First Year Workshop invitee Review

I really enjoyed the insight scheme, it was very interactive and I enjoyed meeting different partners and trainees from different departments. It was interesting to learn more what each departments does throughout the day. The workshops were also very informative and I learnt a lot about commercial awareness and the importance of knowing your client. This is something I am excited to bring to interview.

The social event made me feel valued. The fact that partners took time out of their free time to come and speak to us and give us advice made me feel like the firm was really investing in me as a potential future employee. Also, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] my trainee tour guide took time out of her day to message me to make me feel like I could come to her for future advice made me feel like my success was wanted and encouraged.

During the workshop, there was always an opportunity to ask questions and employees were always willing to offer email addresses for future questions. Questions were always thoroughly answered and I was never made to feel like my questions were silly or self-explanatory. During the workshop, I enjoyed the support given by partners and trainees during case studies to support my independent exploration of the topic and learning.

I feel a lot more commercially aware now that I’ve been involved in the multiple workshops. Before I thought that profit was the most important aspect of corporate law but now I realise that sometimes an acceptable deal is purely the most important itinerary. Now I feel that I can apply these nuances to problem questions and essays in my degree but also in my part time work.

The day was very well structured. Even though the first day was long, there were breaks and the sessions were always engaging which ensured that time flew by. It was nice to be able to interact with my peers as well throughout the day with e.g. breakfast time in the morning in addition to group work. I think it was good to have the shadowing at the end of the second day so we could have the opportunity to apply what we learnt in the workshop.

General atmosphere was good. As previously mentioned it was always engaging and I felt like everyone was really friendly. Everyone I spoke to only wanted my success and happily offered any advice and answered any questions that I had. It was nice to have grad recruitment there all day to ask any further questions, it made the atmosphere feel really comfortable and put me at ease.

The numerous workshops on commercial awareness really proved to me that the firm is prepared to invest in developing my understanding of business. Also, the way that the partners and trainees took the time to offer feedback to us on our discussion highlighted to me that the firm is truly interested in my personal development.

The ‘speed dating’ exercise helped me to gain more of an insight into what a full time role would entail as it allowed me to ask questions asking what goes on during a usual day in many different departments. The trainee shadowing also allowed me to gain an insight into the sorts of issues that are encountered and how to resolve them when you become a trainee and are working full time.

Partners and trainees were extremely friendly and I had many excellent conversations with many. My conversations with [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] was extremely encouraging and I was given excellent career advice and offers of support. The culture is really unique in the way that everyone is approachable and willing to answer any of your questions.

The opportunity to shadow a trainee and take part in a workshop on disputes has really encouraged me to want to research disputes more. Also, the candidness of partners and trainees that I was able to speak to gave me an insight into the different aspects of their department that they enjoy and so now I am more aware of what I am looking for in a future career and I am confident that I can find this at HSF.

Although I haven’t scanned my expenses receipt over yet I am confident that I will be reimbursed. The fact that travel expenses are reimbursed and that accommodation is offered really proved how serious the firm are in investing in you and ensuring you can access the experience no matter what.

There were many opportunities to network during the First Year Workshop. The social event was an extremely engaging experience and many trainees and partners were more than happy to approach you for a chat and to offer advice. During the shadowing, there was also opportunity that I took to network with different members of the disputes team and get to understand the role better.

The networking opportunities were excellent and as previously mentioned all the partners, associates and trainees were willing to talk to us and answer any of our questions. The nature of the social event allowed us to interact easily with different people, even if we were a little nervous due to the casual setting and smaller environment.

Pro bono opportunities were mentioned as well as a brief mention of sports teams and a breakfast club. However, it would have been nice if this discussion had been in more depth with more case studies of people who were both really involved in and enjoying activities outside of work.

I would definitely recommend this insight experience to a friend. As well as having the opportunity to get to know the firm better through interacting with the people that work there, there was also the opportunity to gain valuable application, interview advice and work experience to add to your CV to give you something to talk about in a HSF interview and help you stand out.