First Year Workshop Participant Review

I really enjoyed the insight scheme because it gave me a greater understanding of corporate law and the thrilling nature of the work. I especially enjoyed the departmental careers fair, as prior to this I really had no idea about the sort of work each department did. One of the best parts of the insight scheme were the ADR and negotiation workshops as it enabled me to understand the real work that lawyers do in a corporate law firm.

I felt very valued during my time at the firm, as every single person of HSF that I came into contact with was open and welcoming. This is evident from when the trainee solicitor that I was shadowing, took us around her department and even though her department were working on a very pressing issue, all members of her team came to talk to us and offered their support if we needed it. Furthermore, the fact that every trainee I spoke to offered to keep in touch highlights the friendly nature of the firm and how every member of HSF is made to feel welcome.

The support we received during the insight scheme was fantastic especially the advice on vacation scheme applications but also more importantly on corporate law and the different departments at HSF. I feel that I have a much better grasp of the different departments. In addition, the support we received for the ADR and negotiation workshops was excellent. As we always had a trainee with us to ensure that we were heading in the right direction with our task.

I believe the skills that I have developed during the insight scheme will be invaluable for my career and academic studies because I now recognise the importance of looking at things from a commercial perspective. Also the skills I acquired from the workshops, such as the skill of negotiating and thinking about the needs of the opposing side, are all skills which I will need for a career in corporate law.

The insight scheme was very well structured as all the events and workshops ran seamlessly and followed the schedule that we were given. There was also the perfect balance of workshops and presentations. However one thing which could be factored in would be a break before the networking event, as many of us had travelled that day and so after all the workshops and presentations at the office, it did make us quite tired to go immediately to the networking event. However, this feeling did go away once we had some food. Nevertheless, it would have been nice to have an hour or an hour and a half break.

The general atmosphere during the scheme at HSF was fantastic. I always made to feel welcome and everyone was open and happy to chat to you. I really enjoyed having the regular breaks through the day which enabled me to reenergise. Although HSF is a big firm, it is still a very friendly firm which is evident from the behaviour and willingness of trainees, associates and even partners to help you with any of your concerns.

I believe that Herbert Smith Freehills did a lot to help us with our personal training and development because all the workshops enabled us to develop certain skills which would be useful for a career in law. In addition the shadowing highlighted to us that even though a task maybe difficult, we can do the work, instilled confidence.

The insight scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills really helped me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role at the firm because the shadowing placement gave me exposure to the exact work that HSF does and also the standard of work that the employees are given.

The insight scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills really helped me to understand the company culture, as through the shadowing and the networking events, it became clear the real culture of the firm. A firm that is friendly and open, willing to make a real difference to society through its pro-bono work.

It was extremely valuable because the activities and the shadowing during the insight scheme has consolidate to me that I would like to pursue a career in corporate law. Through the presentations, I came to understand how exciting a career at a global law firm can be, as it is the work we see in the news that HSF lawyers are working on right now.

If you did not live in London, you were given a one night accommodation at a hotel very close to the firm. It was a comfortable place and also all meals were provided by the firm at the office. The cost of this hotel was covered by the firm and also travel expenses were reimbursed.

Yes there were many networking opportunities during the scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills, including during all the refreshment breaks. The best networking opportunity was the drinks event at the Boundary. This was a fantastic location and made it very comfortable for the people on the scheme to talk openly with HSF representatives

The networking opportunities were excellent and I was easily able to talk to trainees, associates and partners. It was a comfortable environment and all trainees were eager for you to ask them anything. All the trainees I spoke to gave me their business cards so I could keep in contact and ask them about application advice.

There were talks on the pro-bono work that employees can get involved with. Speaking to the trainees, it became clear that there is a lot of scope to get involved with a variety of activities. For example, as part of pro-bono work, trainees can volunteer to teach children reading at a nearby school. In addition, there are also lots of social activities that employees can get involved including sports and the choir.

I would definitely recommend this insight scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills to a friend. I thoroughly enjoyed it and now have a real understanding of what work is like at a corporate law firm, but more importantly I now understand the real culture of HSF, which can only be understood by going to the firm. Furthermore, it is not many firms that offer shadowing opportunities during first year schemes.