Herbert Smith Freehills LLP First Year Workshop Participant Review

In general, the insight day was filled with interactions with trainees, partners and associates, not only through skills workshop or general talks that provides an insight to the operations and practice areas of the firm, but through networking sessions and social activities as well.

This was a great opportunity to further my understanding of the firm and really get to take in the firm’s culture. I was able to get general advice regarding applications to law firms, but also had various chances to speak to members of the firm to learn about their individual experiences. I gained greater insight to advocacy and mediation in particular, and also took the chance to talk to other law students my age.

It allowed me to have a greater understanding on my possible career paths and the various opportunities HSF could offer me. It allowed me to better grasp the workings of the legal industry, and the diversity of work that was available to me as a trainee in HSF. I have built a better appreciation on various practice areas, and will use that newly acquired knowledge to engage in deeper research to ascertain my interests.

Every member of the firm I have spoken to was welcoming, understanding, patient and friendly. Never have I felt uncomfortable to reach out and ask a question, and there was always a high degree of approachability attached to members of the firm I talked to. From the insight, there is definitely a reflection of HSF’s dedication to inclusion, equality and general well-being of their members.

Considering the different challenges and obstacles posed by COVID, this insight day was very well designed and enjoyable. There was diversity in events, in the sense that there were events that deepened my understanding and knowledge of the firm and the legal industry, but also events that allowed me to interact with people, which is something I believe we all crave during the pandemic. The firm made me feel welcomed and included as well.

Yes

I would advice them before applying to look and research extensively in the types of work that HSF specifically does, including things such as their expertise, their recent deals, their pro bono work. More importantly in that research is to extrapolate what makes them unique and what personally stands out the most to the individual and if that aligns with the work place and environment they want to be in.