First Year Workshop Review

This was a two-day workshop. We had career forums where we met lawyers from different departments of the firm, as well as interactive workshops on alternative dispute resolution. We also had presentations on interesting cases that the firm had taken on and sessions on application advice. The final afternoon was spent shadowing a trainee: one trainee was matched to each student, and it was a good way to get first-hand insight into the culture and daily life in the firm.

Yes, I learnt a lot from the workshop. The case studies presented by the firm's lawyers showed me how lawyers really work, and gave me a much better and more specific understanding of what lawyers do. We were given very useful advice on how to write a successful application to vacation schemes. We got to meet lawyers from different departments across the firm, which gave us a better understanding of the different cultures and work of each department.

Representatives from each department of the firm, including disputes, corporate, intellectual property, employment and incentives addressed us in careers forums. They gave us an overview of their work area, what their daily working life looked like, background into law and answered any questions we had. We had talks from lawyers at different stages of their career as well, which was very insightful. They were all very approachable and open to sharing their advice to get into their respective areas.

The company culture at Herbert Smith Freehills is incredible. What impressed me the most was their commitment to pro bono work, and how the firm regards pro bono work as of equal importance to paid work. There are opportunities to take on a wide range of pro bono work in most departments of the firm, as well as pro bono secondments. The general atmosphere of the firm was much more laidback and friendly than I expected.

I really enjoyed the workshop. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly, and it was definitely the best way to get to know the firm. The company culture was very impressive. The programme of activities organised for us was varied, interesting, and gave us lots of useful advice and insight. I particularly enjoyed the afternoon where we were able to shadow a trainee. The workshop definitely exceeded my expectations and improved my impression of the firm.

Yes

For the first year workshop, we had to write an application with three application questions: the first question is an introduction to any topic you're passionate about, which is essentially a test of how well you write. The second question is why you're interested in the firm, for which the most important piece of advice would be to do your research on the firm and have a concrete understanding of how a law firm works. The final question is on your personal attributes. There was also an online test.