess your ability to handle challenging scenarios that might come up in a professional work environment. The main purpose of this test is to ensure your working style fits Simmons & Simmons.
Candidates typically complete the test within 30 minutes. You will typically require a minimum score before you progress to the next round - typically a score in the top 50% of applicants is needed to get you shortlisted.
If you are shortlisted you'll be sent two more tests and participate in a video interview.
Simmons and Simmons Talent Q Verbal Reasoning Test
The talent Q verbal reasoning test will test your abilities to comprehend text and information. You'll then be asked multiple-choice questions typically with the answers true, false, or cannot say. It's important to read the text thoroughly and not make assumptions.
Comprehension is a key skill when reading legal documents so it's very important you practice and build confidence answering these types of questions. There are two types of verbal reasoning tests - verbal critical reasoning and reading comprehension. It's best to prepare for both.
Simmons and Simmons Talent Q Logical Reasoning Test
The Talent Q logical reasoning test measures your problem-solving abilities in the context of typical workplace scenarios in a law firm. The purpose of the test is to assess your logical thinking and your ability to come to conclusions from the information provided.
This is a timed assessment with multiple-choice answers - you must answer true or false based on the evidence provided.
Simmons and Simmons Video Interview
The video interview is based on why you want to work in commercial law and in particular why this firm. You'll be interviewed about their values and competencies and how you have demonstrated this in your previous work experience. You should be prepared to discuss relevant trends and topics in law and why it interests you - they are looking for future employees who are passionate and proactive.
Simmons and Simmons Assessment Centre
In the final stages, you'll be given an opportunity to visit Simmons & Simmons London office to meet the partners, associates and trainees, and participate in an immersive assessment centre. The day's purpose is for both you and the organisation to assess if you are a right fit for each other.
Assessments include role-play exercises, competency interviews, a case study, and an in-tray exercise. With these assessments in mind, it's important to come prepared and really know why you want to work here.
Simmons and Simmons Role Play Exercises
You might be asked to participate in a one-to-one or group role-play activity where you will need to act out an imaginary scenario that closely resembles a typical work situation that could occur in the job at your law firm.
Examples of typical role-play exercises might include:
- An angry client
- A dissatisfied manager
- A disgruntled employee
- A failing legal case
Simmons and Simmons In-Tray Exercise
In-tray exercises are designed to test and measure specific competencies, so it helps to try and identify what you are actually being tested on. An in-tray exercise is a simulation of a typical scenario that you might face in your chosen role. You are required to interpret and process the given information and then make the best-informed decisions on a number of tasks.
Simmons and Simmons Competency Interview
Competency-based interviews (sometimes referred to as behavioural or situational questions), require you to answer questions about the specific skills you have used in your previous roles and discover how you approach problem-solving and challenges.
Questions might include:
- Can you tell me an example of a time when you have been required to negotiate?
- What's the biggest mistake you've made and how did you overcome it?
- Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team?
Simmons and Simmons Case Study
The case study part of the assessment can either be for individuals or groups. Similarly to other tests, you'll be given a work-related scenario and asked to examine the evidence before presenting your findings and solutions. This might be verbally (in a presentation or interview) or in written form. You might be told additional information during the assessment which will test how you respond to change.
