First Year Workshop Review

Very interesting and action-packed schedule over the entire scheme, with a few particularly enjoyable role-playing scenarios. Had the chance to speak to loads of trainees, associates and partners alike, and everyone was very candid and helpful in their words of wisdom. A good mixture of activities from presentations, to shadowing, to networking and activities.

Absolutely loads from the very start right through to the very end. We were encouraged to ask questions at every stage to gain further insights. The Graduate Recruitment Presentation towards the end was one of the most comprehensive and insightful yet. However, speaking casually to employees then and again proved to be where most support was found, and truly everyone was encouraging us to get in touch to further talk about points.

General structure was well thought through, and ample breaks were provided. There was seldom a time in which there was nothing productive being achieved. The schedule was circulated. Arrival information was made very accessible. All in all quite thought out and communicated on.

Everyone seemed excited to be there, and by this I mean both students and employees. At times we managed to get into heated role-playing which really brought up the mood, and at others, it was facilitating good conversation and learning new things. The social event organised on the first night was also a phenomenal way to relax and network in a different venue.

We were given near full access to all the different spaces within the office, shown all the different areas, explained how things worked and fit together. So, truly, some invaluable insight into what it means to work and be part of the team at HSF. I also had the chance to speak to people from different practice areas, paths to the profession, levels in the company and so on, which meant a very good idea of what was in store.

Hugely. Right down to what the average day looks like, to how people found their colleagues, to why they chose HSF in the end. Also, just general observations with the level of formality amounts of responsibility given to trainees and how people tended to interact with each other in a courteous, respectful and equal manner.

Definitely started to think about some less known areas of law, as well as more niche areas within the big labels, such as disputes, so as to see a real destination beyond the overarching names.

Yes, there seemed to be quite a few, and there was an entire presentation that went into some of the Pro Bono opportunities that exist. However, at the same time, they didn't seem to be very front and centre from a time perspective.

Absolutely.