First Year Workshop Review

I really enjoyed this insight because it allowed me to get a good understanding of the practice area of the firm, the life of a trainee at the firm, as well as the firm's culture. I also found the shadowing opportunity unique in that it truly allowed us to understand what it is a trainee does and allowed us to ask trainee's questions in an informal setting.

I found that the workshops gave us an opportunity to develop skills that we will need to use as solicitors. Further, I found the opportunity particularly unique because we were able to get feedback and be guided by trainees and associates during these workshops. They provided us with advice and tips that I will definitely keep in mind and use moving forward.

I found that the insight was very well structured with sufficient breaks and time to socialize during the day. I do, however, believe it would have been beneficial to have a slightly longer break at the hotel so that we could change into more casual and comfortable clothes. I also think it would have been beneficial if we had more time to talk to the partners, trainees and associates during the 'open fair' where we heard about the firm's different practice areas.

I definitely feel like by going to the insight scheme I have my 'foot in the door.' Part of the reason why is because I feel like by allowing me to come to HSF's offices and speak to potential colleagues, I feel as though the firm is invested in me. Further, I feel this way because I completed a modified application process and the blended test, making me feel better equipped to apply for a vacation scheme.

I think the insight really helped me understand, in general, the life of a city trainee and solicitor, but also specifically, their lives in Herbert Smith Freehills and the different opportunities available to them. It also allowed me to understand the culture in the firm, which I think is integral in deciding where I would like to work in the future.

Allowing us to speak with different members of the firm, from trainees, to associates to partners, all in different departments, allowed me to understand the firm's general culture. It also allowed me to see that despite workloads being different, the culture remains largely the same throughout the firm's different departments.

I found the 'department fair' particularly helpful as it allowed me to see what working in each practice area actually entailed within the firm, which is a rare opportunity. It definitely opened my eyes to an interest in real estate as well as competition. Further, it allowed me to clearly understand the steps necessary to work at HSF.

The workshop was full of opportunities to network with different employees, from trainees to partners. I found this particularly helpful as it is the best way to understand what it is truly like to work at Herbert Smith Freehills. I found that talking to them allowed me to understand the firm better.

The networking opportunities were great as they allowed us to talk to members of the firm in a less formal environment. I also found that the work shadowing opportunity was a wonderful networking opportunity with our assigned trainee as it allowed us to get a grasp of the day to day life of a trainee in different departments.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend as it was a truly unique opportunity to understand the firm. I found that it really allowed me to grasp the firm's corporate culture, and to understand its practice areas better. It was also a great opportunity to speak to different trainees about life as a city lawyer and life at HSF.