First-year Workshop Review

The insight scheme lasts 2 days, which allows for a more in-depth view of Herbert Smith Freehills. Though there are talks, a large amount of time is dedicated to interactive workshops and activities. The networking drinks and food on day one also provide an opportunity to learn about the firm’s culture.

I was given a strong impression that the firm cares about giving students an honest description of life at HSF. Everyone was exceedingly friendly, approachable, and willing to answer any questions asked. The time spent on work shadowing also provided a brief view of the daily life of a trainee.

The workshops were well-organised, allowing for a structured approach to the tasks set. We were able to meet the objectives with the guidance provided, while being reminded of the constraints. The firm also did well to ensure that we were accompanied to our overnight accommodation and to the external networking event.

Not to focus entirely on the workshops, but they provided much more insight into the process of negotiation and the life of a commercial solicitor than I had expected. The skills and competencies I learned from these workshops will surely help me in any future professional pursuits. It was also an enjoyable experience.

The structure, though only laid out upon arrival, was made clear and largely followed. This allowed a degree of confidence and certainty as to what one can hope to learn from attendance over the two days of the scheme. The only complaint, if one can call it that, is that the two days were so jam-packed that at times we fell slightly behind schedule. Ultimately, we were still able to experience everything that was promised.

Once again, all members of the scheme made it clear that the people are at the heart of the firm’s culture. Interactions with trainees, associates, partners, and the graduate recruitment team helped me feel like everyone is genuinely friendly and interested in sharing their experiences. I took note of one small passing interaction between a trainee and a partner. I later learned that the partner was someone she had worked with in a previous seat. Seeing that friendly interaction months down the line highlighted the interpersonal relationships the firm emphasizes.

There was some guidance provided on honing applications. I would have liked this part of the scheme to have been a bit more substantive, although I am not sure how that would be put into practice. The firm's commitment was otherwise evident between the workshops, the talks, and the networking opportunities.

This is where talking to trainees throughout the two days of the scheme came in very handy. Trainees were very open about their daily responsibilities, as well as their fit in the big picture. I understood some of the more mundane tasks associated with the role, as well as the opportunities for growth and progression. The trainees were very helpful in this respect.

I mentioned this in a previous answer, but the culture was constantly at the center of the insight scheme. Even when it wasn't explicitly discussed, the interactions between trainees, associates, and all other members of the firm made the culture self-evident. When asked about the culture directly, representatives were keen to focus on the fact that the people they work with greatly effected their choice of firm.

I only give this aspect an 8 rather than a 10 because I already have a high degree of certainty about the career path I want to pursue. To that end, the scheme was merely an opportunity to reinforce my desires, rather than to discover a new path. It was still immensely useful in this regard.

The process for reimbursement for travel expenses is fairly straightforward and simple. It will take some time to be reimbursed (as I have not yet been), but that is a fairly standard matter. Accommodation and most meals are also provided by the firm. I appreciate that Herbert Smith Freehills makes an effort to make the scheme available to all, without people needing to worry about being able to afford attendance.

There was a networking event at a local rooftop bar at the end of the first day. Representatives from graduate recruitment, trainees, and senior attorneys were all present at the event. Everyone was candid, and eager to answer questions. Apart from this time, the work shadowing part of the program provided another networking opportunity.

The casual networking over food and drinks allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere in which to ask some of the harder questions about life at the firm. Once again, everyone was honest about the demands of the job, but also the rewards of working in such a high intensity atmosphere.

There was a good deal of discussion about different networks employees could join at work and what that entails. There was also an emphasis on the pro bono work that was available to employees. There was not as much of an emphasis on other activities outside of work, but I was not looking for much on this matter anyway.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this insight scheme to anyone interested in pursuing a career in city law. I believe that anyone with such an interest owes it to themselves to experience the culture of the different elite city firms, and participation in this scheme surely showcases what Herbert Smith Freehills is about.