First Year Insight student Review

- activities were well structured and laid out - mixture of talks and hands on workshops provided variety and kept the days engaging - lots of opportunities to ask questions in different environments and contexts was helpful - hands on ADR and corporate workshops in particular were very enjoyable: a structured task but we got to have input

To a good extent - not only were there lots of opportunities put in place for us, but the associates and trainees were really nice and it did not feel like we were a burden during the shadowing or talks

- again, the variety of activities meant there was lots of support on different levels and in different areas - guidance given through the talks and department careers fair about law more generally - but also helpful specific information on applications and life as a trainee at the firm

- as a non-law student, there are many terms which are commonly used on law firm open days etc., which are not really explained at any point; thus, the insights given during the two days were very helpful in giving clarity for this - the hands on workshops were also useful in seeing how the skills I currently have/can develop on my own can be implemented within this particular context

- variety of activities was really good, and they were well spaced and laid out throughout the two days; it did not feel like any particular part was too heavy/dragged, but was well paced - felt like it 'built up' - could use some of what was developed/learnt earlier during the shadowing period which was satisfying

- really friendly and welcoming; felt like everyone genuinely wanted to make us welcome, and was happy to give up their time and talk things through/answer any questions - felt very hands on and instructional - a good opportunity to take on lots and grow; not just being talked at

Even though it was only a first year workshop, it was clear that the firm put a lot of time and effort into giving us a good insight and understanding of not only the company itself, but also of the world of law more generally; being talked to by a wide range of people from across all levels of the firm (not just trainees, but associates and partners too), especially in the careers fair part, was very encouraging

shadowing the trainee was a really helpful opportunity to gain an understanding of exactly what they actually do on an ordinary, day to day basis, as opposed to the things which are more widely shown as the more 'glamourous' side of law; beyond the actual work side of it, being able to talk with trainees informally was also helpful in getting a sense of the firm's general vibe

beyond simply talking about the values of the firm, such as diversity etc., it was also good that we were able to gain an insight into how these are practically reflected in the firm - for example, we were told lots not only about pro bono work, but also given specific examples like the Whitechapel clinic, which felt more informative and helpful than simply stating this

overall I found the day really helpful - the combination of being able to ask all my questions and talk to current trainees about their experiences, along with the variety of both panels and talks along with more interactive sessions and workshops was really useful, and I definitely feel like I am in a much better, more informed position to make a decision as to whether law could be there right career for me

We have been told that our travel expenses are going to be reimbursed, which is especially useful considering it is a total of 4 journeys; in addition, the firm also offered accommodation for those who lived far from London; although I did not have to take up this offer, a significant proportion did utilise it and find it helpful

there were plenty of opportunities to network and meet people, both formally and informally, which was really helpful in terms of asking different types of questions across different topics. In the panels, talks and careers fair, it was useful to be able to ask more work related questions, while the evening social event on the first day was helpful in asking more informal or general questions; the shadowing also covered both these aspects.

There was a good balance in terms of trainees and other employees versus students on the insight event - it did not feel like people had to compete to talk to someone or force their way into conversations. In general, the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly; I personally felt comfortable asking questions; moreover, as there was a large range of people, I was able to find people who had similar experiences to what mine would hypothetically be (in terms of doing a law conversion).

As already mentioned, we were given lots of information not only about the standard work of the firm but also about its pro bono and community work (the Whitechapel clinic, reading scheme...) which was very interesting; we were also told about the 'firm' aspect of the training contract, which was very interesting and which I hadn't heard about in other firms, and some trainees did talk about how they maintained a work life balance

I would definitely recommend this insight event to a friend; it has definitely given me some more clarity in terms of not only what HSF is like as a firm, and what it could be like to work there, but also in terms of the world of law more generally and whether it is or could be the right career.