Harry Smailes

I am driven to build a career as a solicitor. I enjoy applying my proactive analytical approach to commercial issues, having previously launched a business. I have gained experiences in corporate law firms in the UK and Japan, excelling in environments that are intellectually stimulating and highly impactful for clients.

Intern at Simmons & Simmons LLP (2025-03 – Present)

• Identified and researched a potential client for a management consultancy firm's pitch.
• Navigated multi jurisdiction communications between Japanese and English-speaking parties.
• Reviewed and edited mutual confidentiality agreements.
• Assisted in developing strategic growth plans for an overseas office or partnership.

Co-founder at It's The Business (2024-08 – 2025-01)

Launched a daily finance and technology newsletter targeted towards UK university students with a roadmap to build a resource to help students transition from university into working life and improve financial literacy.

• Secured seed investment of £7,000 for 10% equity.
• Gained nearly 3,000 subscribers in three months of daily publishing.
• Partnered with brands such as Greggs and numerous student societies.
• Edited and managed social media channels.

Work Experience at Parker Bullen LLP (2023-09 – 2023-09)

• Reviewed property and land usage contracts for a partner at the firm.
• Worked alongside a partner to create a solution for an institution that had illegally become a deposit-taking entity.
• Granted full agency to draft a resolution for a right-of-way dispute.

Work Experience at Taylor Wessing LLP (2023-02 – 2023-02)

• Reviewed Sale and Purchase Agreements for the Corporate Technology Group.
• Undertook research into the budding European space-tech sector, both in an upstream and downstream capacity.
• Produced a report at the end of the week which explained the capabilities of European space-tech start-ups and SMEs for potential venture capital funding rounds.

Research and Analysis Intern at Gore Browne Investment Management (2021-07 – 2021-08)

• Performed in-depth research into companies on the AIM market before writing reports to influence the decisions of Asset Managers.
• Attended online meetings with fund managers concerning the potential portfolio value of funds.
• Personally advised Asset Managers on forward projections of Round Hill Music Royalty Fund's financial profitability.

Commercialisation Research and Analysis Experience at SETsquared Partnership (2020-05 – 2020-07)

• Delivered analytical reports on the digital healthcare capabilities of six UK-based universities.
• Explored the commercial marketability and patent potential of a variety of health-tech solutions, from oncological treatments to palliative care strategy.
• Performed thorough research into the global digital healthcare market and the UK's potential role as a future world-leader in the space.

Showroom Host at Sofa.com (2020-09 – 2021-02)

• Worked as part of a competitive team exceeding monthly targets by more than 20% routinely.
• Tailored the experience of every customer to their unique requirements.
• Worked both in person and on the phone during the COVID-19 lockdowns to maximise customer engagement despite the loss of face-to-face interaction.
• Used online sales software to track, amend and complete orders.

PGDL – BPP University London (2025-2026)

1st Class BA in History – University of Leeds (2021 – 2024)

A Level – King Edwards School Bath - Mathematics A*, History A*, Politics A* (2018 – 2020)