First Year Workshop Participant Review

Over the two-day workshop, we heard from representatives from various practice areas of the firm. These included disputes and corporate case studies; introductions to the firm's advocacy, pro bono, and Digital Law groups; and a careers fair. We also had the opportunity to participate in a mock negotiation exercise to learn more about alternative dispute resolution. This, along with the networking sessions, kept the workshop very interactive despite the virtual format. At the end of day two, we were given some applications advice and tips for the case study interview.

Definitely. The scheme showed me how to apply the skills I possess as a STEM student to a legal context. For example, the ADR workshop honed my ability to critically analyse text and make inferences from the information given. I think that the ADR workshop also improved my collaborative skills, given that we were put into teams and tasked with discussing a hypothetical mediation case in a relatively short amount of time. More generally speaking, the scheme was very helpful in developing my legal awareness. These skills should prove useful when I apply for vacation schemes (and hopefully become a trainee) in the future.

Prior to the two-day workshop, I only really knew about what Intellectual Property law entailed, and was not as certain about the differences between HSF's other practices. Having learned more about the wide range of practice areas, I am now more interested in exploring other areas of law as well. I found it particularly helpful when representatives spoke about specific cases they were involved in when trying to figure out what exactly a commercial lawyer in each practice does, and think that I have expanded my legal knowledge. It was especially interesting to see how closely the firm's different practice areas work together.

Very friendly and welcoming. It was surprising just how much of the firm's atmosphere I could feel through the computer screen. Every person I spoke to only had good things to say about the people they work with, and I could feel that the firm really cares about its employees. Everyone seemed to be very happy to be working at HSF. People at the firm are cleary very supportive of each other and reasonable in their expectations. It was also great to hear about all of the ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives, which gave me the sense that it is something the firm genuinely cares about.

I couldn't help but smile when talking to people who work at the firm during the networking sessions. The enthusiasm people have for their jobs was contagious, not to mention their sound senses of humour. The workshop was enjoyable for the simple fact that people speaking at it enjoy what they do. I really enjoyed the ADR workshop and social event because they gave me the chance to interact with other people attending the insight scheme. The technical skills workshop was also a lot of fun.

Yes

1) Do not overthink the application questions. Your personality will shine through a lot better if you write about things you are genuinely passionate about, and the graduate recruitment team confirmed that Q1 of the application form (which does not change between cycles) can be on any topic that interests you. 2) Proofread everything. Typos and grammatical errors look bad. 3) Be concise. The word limit for each question is quite low, so you can't really afford to waste words.