Insight Scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the scheme. I found pretty much every moment of the 2 day programme enjoyable. All of the staff at Herbert Smith Freehills were pleasant and approachable, and the team who actually led the workshop were great, they made every workshop lively and interactive rather than us being bored.

I felt my time was for the most part valued during my 2 days spent at Herbert Smith Freehills. The workshops were fast paced and dynamic which meant I was not ever bored, and we also had guided tours of the building which allowed me to feel like I could potentially be a part of the firm someday.

I got a lot of guidance from the graduate recruitment team about how to perfect my application for future vacation schemes, and I also received guidance from other trainees and partners of the firm, who were really kind and approachable. I also got support about how best to structure my application.

The information I received was extremely useful in terms of perfecting my application, although I didn't receive much information that could specifically aid me in my degree studies. I found that the information the graduate recruitment team gave was like gold-dust and I genuinely believe I now have the capability to perfect my application.

For the most part the workshop was very well structured, however there were a few moments where we were left for some periods of time without much to do. I also felt that shadowing a trainee was quite useful, however I felt like they had a lot of work and pressure and we were perhaps a burden on them.

The atmosphere was great during my insight scheme, I got along with everyone at the workshop and the general demeanour of the graduate recruitment team was pleasant and affable. However some trainees appeared to be quite stressed and I hope that my presence on the scheme did not impact their work in any way.

The company did somewhat invest in me, by providing an excellent 2 day workshop and an action packed experience that is sure to benefit my future legal career. However there was not much in terms of 'personal training and development', however this was not to be expected from a first year workshop.

The insight programme provided me with a great snapshot into the firm and I received really useful information about how to actually attain a future career with Herbert Smith Freehills. Furthermore, the presentations and workshops with associates and partners who have trained at the firm allowed me to visualise how to progress through the firm.

The actual content of the day was great and structured well, this allowed me to determine how best to approach a future career in law. The day illustrated different opportunities that are available at Herbert Smith Freehills, and how I could potentially be a part of these opportunities some day.

I was paid travel expenses only.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet many of the trainees, associates and partners of the firm. We had the chance to visit a rooftop bar and networked and liaised with associates and partners of the firm. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and I enjoyed every moment.