Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Scheme Review

Very well, at the beginning of the scheme I was given a brochure with a timetable in it, a map, names of others on the schemes, and other useful information. Each day we were kept busy from 9-5 with talks, workshops, networking etc. The HR department was fantastic, and strived to give us every opportunity possible to get the most from the scheme.

Throughout the scheme, I really felt valued especially in the department that I was working in. The Associate that I sat with really took the time to teach me and encourage me whilst I was sitting with her. I was particularly impressed at how staff at all level from paralegals to partners made the effort to talk to me which made me feel like I was very much part of the team. The graduate recruitment team also worked really hard to welcome us and answer any questions that we had.

I received a lot of guidance and support from the firm before and during my scheme. Everybody was approachable when I sought guidance from them and they were all happy to answer any questions I had. I was allocated a supervisor who was always available to help me with my work and answer questions about her experience at the firm. The graduate recruitment team were also available to help answer questions about the logistics of the scheme.

Throughout the scheme my legal skills were tested which added to my legal and commercial knowledge base. I took part in a range of tasks such as researching, due-diligence and presenting which will help me whilst at university and whilst working at a law firm. We also had the opportunity to attend a range of presentations on different practice areas which I think will definitely help me with my future legal applications and even with my legal career. I really felt like the firm put a big emphasis on development and training and this was evident in the feedback I received from my supervisors and at skills sessions.

The vacation scheme was very well structured and it had a good mix of work, presentations, skills sessions and networking with a range of people from the firm. At the beginning of the scheme we were all given a booklet which contained a timetable of all of the important events scheduled as well as information about our time at the firm, contact emails and other useful information. Every day we had sessions to attend which proved to be a good break from our legal work as it was a good opportunity to meet other interns on the scheme.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming, friendly and approachable. I had the opportunity to speak to and work with a wide range of friendly people. Everybody at the firm seemed to have a good sense of humour which made the culture really welcoming. Socials hosted by the graduate recruitment team provided a welcome informal setting to speak to partners and trainees.

The firm really had a good emphasis on training and development. We were encouraged to go to client drinks, trainee training sessions and the graduate recruitment team also had a few personal branding and presentation workshops which helped me a lot. The firm really invested in our development which gave me a taste of some of the training opportunities available to trainees at the firm.

By speaking to a wide range of people, I was able to ask questions about the firm’s culture. I also got a feel of the firm’s culture by sitting in my department. There, I saw how people interacted with each other and how they spent their time which was very useful to see. From this, I was able to see that the firm puts a great emphasis on team work, diversity and a friendly and collegiate culture.

The fact that I was given real work helped me to decide whether I was suited to a career in commercial law. I got the opportunity to get stuck in to a wide range of projects which gave me good insight into the life of a trainee. I also got the opportunity to talk to people at all levels which gave me a good taster into a career at a leading global law firm.

We got paid £400 every week for our work.

There were plenty opportunities to network/socialise and meet other employees at the firm. We had opportunities to meet representatives of the firm during practice area presentations, socials over breakfast and in our department. I felt that people at all levels were happy to meet with me and to answer any questions that I had.

I would definitely recommend a vacation scheme at HSF. The scheme will provide a great first-hand insight into HSF, commercial law and what work is like at a leading international commercial law firm. During the scheme, you will get to sit with a senior member of staff and you will get given REAL work for REAL clients. You will also get exposed to a wide range of workshops and presentations which will deepen your knowledge base into HSF’s clients, practice areas and pro-bono work. By the end of the scheme you will have developed your legal and commercial knowledge as well as your interpersonal and organisational skills. Hopefully you will also leave with a Training Contract offer!