Reed Smith

Reed Smith’s global strategy is anchored in a deeply embedded sectoral approach, which shapes every aspect of its operations. From client service to talent development, the firm is organised around five key global industry groups: Financial Services; Energy & Natural Resources; Life Sciences & Health; Transportation; and Media & Entertainment. This structure allows the firm’s lawyers the freedom to ask the question: ‘What would best assist clients in my sector?’ when shaping their professional development. Resultingly, they can develop mixed commercial and legal competencies which are closely suited to the clients they serve. This structure, combined with a progressive approach to training and development, distinguishes Reed Smith in a competitive City market. The practical benefit of this sector focus is the firm's ability to handle complex, high-value mandates where legal knowledge stripped from industry awareness is worth very little at all. In the Financial Services arena, for instance, the firm has been instructed by the Russian subsidiary of VTB Capital in a significant restructuring case. Reed Smith was instrumental in that UK subsidiarity being placed under administration. This fairly technical bit of legal argument would have been worth almost nothing, however, had partner Linton Bloomberg not provided the sort of sector specific knowledge that is the firm’s calling card. He recognised that market realities meant that if the UK subsidiarity was not exempted from anti-Russian sanctions, the administrative process would not result in finding a willing buyer. Accordingly, the firm applied for - and succeeded in obtaining - relief for VTB Capital UK. Similarly, Reed Smith’s top-ranked Energy & Natural Resources group is currently representing the Dubai-based crude oil trader BB Energy in a high-stakes Commercial Court claim against the Republic of South Sudan. These cases exemplify the firm's capacity to act on matters where geopolitical, regulatory, and commercial pressures intersect. Sectoral dominance is a pillar of the firm's financial success and market reputation. Its transportation practice, particularly in shipping, is a recognised global leader, comprising over 150 lawyers and consistently achieving top-tier rankings in legal directories. In London specifically, the firm has a frankly astonishing ten ranked shipping lawyers in Chambers and Partners’ alone. If rankings alone are not enough, the firm’s shipping expertise is also some of the most well-rounded in the City. Specifically, it has cultivated both exceptional Wet Shipping (casualties and crises) and Dry Shipping (litigation and charters) offerings. It is certainly not commonplace to find such elite practices in both aspects of the discipline under one roof. For good reason then, the group’s expertise is sought by major industry players, such as its work for investment manager Oaktree Capital in a shipping clash with logistics major Sirio. This market leadership has underpinned strong financial performance, with the firm’s London office, a key hub for these sectors, recently reporting a revenue increase of 18% up to $247 million in revenue. Beyond its traditional sector strengths, Reed Smith encourages its lawyers to develop sub-specialisms in niche, market-critical areas. A prominent example is its leadership in sustainability and green finance, where the firm has one of the highest numbers of experienced partners in the City of London. Partners like Claude Brown focus on designing innovative financial products to address climate-related issues, while Tallat Hussain advises energy clients on environmental management systems and sustainability standards. This demonstrates a forward-looking approach that complements its established industry expertise. An industry-first philosophy is integrated into the firm’s culture from the earliest stage, setting it apart in its approach to junior talent. Future trainees begin their journey with two paid internships, one in a business services team and another on a consultancy-style project for a firm client, before they even commence their SQE studies. This focus on business acumen is carried through the training contract, where trainees are required to spend at least one seat in a designated industry sector group. This comprehensive investment in its people directly fuels the firm's ability to deliver on its core strategic promise: unparalleled industry knowledge.