First Year Workshop at Herbert Smith Freehills Review

The two day workshop included participating in an ADR workshop where participants were split into small groups and were given the task of coming up with some terms of agreement for a fictional client. Each group then had a mediation with the group representing the opposite side to negotiation terms. There was also a trainees and practice group careers networking sessions. Participants were given an insight to the roles that partners/associates/trainees do in different practice areas and the opportunities they have been presented with by the firm. The firm also hosted a lovely social event of chocolate making which was great fun.

I developed my negotiating and teamwork skills in an ADR workshop as I had to taken into consideration the interests of both parties but also ensuring that I was able to promote the needs of my client. I also worked well in a team by listening to everyone's contributions, providing suggestions on the type of terms that needed to be included in the mediation and communicating effectively. I also developed my commercial awareness in a headline case study session, learning about the role a trainee will play in this situation and what the outcome of this case meant to the law firm.

The firm provided a lot of information about the business of the firm from the beginning to the end of the workshop. The workshop began with an introduction to one of the firm's main practice area by a partner including the type clients they work for and cases they deal with. There was also a practice group careers fair where participants met partners/associates from different practice areas such as disputes, corporate, finance and employment. It was very interesting learning about the business of the firm and what differentiates it from its competitors.

I would describe the culture of the firm as being very connected as the trainees I spoke to during the networking sessions spoke about how well they have been supported and valued by the firm during the pandemic. The culture is also progressive as the firm has been developing some amazing technology services that would be of great support to their clients and staff. The firm also considered the needs of the participants and hosted an amazing chocolate making session to help us meet different people which we have not been able to do because of Covid-19. The firm also sent participants cake and tea which was very thoughtful of them.

I really enjoyed the insight workshop at Herbert Smith Freehills as it was informative and engaging. The firm provided participants with top application tips on how to make a successful application to the firm which I found extremely helpful. I was also given an insight into the role of a trainee and the high level of case they have the opportunity to work which is useful for their professional development. I also got to participate in an ADR workshop which was really enjoyable especially the client I had to represent and the background information to the case.

Yes

I would recommend students to research the firm well checking out their website, social media accounts and reviews of other people's experiences of working at the firm. I would also recommend reading the job and skills requirement of a trainee to help you in understanding whether this is a place you want to apply to in the future and also using this information as guidance on the type of skills you should aim to demonstrate in your application. I would also recommend connecting with people who work at the firm on LinkedIn and the graduate recruitment team to seek guidance on how to structure your application answers/ learning about the business of the firm.