Intern Review

The experience was definitely worth the time and effort spent throughout the application process. The scheme allowed me to step inside an international law firm and see what actually happens beyond the official brochures and websites. The insight scheme was informative, focused, fun and above all, very welcoming - an apt reflection of the firm itself. You can expect introductory talks on life in a law firm, commercial awareness talks/seminars, scheduled one-on-one interactions with firm employees, and a dinner with partners. For those who wish to apply, you will have to prepare well but it is definitely worth the time.

Overall, people wanted you to feel welcome and it was very evident. Members of the firm engaged us and did not brush us off, answering all our queries and even prompting their own questions toward us.

The graduate recruitment team planned the insight scheme perfectly and were with us every step of the way to ensure that we were never sidelined. Of course, we had enough rest time in between each activity to mingle and throughout the scheme, it was always the firm employees coming to us first which really helped to settle us in.

Particularly on information received, you will learn a lot about the firm and what it means to be a commercial lawyer. The time spent with associates in the various departments in the law firm (pensions, then litigation, then corporate for me) really introduces you into the practicing life of a lawyer and it gave me a better view of what I thought life was in a commercial law firm.

There never were any gaps in the schedule of events given to us on day 1. Everything went according to plan with enough rest in between. Well-structured!

Being a small group, we bonded really quickly and our conversations, even with partners, were light-hearted and fun. The insight scheme is intended to give you a positive experience to take away from and it certainly did.

For a first-year scheme, there was signification investment in us. Associates and partners were arranged to spend time with us and guide us.

The shadowing sessions mentioned above with associates really shed light on what a full time role would be like at the firm and hearing about each individual's experiences added more depth to that knowledge.

Diverse, welcoming and focused on success. This was evident throughout my time there.

Shows you the perks of being a commercial lawyer but doesn't shy away from explaining the stresses and demands that come with it.

Paid enough to cover any expenses and for your time.

Plenty, including a networking dinner with 4 other partners. They took time out of their busy schedules to spend a full dinner with us and was an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the firm.

There is BaSE, which is a relatively new social enterprise scheme under the firm's pro bono initiatives which employees can get involved in. Hogan Lovells also has many other activities, such as their own football team and interest societies that employees can participate in.