Vacation Scheme Student Review

I had a really lovely time on the vacation scheme. The activities were a good balance of work, insight into the firm and social activities, and I was always busy doing something or the other. My supervisors had different styles, but both were extremely friendly and helpful. I've made good friends from the scheme who I sincerely hope I'll be working with in the future; whether at the same firm or across the table. Overall extremely enjoyable!

I definitely felt valued and welcomed into the office. Of course there were times where people were busy and didn't have as much work for me; but overall I really settled in well into my departments. Any time I had questions, people were really open to answering them; meeting with me for a coffee or lunch and just generally having a chat. I was told that my work would be useful for my supervisor, and in that sense I also felt valued!

There was sufficient support; from IT training (to learn how to work the printers) to general training on how to make a good first impression. Furthermore, my supervisors were really helpful in every sense - from offering technical guidance on the law to offering life advice and mentorship. I never felt too out of my depth and as such I really learned a lot.

I learned about two completely new practice areas: Public M&A and International Arbitration. I loved both, particularly Arbitration, and am considering that perhaps I will want to go into that practice in the future. In this way, being exposed to this area of work has had a significant impact on my career focus and progression.

We were provided with a timetable on the first day so it was really easy to plan ahead, to know when to arrive early and when you had socials so you'd be staying out late. The presentations were spaced far enough apart to allow us to have time in our departments; and I especially appreciated the opportunity to spend two weeks in my first seat so I could get properly settled in. I would have loved to have received the timetable perhaps a week before the start of the scheme so I could plan my evenings; but this is a small thing!

Honestly very welcoming and put me at ease. Perhaps I got lucky or the recruitment process is just that great, but I got along with all of my fellow vacation schemers and really liked the trainees who I met as well. My supervisors, as mentioned, were hugely supportive - talkative and kind.

There were many presentations which I attended and opportunities to learn. I felt that the firm did as much as it could possibly have done within the three weeks that I was there. I certainly feel that there was a great investment in me; both in terms of exposure to work and a wide range of lawyers from trainees to partners.

It gave a good insight into to practice areas in detail and offered an overview of the firm more generally through departmental presentations. It was also nice that presenters offered to go for a coffee if you had any other questions; so if you wanted you could definitely find out more.

Just being at the firm was a great way to learn about the culture of the firm. Sitting in litigation and corporate I came to see how different departments operated. It felt that litigation was a bit more quiet whereas in corporate the lawyers were more sociable and talkative. I enjoyed both approaches, but these discrepancies all came under a general culture of being capable, intelligent lawyers within a supportive network.

It has solidified my desire to practice law in the City.

Yes I feel that I was adequately paid, it covered my stay in London!

So many! We had networking sessions regularly on top of all the other social activities - I was constantly meeting new people from trainee level to partner. It was great to track how people had moved in their careers and to hear their advice. It was also great to network within the department, as people were always working on really cool cases!

Good fun, really varied. We did pizza making; dinners; partner's networking drinks and a future joiner's party. It was really great fun.

Yes there were many presentations about pro bono which was really useful to find out about. There was also a network's fair which allowed us to learn more about the firm's diversity and inclusivity initiatives. It's clear that these things are really important to HSF as a firm and I value the time and effort put into these activities.

100%. Really rate this firm. Great people, fantastically competent lawyers and an amazing pro bono practice!