Spring Vacation Scheme Student Review

The insight was a wonderful and superb experience. I felt very welcomed by everyone at the firm, from day one to the last day. Although it was only a short two weeks, I got to meet many trainees, associates and partners. Anyone who is interested in commercial law should definitely join the firm.

Throughout my two weeks on the vacation scheme, my work was very much appreciated. Every piece of work done is for a real client. Nothing is staged or designed just to test your skills. My supervisors valued my input and were very open to my suggestions on how to approach a case.

Every vacation scheme student is assigned a supervisor who is either a senior associate or partner. Whenever I completed a piece of work, my supervisors always provided constructive feedback on where I did well and where I can improve. Each student is also assigned a trainee buddy. My trainee buddies were all very helpful and welcoming.

The vacation scheme has definitely honed my drafting skills. I am now more aware that I need to be more nuanced in the use of language and to always think about what the reader wants. I also have a better idea of what being a commercial law is really like.

The Graduate Recruitment Team did a wonderful job planning the insight. It was clear that the team has sought feedback from previous vacation scheme students and planned the scheme accordingly. There were just enough social activities and department presentations for us to learn about the firm. We also had ample time to do work in our respective departments.

Everyone on the vacation scheme got along very well. There was never a sense of competition between the students and everyone was very happy to share about their experience in each department. There were also many social activities planned by the Graduate Recruitment which allowed us to get to know each other and other members in the firm.

My supervisors were all very honest in giving constructive feedback on my work. They also shared extensively on the challenges working here at this firm. There were also plenty of presentations about ways to become a better commercial lawyer. Trainees also shared that there are many training opportunities at the firm.

The insight definitely helped me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm. The work I was given were all representative of the type of work done by a full-time trainee here. There were no mock case studies and everything I did contributed to real cases.

I worked alongside partners and associates throughout my two weeks here at the vacation scheme. Everyone is treated with respect, even if you are a newbie. There is a truly flat, non-hierarchical culture here at the firm. You will never feel like you are excluded or inferior when you are working here.

The content of the vacation scheme helped me to decide on pursuing a career at this firm. I was given a very realistic picture of what it is like working at a commercial law firm and everyone I met was also very honest when sharing about their career aspirations and goals.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. We had a Dim Sum Masterclass on the first day of the vacation scheme and this was a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow vacation scheme students and trainees. There were also several drinks event at the office.

The networking and social event opportunities were all very different. There was something fun for everyone. I did not have to worry about being assessed during these events and we were encouraged to ask honest questions. Everyone was also very forthcoming when sharing about their experiences and challenges working at the firm.

There are multiple activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. There are diversity networks, music classes, sports teams and many more. The departments also often have nights out and everyone is welcome to attend. There are also multiple pro bono opportunities in different areas of law, depending on your preferences.

I would certainly recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. The scheme gave me a realistic insight into life as a commercial lawyer at HSF. Anyone who is interested in a career in commercial law should definitely apply to this vacation scheme. It will help you decide if a career in this field is suited for you.